Many Express Bus Routes to Change

Phoenix, AZ (May 18, 2012) The Valley Metro RPTA Board of Directors approved the recommendation to restructure Valley Metro’s regional Express bus system with the intent of increasing efficiencies, while transitioning to a park-and-ride model to help save time, money and attract future riders.  With limited resources to fund transit services, they have approved streamlining services to be more efficient while making services available to a greater number of residents. Changes effective July 23 are as follows:

Modified* routes: Grand Avenue Limited (GAL), 511, 531, 533, 535, 541, 562, 571
Routes being eliminated or restructured to new Express routes: 510, 512, 532, 560, 581
New Express routes: 514 (Follows Route 512 to Shea Blvd./Loop 101, south on Loop 101 to Scottsdale Community College to McDowell, west to 52nd Street, west on Loop 202 to downtown Phoenix; 
Routes being reviewed:** 520, 521, 540
Routes not affected: 542, 563, 575

*Trips or stops added or eliminated, routing changes.
**These routes will be considered in the restructuring pending additional citizen input, Tempe City Council review and city of Phoenix review.

Alternatives for passengers affected by the regional Express bus system restructuring could include other or newly established Express routes or forming a carpool or vanpool.
A series of public hearings were conducted throughout the Valley earlier this year and the results of the hearings were presented to the Board of Directors in March. Express bus service is primarily funded by the regional half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2004 to fund the Valley’s Regional Transportation Plan. Due to economic challenges, there is an estimated $2.1 billion shortfall for the transit element of the 20-year plan.  With the Express bus service restructuring, there will be an anticipated annual savings of $1.2 million.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

# # #

Public Meeting to Review West Valley Rail Connection

PHOENIX, AZ — After several years of study and community feedback, METRO has reached recommendations for the route and transit mode for the Phoenix West high-capacity transit extension.  METRO welcomes the community to review study recommendations and provide, in particular, feedback on the route that could take light rail from downtown Phoenix, through the State Capitol area to eventually connect with the I-10 West freeway.
 
Thursday, May 3, 2012
6 – 8 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)
St. Matthew Catholic Church and School
320 N. 20th Dr., Phoenix

The Phoenix West study was initiated in 2007 and has evaluated a range of alternatives to provide enhanced transit service to the West Valley.  In 2008, light rail was approved in the I-10 West freeway corridor.  Further evaluation was conducted to determine where in the freeway corridor and how does the service then connect to the existing light rail line.  The recommendations being presented perform the highest in such categories as improving regional mobility, supporting local neighborhoods and stimulating economic development.

For additional information or to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at this meeting, please contact Alex Albert at (602) 980-0913/TTY (602) 251-2039 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

More information on Phoenix West can be found at www.metrolightrail.org/phoenixwest. 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Intro to Contractor, Latest Schedule for Central Mesa Rail Extension

PHOENIX, AZ — The contractor is on board and has prepared a schedule for the first phase of work to construct the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension through downtown Mesa.  The public is encouraged to attend this Wednesday’s meeting to become introduced to the Design-Build team, what to expect during construction and the resources available to support the community now and throughout construction.  Construction is expected to commence in late May/early June.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
6 – 7:30 p.m.; presentation at 6:15 p.m.
East Valley Institute of Technology
Health & Sciences Building Auditorium
1601 W. Main St., Mesa

The Central Mesa extension is a 3.1-mile light rail extension on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive.  Construction activities include relocation of utilities, roadway improvements and widening and installation of track and stations.  During construction, METRO will work closely with the contractor to minimize impacts to the community and maintain business and residential access.

For additional information or to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at this meeting, please contact Lisa Procknow at (602) 495-8213/TTY (602) 251-2039 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Citizens are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the project via email, web or social media:

Sign up to become an email subscriber by inquiring with .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

It’s 100 Degrees, Let the Cooling Begin at Solar-Powered Light Rail Station

PHOENIX, AZ — At the 3rd St./Washington light rail station in downtown Phoenix, passengers can now enjoy the chill of a solar-powered cooling system as they wait for the next train.  The system, which launched last summer, is being activated earlier than scheduled due to the heat spike.  The system typically operates May 1 – September 30.

Via a public-private partnership between the City of Phoenix, METRO light rail and NRG Energy, Inc., the company’s NRG Thermal and NRG Solar subsidiaries built the innovative system using solar power and the company’s downtown district cooling system.  The district cooling system also air-conditions such prominent downtown facilities as Chase Field, Symphony Hall and the Phoenix Convention Center. 

The 3rd St./Washington station is a highly-trafficked platform thanks to the busyness of downtown Phoenix and especially during Arizona Diamondbacks games.  The station features push buttons near each seating area that provides blasts of cool air on demand.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

About NRG

NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. Our power generating facilities can support over 20 million homes and our retail electricity providers—Reliant, Green Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus—serve more than two million customers. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

Support Central Mesa Businesses with METRO Max Rewards

PHOENIX, AZ — Show your valid transit pass or METRO Max Rewards card to cash in on savings at businesses along the future light rail extension into downtown Mesa.  METRO Max Rewards is a discount card program to provide increased visibility to those businesses that will experience light rail construction.  It is one of several business assistance programs geared towards supporting the local business community through construction of the 3.1-mile light rail line, which is expected to commence in late May/early June.

Visit www.metrolightrail.org/metromax to get started!  It’s free to participate as a Central Mesa business owner and consumer.  Thus far, nearly 100 businesses – restaurants, retail, salons, hotels, medical and automobile service providers, etc. – have signed up to offer discounts and other special rewards through the program.  If you do not have a transit pass, the METRO Max Rewards card is available for print or download online.

“Small businesses are the key to a strong community.  We moved our family-owned and operated business to Mesa in 2002 after 19 years of doing weddings and special events across metro Phoenix,” said Y-Knot Party & Rentals owner and the state’s only Master Wedding Vendor Sharon Olsen.  “We are so excited about the future of Mesa and what light rail will bring to our community.  We jumped at the chance to be more involved with the project and the METRO Max program offering a 10 percent discount.”

Weekly emails will be sent to share the latest METRO Max rewards and events.  Information will also be posted on Facebook (/InsideMETROlightrail) and Twitter (@METROrail or hashtag #METROMax).

“The Mesa business community is strong and will only get stronger with the advancement of light rail,” said Mesa Councilman and METRO Board Vice Chairman Dennis Kavanaugh.  “We all have to do our part to keep visiting and supporting the local business community and METRO Max is an easy, money-saving way to do that.”

The Central Mesa light rail extension will travel east on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive and includes four stations and a park-and-ride facility.  A Design-Build team has been selected:  Valley Transit Constructors, a Kiewit/Mass. Joint Venture.  Construction is anticipated to begin in late May/early June with design also moving forward.  The line is expected to open in late 2015, ahead of schedule.  For more project information, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

West Valley Express Routes 562 & 563

As a way to better serve passengers, Express bus Routes 562 and 563 will have morning and afternoon schedule adjustments effective Monday, April 16. Please refer to the new schedule for the adjustments to morning and afternoon trips.

Ozone season begins April 1

NEWS RELEASE FROM MARICOPA COUNTY AIR QUALITY DEPARTMENT

Contact: Holly Ward: 602-506-6713/desk * 602-526-7307/cell          

Ozone Season Begins April 1
All Maricopa County Residents Asked to Take Action

March 29, 2012 [MARICOPA COUNTY] - The Valley enters its official ozone season on April 1, and does not conclude its watch for the ground level pollutant until the end of September.  The pollutant is making an early season debut as air quality forecasters issued an ozone health watch Thursday.

Ozone pollution is granted a summertime status due to its need for interaction with heat and sunlight.  Ground level ozone forms when emissions from fossil-fuel fired equipment, industrial and chemical processes, and even household activities react with heat from the sun.

The year 2011 was shaping up to be a clean year for the region’s air quality, but Mother Nature had other plans. Twenty-three days had exceedances of the federal ozone health standard and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued 11 high-pollution advisories and 29 health watches for ozone during 2011.

“Ozone pollution is a very real concern that can easily be reduced through small, every day actions, but everyone must take part,” explains Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director Bill Wiley.  “Choosing to refuel after dark, avoiding drive-thru lines or even switching to CFL bulbs, can reduce ozone concentrations.”

Ground level ozone pollution is a direct threat to your lungs and can trigger asthma. Children are at the greatest risk from ozone because their lungs are still developing, they are most likely to be active outdoors, and they are more likely than adults to have asthma. Adults with asthma or other lung diseases, and older adults are also sensitive to ozone.

Ozone pollution prevention tips: 
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go inside.
• Refuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Drive less. When possible, carpool, van pool or use public transportation.
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers
• Delay big painting projects until high-pollution advisories or health watches have passed.
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
• Conserve electricity.
Sign up to receive air quality updates by email or text message at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com.  To track how much pollution your commute generates, or find a carpool partner to plan a transit trip, visit www.ValleyMetro.org and select ShareTheRide.
OZONE BACKGROUND:  Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to form. The months of April through September make up the Valley’s longer-than-normal “ozone season.” 
WHO’S WHO?

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ] provides a daily forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high pollution advisories or health watches. Please visit www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or call (602) 771-2367. To receive the air quality forecast via email and/or text message please visit www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html CONTACT: Mark Shaffer – (602) 771-2215 desk / (480) 433-9551 cell

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Please visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Holly Ward – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents in Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, online carpool and vanpool matching, bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 16 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. Please visit www.ValleyMetro.org to learn more.
CONTACT: Susan Tierney – (602) 523-6004 desk / (602) 292-4093 cell

###

How to save 4 tons of pollution in 1 week!

Phoenix, AZ (March 27, 2012) Commuters who pitched in to help reduce travel during 2012 Rideshare Week, February 26-March 3, saved 213,139 miles from being traveled and more than four tons of pollution from being emitted into the air. Traveling just 48.7 miles creates one pound of pollution and contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and the creation of particulate matter.

Twenty-nine employers in the Valley competed in the Try 1 in 5 Rideshare Week Employer Challenge as a way to rally the highest percentage of participation among organizations. In addition, their efforts were measured in miles of travel saved, which clearly demonstrates the impact on trip reduction and air quality efforts.  Employers encouraged their employees to carpool, vanpool, ride transit, bike, walk or telework at least one day out of the five to show that even a small but consistent effort can make a big difference.

“The bottom line is that everyone in the Valley is a winner when commuters reduce trips,” said Dawn Coomer, Valley Metro Transportation Demand Manager. “Trip reduction has a direct impact on air quality and traffic congestion year round.”

Event at CityScape on February 24 kicks off Rideshare Week.

Winning companies were selected based on having the highest percentage of participation out of a total number of employees. In the small employer category, 50-500 employees, WorldatWork saved 4,801 drive-alone miles with 46.4 percent employee participation.  In the medium employer category, 501-1,000 employees, Desert Mountain Club saved 52,784 drive-alone miles with 23.6 percent employee participation. In the large employer category, 1,000+ employees, SRP saved 43,440 drive-alone miles with 7.7 percent employee participation. These organizations will receive special recognition at the Clean Air Campaign Awards luncheon held this fall. All employers participating in the challenge are part of the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program.

“The annual Employer Challenge contest is a wonderful way to build camaraderie among our Scottsdale staff,” said WorldatWork Human Resources Director Kip
Kipley, CBP, SPHR. “Our employees enjoy the friendly competition against other Valley employers and we find that providing a supportive work environment with options like flexible work schedules and telework helps meets our day-to-day business strategy.” 

In addition, there were randomly selected individual commuters who won prizes for making their pledge to Try 1 in 5 during the week receiving prizes such as an Arizona Cardinals autographed football and brunch for two at the Wrigley Mansion. Commuters who registered on www.ShareTheRide.com and tracked their trips were eligible for the donated prizes. A complete list of prize winners and sponsors is available on ValleyMetro.org.

Try 1 in 5 and Rideshare Month are programs of the Clean Air Campaign, sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa Air Quality Department and the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation. Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.# # #

Design-Build Contractor Selected for Central Mesa Extension

PHOENIX, AZ — Valley Transit Constructors (VTC), a Kiewit/Mass. Joint Venture, was selected today as the team who will continue designing and building the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.  Parsons Transportation Group, also part of the team, will serve as lead designer. 

“METRO transitioned to a Design-Build delivery method to expedite the project, encourage collaboration and take advantage of favorable market conditions,” said Valley Metro CEO Steve Banta.  “We are pleased to have Kiewit, Mass Electric and Parsons Transportation Group back on board following their years helping to successfully design and build portions of the current light rail line.”

This decision comes following a nine-month procurement process that sought support from high quality contractor/design teams from across the country.  The contract was unanimously approved this afternoon by the METRO Board of Directors.

VTC will be issued a Limited Notice to Proceed for design and utility relocations in early April.  They will then spend time developing a more detailed schedule that will be reviewed with the community at a public meeting slated for end of April.  Utility relocation could break ground in late May.  The current schedule calls for project completion in 2016, however, the details of the VTC schedule is likely to show this date can be moved up to 2015.

“Securing VTC brings METRO one step closer to building the Central Mesa extension,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.  “The Design-Build method speeds up the process allowing the extension to open early but not without taking into consideration the needs of Mesa businesses and residents along the line.”

The 3.1-mile, $200 million Central Mesa light rail extension will travel through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive.  It includes four stations and an end-of-line park-and-ride.  More than three-fourths of the project’s funding has been programmed with Proposition 400 and federal air quality and grant dollars.  METRO expects to receive its full funding commitment from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) this summer.

For more information on the Central Mesa extension, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.  Sign up to receive Central Mesa email updates, including construction updates and meeting notices, by emailing Lisa Procknow at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Phoenix Conducts Hearings on Bus Service Changes

PROPOSED CHANGES FOR LOCAL BUS ROUTES, RAPID(tm), AND EXPRESS COMMUTER SERVICE, OPERATING IN THE CITY OF PHOENIX, TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 23, 2012

Sixteen public meetings and a public hearing will be held to present proposed changes to City of Phoenix funded local Valley Metro routes, and RAPID(tm) and Express commuter routes, which provide service throughout the City of Phoenix.  Proposed changes would be effective on July 23, 2012, and could include modification of several bus end-of-line segments (on Routes 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 17, 17A, 19, 27, 29, 35, 41, 43, 50, 51, 52, 59, 60, 67, 70, 90 and 154) to end provision of passenger service or modify the end-of-line segment; modification of Route 16 and 80 to no longer enter Sunnyslope Transit Center; elimination of the RAPID-to-Rail route; modification of Express routes that travel into the city of Phoenix; and modification of all RAPID route Friday schedules.

Public meetings will be held 30 minutes prior to City of Phoenix annual budget hearings, which will be conducted April 3-19, 2012. Members of the public may provide comment on the proposed changes at those meetings or during the budget hearings.

The public hearing will be held immediately following the Thurs., April 12, 2012 Citizens Transit Commission meeting, scheduled for 7:30-9:30 a.m., at the Phoenix Public Transit Department Office, 302 N. 1st Ave., Conference Room 7A.

Written comments accepted:  “July 2012 Bus Service Changes,” City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, 302 N. 1st Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix AZ 85003 or e-mailed to pubtrans@phoenix.gov until 5:00 p.m., Fri., April 20, 2012.  Information on proposed bus service changes will be posted at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/july2012.html

This information can be provided in an alternate format upon request.  For reasonable accommodations, please call Don Phillips as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements.  Call 602-262-7242 (voice) or TTY 602-534-5500, or e-mail pubtrans@phoenix.gov.

Public Hearings Feb. 29-March 12

Valley Metro is considering changes to bus service and the public is encouraged to provide input about possible service reductions through March 9. Changes could take effect as early as July 2012.

Due to a lingering recessionary climate less local, state and federal revenues are available to support public transit. The expected shortfall totals more than $137 million dollars for the various major transit funds. Nearly 80 percent of transit agencies across the U.S. have cut service or raised fares or are considering either or both of those actions. Although there has been growing demand for transit, passenger fares cover only about 23% of operations costs.

Valley Metro Express bus routes will be considered in the July 2012 service change. Express bus routes operate only during peak commute hours and travel primarily to downtown Phoenix employment centers from local cities and towns.

“With new park-and-rides being added to the Valley’s transit system, a new type of Express service is proposed that will streamline the service and provide faster, more point-to-point service,” said Carol Ketcherside, Valley Metro RPTA Director of Planning.

Valley Metro and member agencies will conduct regional public hearings on possible service changes to:  Grand Avenue Limited (GAL) and Routes 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 27, 29, 35, 41, 43, 50, 51, 52, 59, 60, 67, 70, 80, 90, 136, 154, 251, 510, 511, 512, 520, 521, 531, 532, 533, 540, 541, 542, 560, 562, 571, 581, I-17 RAPID, I-10 East RAPID, I-10 West RAPID, SR-51 RAPID, I-17 RAPID to Rail.

The public can provide input regarding the proposed service changes using an electronic comment card at ValleyMetro.org, by email to input@valleymetro.org, or by attending a public hearing.

Rideshare Week Kick-off on Feb. 24

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 14, 2012) Commuters who are looking for ways to reduce commute costs should consider adopting the Try 1 in 5 rule. Sharing a ride just one day out of five can help save up to $70 a month, as well as precious time and added stress.  Rideshare Week, Feb. 26-March 3, is an annual county-wide event that encourages use of alternative commute options, such as public transit, carpools, vanpools or bicycling to help reduce emissions from vehicle use, decrease congestion and conserve energy.

“Rideshare Week serves as a reminder that we can each take action to improve air quality in the Valley,” said Dawn M. Coomer, Valley Metro Transportation Demand Manager. “If we can reduce our vehicle use just once per week, it will make a tremendous impact on our shared quality of life.”

According to regional air quality experts, 49 miles of vehicle travel creates one pound of pollution. With an average Valley daily commute of 32 miles, using alternative modes can reduce ground-level ozone and the additional churn of particulate matter or dust particles from vehicle use.

To kick-off Rideshare Week, Valley Metro will host a public event on Friday, February 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CityScape’s Patriot Square in downtown Phoenix. The festivities include stations that feature rideshare options with information on light rail, telework, bicycle commuting, and instant carpool matching. Local partners including 7-Eleven, Costco, Phoenix Coyotes will be on site providing giveaways. Attendees will be invited to pledge to Try 1 in 5 during Rideshare Week. Prizes will also be given away for those who commit and sign a pledge form at the event and include a $200 Costco cash card, $150 Chipotle gift card, brunch for two at the Wrigley Mansion, a pair of tickets to the JW Desert Ridge Jazz Festival in April, suite packages for a Phoenix Coyotes game, an Arizona Cardinals autographed football and much more!

Employers in the Valley are also making a commitment to cleaner air by participating in an employer challenge that week. Winners of the challenge will receive recognition at the annual Clean Air Campaign Awards luncheon held in the fall and be eligible for other prizes.

Anyone in the Valley seeking a carpool partner, seat in a commuter vanpool, bike buddy or other travel option can go to www.ShareTheRide.com and join in the effort to Try 1 in 5. Funding for ShareTheRide.com is provided by Clean Air Campaign partners. Public transit schedules and fares, park-and-ride locations and trip planning tools are available at www.ValleyMetro.org. Customers can also call 602.262.RIDE for additional information on options to driving alone.

The Clean Air Campaign is sponsored by the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, and Valley Metro RPTA.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

# # #

Transit Boards Select METRO CEO to Run Both Agencies

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 16, 2012)  Today, two separate boards of directors representing the regional bus and rail transit agencies have selected Stephen R. Banta to lead Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) and METRO light rail as the single chief executive officer. Banta has been serving as the METRO light rail CEO since January 2010, following a national search in 2009.

“We are delighted with the decision to have Steve Banta as the single CEO that will lead both RPTA and METRO,” said Tempe Councilmember Shana Ellis who serves as a Board member for both agencies. “It speaks to greater efficiencies as we continue to deal with budget challenges.” Ellis led the working group that developed the plans for establishing a dual leadership role that will be governed by two separate Boards of Directors.

According to the 2012 RPTA Chair, Peoria Vice Mayor Ron Aames, “The selection of Banta was optimal due to his current knowledge of the Valley’s transit environment and extensive bus and rail transit experience at agencies such as TriMet in Portland and the Port Authority in Pittsburgh.”

“I am pleased to have this opportunity and the confidence of both Boards to serve as the single CEO,” said Steve Banta, newly selected CEO for RPTA and METRO. “This is a positive step forward in creating a more efficient and robust transit system, which will result in benefits to our regional customers and communities.”

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton approved today’s decision. “Cities can think and act regionally on critical issues,” said Stanton. “Delivering an efficient and effective transit system crosses city boundaries and impacts the entire region. This is a step in the right direction.”

Mesa Councilmember and Vice Chair of the METRO light rail Board, Dennis Kavanaugh, stated, “Steve Banta has been an effective leader for METRO light rail and, with his multi-modal transit experience, is the right person to also serve RPTA.” Kavanaugh also served as a representative on the working group with Councilmember Ellis.  “The METRO Board has long-been an advocate for a single CEO.  It is the best business decision for how we advance transit in the Valley and in this economy.”

Banta will begin serving in his new role as CEO of both transit agencies on March 1, 2012.

About Valley Metro

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.  All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

About METRO

Valley Metro Rail (dba METRO light rail) is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Transit Boards Name METRO CEO as leader of Valley Metro

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 16, 2012)  Today, two separate boards of directors representing the regional bus and rail transit agencies have selected Stephen R. Banta to lead Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) and METRO light rail as the single chief executive officer. Banta has been serving as the METRO light rail CEO since January 2010, following a national search in 2009.

“We are delighted with the decision to have Steve Banta as the single CEO that will lead both RPTA and METRO,” said Tempe Councilmember Shana Ellis who serves as a Board member for both agencies. “It speaks to greater efficiencies as we continue to deal with budget challenges.” Ellis led the working group that developed the plans for establishing a dual leadership role that will be governed by two separate Boards of Directors.

According to the 2012 RPTA Chair, Peoria Vice Mayor Ron Aames, “The selection of Banta was optimal due to his current knowledge of the Valley’s transit environment and extensive bus and rail transit experience at agencies such as TriMet in Portland and the Port Authority in Pittsburgh.”

“I am pleased to have this opportunity and the confidence of both Boards to serve as the single CEO,” said Steve Banta, newly selected CEO for RPTA and METRO. “This is a positive step forward in creating a more efficient and robust transit system, which will result in benefits to our regional customers and communities.”

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton approved today’s decision. “Cities can think and act regionally on critical issues,” said Stanton. “Delivering an efficient and effective transit system crosses city boundaries and impacts the entire region. This is a step in the right direction.”

Mesa Councilmember and Vice Chair of the METRO light rail Board, Dennis Kavanaugh, stated, “Steve Banta has been an effective leader for METRO light rail and, with his multi-modal transit experience, is the right person to also serve RPTA.” Kavanaugh also served as a representative on the working group with Councilmember Ellis.  “The METRO Board has long-been an advocate for a single CEO.  It is the best business decision for how we advance transit in the Valley and in this economy.”

Banta will begin serving in his new role as CEO of both transit agencies on March 1, 2012.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.  All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.
Valley Metro Rail (dba METRO light rail) is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

$20 Million More Identified for Central Mesa Extension

PHOENIX, AZ — The 3.1-mile light rail extension into downtown Mesa is recommended to receive an additional $20 million in federal fiscal year 2013 according to the President’s budget released yesterday.  METRO has already received $35.5 million in federal fiscal year 2012 that is allowing the project to move ahead into utility relocation this spring.

“This project is positively progressing through the federal funding pipeline,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “This is no small accomplishment considering the economy and it indicates that we have a very strong project in Mesa.  We appreciate the continued support of our partners at the FTA.”

METRO is requesting a total of $75 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Central Mesa; this second installment would provide the project with nearly three-fourths of its federal funding.  METRO expects to have its full funding grant commitment with the FTA’s signing of a Project Construction Grant Agreement (PCGA) this summer.

“We are excited the administration’s federal budget recommendation includes light rail.  We are hopeful Congress will also recognize the importance of the light rail project,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.  “The extension of light rail is not only a smart investment in improving our transportation system, but is also a key component in generating economic development in our city.”

The 3.1-mile, $200 million Central Mesa light rail extension will travel through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive by late 2015/early 2016.  More than half of the project’s total funding has already been programmed using Proposition 400 and federal air quality dollars.  METRO will break ground in late spring with the first phase of construction, utility relocation.  The Design-Build team, who will execute construction and continue to advance the design, is likely to be named with our Board of Directors meeting in March.

For more information on the Central Mesa extension, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.  For information from FTA on its proposed FFY2013 funding priorities, visit http://www.fta.dot.gov/12304_14365.html.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Public Transportation to Centennial Best Fest Events Feb. 11-12

(Feb. 9, 2012) Park at any one of the nine light rail park-and-ride lots and ride METRO light rail to Central Station located at Van Buren between Central Ave and First Ave.  The festival site is about a half-mile walking distance or you can catch one of two Valley Metro bus routes from the station:  westbound Rt. 3 on Van Buren or northbound Rt. 15 on the north side of the station.  Signs at Central Station indicate where the bus stops and picks up passengers.  Please check the online trip planner to figure out how to get to and from the festival site and be aware of the bus detours.

Please note that WEEKEND BUS SERVICE operates LESS frequently and passengers waiting to catch a city bus to go to the festival site may be required to wait 30-60 minutes for the next scheduled bus to arrive. Bus routes will be on detour beginning February 9 and will continue through February 11. Please click here for impacted service.

Go to www.ValleyMetro.org to plan your trip on transit and find fare information. 

All-day passes are $3.50 and available at kiosks at all light rail stations. It is less expensive to purchase your pass in advance then on-board a Valley Metro bus. For a complete list of retail outlets selling All-day passes, click here.

Public Transportation to Centennial Best Fest Events Feb.11-12

(Feb. 9, 2012) Public Transportation: Park at any one of the nine light rail park-and-ride lots and ride METRO light rail to Central Station located at Van Buren between Central Ave and First Ave.  The festival site is about a half-mile walking distance or you can catch one of two Valley Metro bus routes from the station:  westbound Rt. 3 on Van Buren or northbound Rt. 15 on the north side of the station.  Signs at Central Station indicate where the bus stops and picks up passengers.  Please check the on-line trip planner to figure out how to get to and from the festival site and be aware of the bus detours.

Please note that WEEKEND BUS SERVICE operates LESS frequently and passengers waiting to catch a city bus to go to the festival site may be required to wait 30-60 minutes for the next scheduled bus to arrive. Bus routes will be on detour beginning February 9 and will continue through February 11. Please click here for impacted service.

Go to www.ValleyMetro.org to plan your trip on transit and find fare information. 

All-day passes are $3.50 and available at kiosks at all light rail stations. It is less expensive to purchase your pass in advance then on-board a Valley Metro bus. For a complete list of retail outlets selling All-day passes, click here.

Centennial Transit Pass Celebration & Giveaway

Phoenix, AZ (December 21, 2011) The Old West comes riding into downtown Phoenix on Friday, January 6 to announce the arrival of the 2012 Commemorative Arizona Centennial Transit Pass as a way to celebrate Arizona’s 100th birthday.

Before buses and light rail trains traveled on Phoenix streets, Valley residents rode horses and walked to get to their destinations. As a reminder of days gone by, Valley Metro and METRO light rail will be distributing 500 keepsake Commemorative Centennial All-day transit passes at Central Station and key passenger points along the METRO light rail line. While the keepsake passes can be used for modern-day travel, Valley Metro is offering them for a limited time in 2012.

“While offering a modern, multi-modal transit system in 2012 to serve the Valley, we have a rich transit history that dates back to the late 1800s with horse-pulled coaches,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “During this time of Arizona’s Centennial, we are paying respect to our history and providing a commemorative keepsake that we hope our riders enjoy.”

Costumed actors representing the horse and buggy days will be at Central Station, then boarding light rail at 7 a.m. to distribute All-day passes to riders who are traveling westbound to Montebello and 19th Avenue and eastbound to the Tempe Transportation Center and Sycamore Station. One pass per person please. Passengers can take their photo with the actors and post it to Valley Metro’s and/or METRO light rail’s Facebook pages to have the opportunity to receive a prize including a gift certificate to the Stockyards Restaurant to enjoy the special Arizona Centennial menu, a family four-pack of Centennial transit passes and Centennial merchandise.

January 6 Event Itinerary:

• 6 a.m.-7 a.m.: Actors and a four-legged means of transportation at Central Station distributing Commemorative Centennial All-day passes.
• 7 a.m.-8 a.m.: Actors board trains for east and westbound destinations distributing Commemorative Centennial All-day passes to light rail passengers and at transit center stops.

The Centennial transit pass can be purchased beginning January 3, 2012 at transit centers and on January 1 at fare vending machines located at seven light rail stations listed at ValleyMetro.org. Participating retail outlets will also have the Centennial pass available. A complete list of retail outlets selling passes can be found at ValleyMetro.org.

The All-day pass and All-day Reduced pass is available at transit centers, retail outlets and at ValleyMetro.org. The seven light rail station fare vending machines will dispense the Centennial pass in any denomination except the one-ride fare. For a complete list of retail outlets, go to ValleyMetro.org. The Centennial transit pass, which can be used for travel on the Valley Metro system now, is available while supplies last.

For more information, go to www.ValleyMetro.org or call 602.253.5000.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.
 

Transit Services Continues In Unicorporated Areas

Contact: Dawn Zimmer, Maricopa County Human Services Department
602/506-4838, zimmerd@mail.maricopa.gov

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Maricopa County Human Services Department and the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) confirmed an agreement supporting the continuation of a reduced fare, taxi-based model of transportation services for residents 65 years or older and ADA-certified residents with transit barriers residing in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County.

As a member of the Regional Public Transportation Authority, Maricopa County is entitled to receive funds from Local Transportation Assistance Fund II (LTAF II) consisting of monies deposited from the State lottery fund and the Americans with Disabilities Act Public Transportation Funds (ADA PTF aka Prop 400). Trish Georgeff, Director, Maricopa County Human Services Department explains, “Had an agreement not been confirmed obligated LTAF ‘mobility service’ funds could have expired and been returned.”

“The agreement with RPTA will benefit eligible passengers who travel throughout the County by contributing toward a regional transit system,” said Georgeff, “We are delighted state Lottery dollars will continue to be put to good use as initially intended; supporting cities, towns, and most importantly eligible individuals relying on this reduced fare, direct-route transportation assistance through RPTA.”

The agreement assigns RPTA with the responsibility of administering Maricopa County allocations of LTAF II and ADA PTF to provide fixed-route or taxi-based ADA transportation services. The LTAF II and ADA PTF funding will be used to support a taxi-based model for door-to-door transportation services to ADA-qualified individuals within unincorporated Maricopa County and fixed route bus services.

“Maricopa County has always been an important partner in providing transit services to the residents that need it most,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “The County understands the value in working to regionalize our transit programs for older and ADA-certified residents.”

County residents over the age of 65 years or disabled (unable to utilize fixed-route bus service due to physical or cognitive disability) in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County are encouraged to contact Valley Metro regarding eligibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by calling the Valley Metro Certification office at (602) 716-2100, TTY (602) 251-2039 or by downloading the ADA certification form.

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About Maricopa County Human Services Department
Maricopa County’s Human Services Department is primarily grant funded and focuses on providing education, employment, shelter and basic needs services to individuals, families and communities to enhance opportunities for physical, social and economic wellbeing. Additional information about specific programs/services offered is available online at www.hsd.maricopa.gov.

About Valley Metro/RPTA
Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance.  Funding is provided by local and federal revenues.  A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. Visit www.valleymetro.org for additional information.

Transit Receives $4 Million in Federal Grants for Green Projects

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail and Valley Metro/RPTA have each received a TIGGER III (Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction) grant award together totaling more than $4 million for energy-saving projects.  Forty-six total projects were selected nationwide following a review of more than 250 applications.

METRO will use its $2.7 million grant to build a solar shade canopy to cover stored light rail vehicles at the Operations and Maintenance Center.  The canopy will cover an expanse of 142,000 square feet and provide crucial shading to light rail vehicles while also generating enough electricity to satisfy nearly 100 percent of the maintenance facility’s power needs.  METRO will seek private sector support to develop the project.

Valley Metro is being awarded $1.3 million to retrofit as many as 70 buses with an innovative electric engine cooling fan system that is cost effective and lowers pollutant emissions.  Energy savings are anticipated with a nine percent reduction in fuel consumption.  The original idea for the cooling system is developed from military vehicles and now being applied to transit buses.

“We appreciate the support from the FTA to innovate transit operations in the Valley,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “The infusion of federal dollars will put people to work as well as generate long-term operational cost savings.  Transit investment is a solution to the stalled economy.”

TIGGER is a Federal Transit Administration competitive grant program that supports transit capital investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or energy use.  The FTA seeks out projects that enhance operational efficiencies, demonstrate innovation and help achieve agency and federal sustainability goals.

Click here for more information on the TIGGER III grant program and Fiscal Year 2011 award recipients.

Photos are available upon request.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

About Valley Metro/RPTA 

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance.  Funding is provided by local and federal revenues.  A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

Give Input at Fare Change Public Hearings

Phoenix (Nov. 14, 2011) Changes to bus and light rail fares will be discussed at public hearings in November and December. A price increase would impact the cost to ride the bus and light rail as early as July 2012. The current one-ride fare of $1.75 would possibly increase to $2.00 and the All-day pass purchased in advance would cost riders $4.00 instead of the current cost of $3.50. The 31-day pass would increase from $55.00 to $64.00 and the Express 31-day pass price would change from $85.00 to $96.00. Click here for details on all proposed fare prices.

“Asking riders to consider paying a higher fare for transit service is never easy,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “We know that transit service is important and that riders are willing to pay a little more to keep the service they need to get to work, school and vital appointments.”

In addition, Phoenix and East Valley ADA Dial-a-Ride services, the Arizona State University U-Pass, and the Platinum Pass will also be impacted by the fare change. Valley Metro plans to introduce a new 15-day pass and eliminate the 3-day pass due to its limited use.

If approved, the rural route fare structure will be simplified to a fare of $4.00 ($2.00 Reduced fare) per one-way trip. Rural Route 685 provides service between Ajo, Gila Bend and Phoenix.

To maintain a business standard established by the Valley Metro Board of Directors, the agency has a goal to recover at least 25 percent of the cost of transit operations from fares. Changes to fares will be considered every three years to help retain the 25 percent goal.  Currently, passengers are paying about 23 percent of their cost to ride bus and light rail and that amount continues to decrease as the cost of operations continues to rise. Many transit agencies across the United States are experiencing budgetary struggles. According to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), nearly eight in ten transit agencies (79%) have cut service or raised fares or are considering either of these actions.

The public meetings are designed to collect input that will then be presented to the Valley Metro Board of Directors next spring for consideration and approval. The remaining fare change public meetings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, January 3, 2012
101 N. 1st Avenue, 10th Floor – Lake PowellConference Room
Phoenix, 85003
12:00-12:30 p.m. Open House
12:30-1:15 p.m. Presentation

Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Transit Management Committee meeting
101 N. 1st Ave. 10th floor - Lake Powell Conference Room
Phoenix, AZ
Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m.

Public comment at hearings and meeting accepted through January, 4, 2012.

Valley Metro transit fares can be purchased in advance at more than 400 retail outlets throughout the Valley, city halls, public libraries, transit centers, fare vending machines at METRO light rail stations, online at ValleyMetro.org, and through an Automatic Mail Plan by calling (602) 495-5795.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

Board Moves Towards Single CEO for Transit Agencies

Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 27, 2011)  The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) Board of Directors has been working towards naming a successor for the agency after David A. Boggs announced his retirement effective December 31, 2011. Today, at the RPTA Board meeting, a unanimous decision was made to identify the current METRO Light Rail Chief Executive Officer, Stephen R. Banta as the candidate for the joint Executive Director/CEO for both RPTA and METRO. An independent legal firm will be negotiating with Banta to draft an employment agreement.

The RPTA and METRO Boards will meet again in November for continued discussion and possible approval of the employment agreement.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system. The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and planning is underway for six additional extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
               
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Clean Air Campaign winners announced

Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 26, 2011) What do IKEA, Scottsdale Healthcare, City of Mesa and the Boeing Company all have in common? These employers, among several other Valley organizations and 11 individuals, received top awards at the 24th annual Clean Air Campaign luncheon. Thanks to their outstanding efforts to improve air quality and comply with the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program, they are helping to create a cleaner environment and encourage greater sustainability in their daily commute activities. The awards, which ranged from outstanding carpooler to corporate sustainability, are a way to honor year-long efforts to reduce commute-related emissions and traffic congestion.

As a lead sponsor of the event, SRP partnered with Valley Metro at the annual luncheon held at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge. Organizations sponsoring the Clean Air Campaign include the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County Air Quality Department and Valley Metro.

The 2011 Clean Air Campaign winners recognized today:

Outstanding Transportation Coordinator – 50-149 employees
Juan Barreto – Area Agency on Aging

Outstanding Transportation Coordinator – 150-499 employees
Katie Dunham – Equity Fund Advisors, Inc.

Outstanding Transportation Coordinator – Over 500 employees – Public Employer
Sue Taaffe – City of Tempe

Outstanding Transportation Coordinator – Over 500 employees – Private Employer
Diane Reega – Arizona Biltmore

Outstanding Trip Reduction Program – 50-149 employees
Friendship Village of Tempe

Outstanding Trip Reduction Program – 150-499 employees
IKEA Tempe

Outstanding Trip Reduction Program – Over 500 – Public Employer
Maricopa County

Outstanding Trip Reduction Program – Over 500 employees – Private Employer
Scottsdale Healthcare

Outstanding Leadership
Jamsheed Mehta – City of Glendale

Outstanding Marketing & Creativity – Electronic and/or Print Media
City of Mesa
Outstanding Marketing & Creativity – Marketing Event or Campaign Under $500
Equity Fund Advisors, Inc.

Outstanding Marketing & Creativity – Marketing Event or Campaign Over $500
Capitol Rideshare – State of Arizona

Outstanding Telework Program
Scottsdale Insurance Company

Outstanding Bike Program
City of Tempe

Outstanding Vanpool Program
Scottsdale Healthcare

Outstanding Transit Rider (bus or light rail)
Cindi Farmer – ASU
Outstanding Carpooler
Mike Dugan & Rose Barton – ASU

Outstanding Vanpooler
Ron Gilbert – Boeing Company

Outstanding Bicyclist or Walker
Jody Rockmaker – ASU

Outstanding Multi-modal Commuter
Dr. Rajni L. Nair – ASU

MAG Livable Communities
City of Glendale

Maricopa County Air Quality Excellence
State of Arizona Office of Travel Reduction Programs

Corporate Sustainability
IKEA Tempe

People’s Choice Bulletin Board
Area Agency on Aging

Rideshare Week 2011 Employer Challenge Winners

Small Company: WorldatWork

Medium Company: Desert Mountain Club

Large Company: SRP

Blue Sky Award
Total Transit

Photos from the event will be posted to this site—check back with us in early November.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.                           
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Find out more about your NextRide

Phoenix, AZ (Aug. 9, 2011) Valley Metro riders can take the guess work out of riding the bus and light rail. New signs, which feature NextRide—a way to instantly get next bus and train arrival times—are being installed at each of Valley Metro’s 7,465 bus stops and light rail stations through January 2012.

“Bus and train arrival information is the number one question that we get from passengers that call our customer service line,” said Scott Wisner, Customer Service Manager. “NextRide will take the worry out of knowing when the next bus or train arrives.”

Using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, NextRide is simple to use for anyone at a stop having a cell phone or internet access. By texting or calling, the passenger will enter the unique stop identification (ID) number and receive the next arrival times for the light rail train, bus route or routes served by that station or stop. A web page is also dedicated to this passenger feature, which will provide stop locator information.

The Valley Metro Customer Service call center receives more than 8,000 calls per day and 55 percent of those are next bus or train arrival-time questions. The funding for this service enhancement was provided by a federal Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant and regional public transportation funds from the countywide half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004.

Installation began on Thursday, August 4 with signs installed for stops on Route 3 beginning at the Phoenix Zoo and traveling westward. Installation should be complete by January 2012, however, passengers can begin using the system now by going to the website and using the stop ID locator on the NextRide page or on the Valley Metro trip planner page.

Other transit systems having this type of automated communication system include San Francisco Muni, Washington D.C. Metro, Los Angeles Metro, New Jersey Transit, Denver RTD, and Tri-Met in Portland.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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Mesa Conducts Public Hearing on Buzz Circulator

As part of the annual budget process, the city of Mesa is considering changes to the current route of the Buzz.

Click here for a public hearing flyer in both English and Spanish.

The proposed changes would be effective July 25, 2011 and include:

• eliminating service in downtown Mesa south of First Street between Center Street and Country Club Drive;
• eliminating service on University Drive between Extension and MacDonald; and
• adding three trips each day to serve the retail area at Brown Road and Mesa Drive.

Staff will be at the Buzz stop at the Mesa Multi-Gen Center on Tuesday, April 26 from 1 pm – 5 pm and Wednesday, April 27 from 8 am – noon if you would like to comment on the proposed route changes.  Comments can also be emailed to jodi.sorrell@mesaaz.gov or mailed to Jodi Sorrell, City of Mesa Transit Services Department, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa, AZ 85211-1466 no later than Friday, April 29, 2011.  For additional information, visit www.mesaaz.gov/transportation.

Valley Metro Receives Statewide and National Honors

Phoenix, AZ (April 21, 2011)  The Valley Metro Mobility Center, which began providing service to customers on March 1, 2011, was awarded the top honors in transit innovation by the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation during AzTA’s annual conference in Mesa, Arizona. 

The Outstanding Transit Innovation recognizes an individual, organization or group that has demonstrated innovative program creation, development, management and/or delivery for the public transportation service.

“The Mobility Center is a goal realized, but only the first of many to provide a more efficient way of providing transit and alternative travel for those who rely on it most,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director.

The intent of the Mobility Center, which is located at 4600 E. Washington, is the home of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility determinations for the Valley.  The mobility assessment area, known as the Transit Walk, features a life-sized mock streetscape and transit system to lessen the intimidation of being a new rider. This unique facility will also serve as home base for Valley Metro’s travel training programs. 

A full-size bus and bus shelter are part of the indoor landscape, as well as varied pavement and ground applications. Input on the development of the Mobility Center was considered by a paratransit technical advisory committee and a regional paratransit stakeholders group. 
Also in April, Valley Metro was awarded with 11 prestigious Telly Awards for the Notes Campaign, which is intended to help educate new and existing passengers on the basics of riding transit in the Valley using an animated video message. The Telly’s recognize local advertisers, TV stations and production companies with national recognition.

Valley Metro received seven prestigious Telly Awards for areas including animation and four People’s Telly Awards from the online, global community for the How to Ride the Bus and How to Ride the Light Rail videos.  The informational videos feature local bands What Laura Says and Elvis Before Noon. The Notes Campaign began in November 2010, and to date there have been six videos released covering various topics most important to passengers. To view the videos online, click here.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

New park-and-ride lot now open at 7th Ave & Camelback

What:
Try transit!  New park-and-ride lot now open.
Breakfast celebration featuring the Suns, free transit passes set for Wed., 3/23, morning

The ARRA-funded 7th Avenue/Camelback park-and-ride has opened offering METRO light rail passengers additional and shaded parking.  The lot will provide greater access to the transit system and is well-timed considering the growth in ridership and gas prices.

To celebrate the lot’s opening, METRO, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns and Hunter Contracting Co., will offer free breakfast and transit passes to those who want to try transit the morning of March 23!

Come down to be some of the first to park in the new lot, grab breakfast from neighboring food purveyors Copper Star Coffee, America’s Best Taco Shop and Fry’s and enjoy the energy of the Phoenix Suns Gorilla!  Finally, hop on board light rail with one of the 100 free all-day transit passes provided by Hunter. 

There will also be an opportunity to enter a drawing for Phoenix Suns/US Airways Center ticket packages!

When:
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
7:30 – 9 a.m.; comments at 8 a.m.

Where:
West end of the 7th Avenue/Camelback park-and-ride lot.  The lot is located on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Who:
All riders, new and existing, and neighboring residents and business owners of the lot are encouraged to attend.

Speakers will include:
METRO CEO Steve Banta
METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot
Representative from Hunter Contracting Co.
The Phoenix Suns Gorilla

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Rural Bus Route 660 Surveys Begin in December

Phoenix, AZ (Dec. 1, 2010)  Valley Metro is asking members of the communities living or working near the rural bus Route 660, which travels along Bell Road and US-60 between Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale and West Plaza in Wickenburg, to provide their travel information. The data gathered in the survey process will be used to enhance the rural bus route that makes four roundtrips each weekday and has about 5,000 boardings annually. Major stops along the route include the Sun City West Foundation, Wells Country Store in Wittmann, and the Wickenburg Municipal Complex.

The surveying process will include questionnaires on-board the Route 660 vehicles, postcard mailings and telephone calls to residents living one mile from the route, and employer surveys of businesses along the route.

Organizations, associations or community centers along the route area that would like to participate in a Route 660 survey are asked to contact Valley Metro at 602.262.7433 for more information.

To learn more about Route 660, go to valleymetro.org. This route is funded by Proposition 400, a transportation sales tax that was approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004, and federal transit funds.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

                                                                              # # #

Tell Your Transit Story

The Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) wants to hear from you!

We are urging transit users and advocates to “tell us your transit story.”  Whether it’s been a helpful bus driver, a trip to pick up medicine or a doctor visit,  an ongoing work or school trip, or a light rail ride to a Suns game—AzTA wants to hear about it. Maybe it’s been a reduction or elimination of service that has impacted your life. If so, AzTA wants to know about your experiences using public transportation.

Please use the link below to the “Tell AzTA Your Transit Story” survey.  Together, we can illustrate the vital role that transit plays in the lives of Arizona residents and help elected officials and fellow citizens understand the critical role of this community asset.  AzTA will assemble these stories at AzTA.org along with other public transportation news and issues. 

Click here to tell AzTA your story.
Thank you,

Arizona Transit Association

Historical fleet depart Central Station

The three historical vehicles made their final trips as they left Central Station last week. The site begins renovation in mid-July and the existing space where the historical fleet sits will be needed for growth and development of the Station.

The Tico bus and the Metropolitan Lines bus will be towed away and brought to their new home at the Phoenix Public Transit Department’s South Operating Facility.

The third historical vehicle—the President’s Conference Committee Car, originally from Toronto—will call the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler its new
home.

New Mobility Center Approved

Phoenix, AZ (June 18, 2010)  As a part of the overall strategy to develop a regional paratransit system in the Valley for passengers that are eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Valley Metro Board unanimously approved a new site to conduct in-person interviews and functional assessments for the ADA paratransit eligibility program.

The new facility, located at 4600 E. Washington, fully met the criteria requiring a central location, close proximity to light rail and bus service, and easy access to freeways.

The process to better regionalize ADA paratransit from the existing eight systems began in 2006 with the Regional Paratransit Study. One of the initial elements of the study is to develop an in-person eligibility determination process for the ADA paratransit service. The new facility will be equipped to handle in-person interviews and as-needed testing of individuals in real-life settings, such as street crossings and a streetscape that includes ramps and various surfaces. It is estimated that the new Mobility Center will be fully operational in January 2011 and will manage about 350 eligibility applications per month.

In addition to housing the ADA eligibility program, the Mobility Center will serve as a resource for customers with special mobility needs to access other transportation programs that may meet their needs.

In a separate action taken by the Board, the Regional Public Transportation Authority will relocate from their existing office site to 101 N. 1st Avenue, which is the current location of METRO light rail. This move will allow the agencies to work in an environment that fosters a more coordinated planning and operational effort.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 16 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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New Transit Book Details Service Changes

Phoenix, AZ (Jan. 5, 2010)  Valley Metro passengers riding in Avondale, Chandler, Tempe and Scottsdale should be sure to check their bus routes in the newest edition of the Transit Book before they board on Monday, January 25. Changes in service are occurring on 22 bus routes including the Tempe Orbit circulator bus routes.

“Reducing bus service is never easy, but it’s a trend that the transit industry is experiencing across the country,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director. “Plans to continue expanding our regional transit system are definitely on hold in 2010.” One exception to future service expansion is the addition of the LINK bus rapid transit route on Arizona Avenue and Country Club Drive in July 2010, which begins construction this month with federal stimulus dollars.

With the slow economy and resulting decline in sales tax revenues, cities and towns are struggling to meet the current operations costs of existing routes, which has lead to adjustments in levels of service. Transit service is funded from a combination of local and regional sales taxes. Fares provide approximately 25 percent of the cost of operations.

Transit Books will be available to the public beginning January 18. Books are available at libraries, transit centers, city halls and on buses.

The Transit Book is a 300-page comprehensive resource that passengers rely on for accurate information about riding transit. In addition to offering the schedules and maps for more the than 80 bus routes and METRO light rail, the Transit Book features information in English and Spanish about fares, fare sales locations, and tips on how to ride the bus or light rail.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system.  

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WTS Woman of the Year Announced

Phoenix, AZ (Dec. 15, 2009) 

Transportation industry association, WTS, has named Carol Ketcherside, Deputy Executive Director of Planning for Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA), the 2009 Woman of the Year for the Metropolitan Phoenix chapter.

Ketcherside, a north Phoenix resident, began her career in transportation 25 years ago, which included working for the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority in Topeka, Kansas and VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, Texas. For 12 years she served as the executive director of the South West Transit Association (SWTA).

Since joining the RPTA in November 2006, her transit-related accomplishments have included:

• Completion and ongoing implementation of the Valley Metro Regional Paratransit Study, which includes intense involvement from the disability community, member agency concurrence, and gaining approval of a new program requiring in-person assessments for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility.
• Leading the planning and development of several Proposition 400 projects including the Mesa Main Street LINK Bus Rapid Transit service, regional bus stops and park-and-rides.
• Involvement with regional planning activities including commuter rail studies, and the Maricopa Association of Governments Transit Framework Study.
• Serving as a mentor for career-minded women in the WTS Mentorship Program.

“Our agency is honored to have Carol’s unlimited collection of skills and talents to direct our planning efforts,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director. “Despite unending challenges, her ability to gain consensus both within the disability community and our member agencies has been extremely valuable in the development of a vital regional transit program.”

Ketcherside earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the University of Kansas. She is also affiliated with the following transit-related industry associations: American Public Transportation Association, Community Transportation Association of America, a Federal Transit Administration advisory committee, South West Transit Association, WTS, and Transit Cooperative Research Program.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system.                                                                               # # #

Phoenix Offers Taxi Voucher Pilot Program

Phoenix — The Phoenix Public Transit Department is launching a new pilot taxi voucher program for Phoenix seniors aged 65 and over on Dec 2. 

Called Senior Cab, the program allows senior citizens to purchase prepaid vouchers at a discount, which they can use to schedule short-distance cab trips. 

Senior Cab was developed at the request of the Phoenix City Council, which asked the Public Transit Department to explore alternative modes of transporting seniors, as Dial-A-Ride has become increasingly in-demand for Americans With Disabilities Act-certified users with disabilities, and increasingly unavailable to seniors who use the service.

“We know, especially in Phoenix, that our seniors are active and interested in taking charge of their own lives,” said Debbie Cotton, Public Transit Department Director.  “We wanted to find an innovative way to let our senior citizens continue to travel the way they want.  This pilot program is a small step forward in that direction.”

The Senior Cab program will test a different model of transporting older riders, giving approximately 300-400 people a chance to see how the service works.

Cab voucher programs are already used by Phoenix Public Transit to support work trips for people with disabilities, and dialysis visits for passengers undergoing treatment.  Senior Cab allows seniors more flexibility in transportation, letting them schedule trips in the same way they would arrange for a typical taxi ride.

Program participants can buy $10-voucher books, which sell at 30 percent of their value, or $3 apiece; participants can buy a maximum of $12 to receive $40 worth of taxi vouchers monthly.  The vouchers can be used for the entire trip, combined with cash fares to travel further, or banked over several months for a longer trip.  Riders are responsible for their own gratuity in the program. 

The 19-month pilot program is funded by the City of Phoenix and New Freedom funding from the Federal Transit Administration.  People who use the taxi subsidy program will be provided with pre-printed vouchers, and can make appointments with any taxicab company Valley-wide. 

The Senior Cab pilot program is operated by City of Phoenix transit contractor MV Transportation.  To get more information about the taxi subsidy program, call MV Transportation at 602-801-1164 or 602-801-1163.

For more information about public transportation, people with questions should call Valley Metro at 602-253-5000, or visit www.valleymetro.org.   

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Transit Ridership Exceeds 71 Million

An increase of 15 percent over the previous year is a good thing when talking about bus and light rail ridership. Transit ridership, which is measured annually from July to June, indicates that more than 71 million passengers boarded a Valley Metro bus or light rail train to get to work, school, run errands or for pleasure.

“Certainly, in the last six months, overall transit ridership has been boosted by the new METRO light rail service,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director. “We now have a complete transit system with bus and rail connections getting more Valley residents and visitors out of their cars.”  Now offering light rail service, the cities of Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe experienced double-digit increases in transit ridership. Click here for a listing of all city-by-city transit ridership.

Statistics also show that more riders are using bicycles to complete their transit trips, with 1.46 million bikes carried on buses in the past year, an increase of 9.4 percent over 2008.

Annual Ridership
Bus 65,670,807 (2008-09)
Bus 61,866,836 (2007-08)
Light rail 5,580,860 (Jan-June 2009)
Combined 71,251,667 (2008-2009)

Along with an increase in ridership, there also has been an increase in satisfied transit riders. According to a recent rider survey, nearly four in five (79 percent) of transit riders said they are highly likely to be riding transit one year from now and would recommend the service to others.  Nearly 70 percent of riders say they have a high level of satisfaction with transit service in the Valley, and there is a significant increase (5 percent) of those indicating they are “very satisfied” with public transit service. The survey was conducted in May 2009 and has a margin of error at 3.7 percent.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

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2009 Clean Air Campaign Awards Luncheon

Buy Fares at 150 Locations in the Valley

There are more than 150 places across the Valley, including Safeway and Fry’s Food grocery stores, where bus riders can purchase fares to help save money after prices increase on July 1.

“We want to make it easier for passengers to buy their fares at locations where it’s convenient for them,” said Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer. “We have added more than 70 new fare sales outlets in the past 30 days, and hope to add more locations this year.”

The cost for a one-ride trip on the Valley Metro local bus, METRO light rail and the LINK bus (limited-stop service between Superstition Springs Center and Sycamore Station in Mesa) will now cost $1.75, and an All-day pass is $3.50. Purchasing an All-day pass on-board the local/LINK bus will cost $5.25.  An express bus or RAPID (commuter bus service) all-day pass will be $5.50 in advance, or $7.25 on board the bus.

So, riders are asked to plan ahead after July 1. Passengers who purchase an All-day pass at a light rail platform fare vending machine or at a sales location prior to boarding a local bus can save $1.75 off of the on-board bus full-fare price. Another significant change effective July 1 is the acceptance of $5 bills on-board the bus.

The local fare of $1.25 for a single ride on a bus has not increased since 1994, although the most recent fare change occurred in 2007 with new 31-day pass pricing and the elimination of transfer slips. Other day passes and reduced day passes will also increase except for the 7-day pass. A passenger purchasing a 7-day pass will get seven days of rides for the price of five.

For a complete listing of fare prices and fare sales locations effective July 1, click here.
For a list of Q & A about the new fares, click here.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org. 

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Free online tool matches carpoolers

PHOENIX (June 15, 2009) – Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority today unveiled a free online tool called ‘ShareTheRide’ at www.ValleyMetro.org to help local residents track how much pollution their commute generates or find a carpool partner.

Using a Web application called RideShark – developed by Commuting Solutions of Ottawa, Canada – the ‘ShareTheRide’ system incorporates the most current technology and mapping features so individuals can personally manage their commutes, track costs or pollution, and opt in and out of actively looking for carpool partners. Ultimately, ShareTheRide also will allow users to join a vanpool, map the best bus or light rail route, or find a bike route.

Phoenix is the largest U.S. city to deploy this tool, according to Commuting Solutions.

“We know some people may want to change their commuting habits to save money or help the environment,” says David Boggs, executive director of Valley Metro RPTA. “By offering a ride-matching and mapping system, those who are on-the-fence or unsure about how to use public transportation may find the assistance they need to try.”

Following a beta test period that began in April, more than 3,200 residents across greater Phoenix are using ShareTheRide to seek a carpool partner or track their pollution. When residents create a personal profile and log how they travel in an online calendar, an emissions calculator shows how much pollution they’ve saved or produced.

Sharing the ride can help Valley air quality, reduce wear and tear on a vehicle, or save money on gas. According to the Maricopa Association of Governments, personal vehicles are among the largest, non-industrial contributors to ground-level ozone – a harmful, odorless gas that plagues Arizona April through September.

Businesses are using the tool to host internal contests that encourage employees to drive less and track how they commute to work, thereby helping businesses meet their requirements under Maricopa County’s Trip Reduction Program.

The new ‘ShareTheRide’ system replaces a previous service through Valley Metro that only matched carpoolers.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org.

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Transportation Public Hearing

New Fares for Bus and Rail Transit Riders on July 1

Phoenix, AZ (June 1, 2009)  Bus and rail fares are increasing on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Riders are asked to plan ahead, especially for purchasing an All-day bus fare. Passengers who purchase an All-day pass at a light rail platform fare vending machine or at one of 80 select locations and stores prior to boarding a local bus can save $1.75 off of the on-board bus full-fare price.

The cost for a one-ride trip on the Valley Metro local bus, METRO light rail and the LINK bus (limited-stop service between Superstition Springs Center and Sycamore Station in Mesa) will now cost $1.75, and an All-day pass is $3.50. Purchasing an All-day pass at the farebox on the local/LINK bus will cost $5.25.  An express bus or RAPID (commuter bus service) all-day pass will be $5.50 in advance, or $7.25 at the farebox. Other day passes and reduced day passes will also increase except for the 7-day pass. A passenger purchasing a 7-day pass will get seven days of rides for the price of five. Getting on the bus with pre-purchased fares, such as an All-day, 3-day, 7-day, or 31-day pass means faster boarding, which helps keep the bus on schedule.

“We understand the financial burden this places on our bus and rail passengers in the Valley and we’d prefer that the fares weren’t going up,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) executive director. Valley Metro’s funding is based on sales tax revenues, which has declined significantly while the cost to provide service continues to increase.

To keep pace with bus/light rail fares, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Dial-a-Ride fares for East Valley and Phoenix are increasing. For a complete listing of fare prices effective July 1

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org                                                                  # # #

METRO Extends Weekend Service

05/22/09 01:00 PM - Until further notice

The METRO Board of Directors approved a measure that will extend METRO’s service hours on Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning until past 2 a.m. The measure was brought before the Board as result of both passenger feedback and input from businesses along the line.

Beginning as early as July 1, METRO will offer its last full trip of the day at 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, arriving at the opposite end of the line at 3 a.m. METRO will continue to provide 20-minute service in this extended period.

The estimated fiscal and maintenance impact for extended weekend service is $254,500 annually to the METRO operating budget.
The Board also stipulated that an evaluation of ridership and costs associated with the service extension occur after six months.
For more METRO information, visit www.metrolightrail.org.

Hearings On ADA Paratransit Eligibility Process

Contact:
Susan Tierney
Public Information Officer
602.262.4668
stierney@valleymetro.org

Phoenix, AZ (March 16, 2009)  Residents of Maricopa County are encouraged to offer input on a proposal that would change the current process of determining eligibility for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit certification, which allows access to specific paratransit (Dial-a-Ride) services in the Valley. The intention of ADA paratransit service is to provide access to transportation services for customers who, because of a disability, are prevented from using the fixed route bus system. The ADA requires that paratransit service is offered within three-fourths of a mile of any local, fixed route transit route.

All public hearings, with the exception of the online meeting (webinar), will begin at 5 p.m. with an open house:

• Tues., March 31: Grace United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 2024 E. University Drive, Mesa, 85213
• Wed., April 1: Glendale Community College, Student Union, 6000 W. Olive Ave., Glendale, 84302
• Mon., April 6: Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. Fifth Street, 2nd floor, Tempe, 85281
• Tues., April 7: Travis L. Williams Family Service Center, 4732 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85040

Comments can also be made by sending an email by April 17 to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

To download a copy of the presentation, please click here.

The proposal recommends an in-person process for determining ADA paratransit eligibility, coupled with an ADA bus and rail pass, and lifetime certification for some customers. An improved eligibility process will offer equity among applicants and ensure future levels of service offered to those who are truly in need of the transit service. The proposed eligibility process would allow for more personalized and individual service through the assignment of a case manager for each application. Implementation of this program will lay the groundwork for continued improvements to regional ADA paratransit in Maricopa County.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

 
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Chandler Park-and-Ride Ribbon Cutting on Jan. 28

For Immediate Release

Contact: 
Jim Phipps
Public Information Officer
480-782-2225

Public invited to celebrate Chandler Park-and-Ride opening

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The public is invited to help celebrate the dedication of Chandler’s first Park-and-Ride facility.  A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Wednesday, January 28, at 3:00 p.m. at the southwest corner of Germann Road and Hamilton Street.

Mayor Boyd W. Dunn will speak during the ceremony, as well the Executive Director of Valley Metro, Dave Boggs. 

The $6.4 million facility opened December 29 and supports express bus service to and from Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale and added needed parking spaces for weekend events at Tumbleweed Park.  The facility includes 445 parking spaces, plus passenger shelters, bike lockers, seating areas, lighting, landscaping, a drinking fountain, and security building. The half-cent regional sales tax approved by voters in 2004 that funds transit and transportation in Maricopa County is providing funds for this new facility.

For more information, call 480-782-3440.

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Fare Changes Q & A

Ridership solid on new routes

Phoenix, AZ (August 28, 2008)  Demand for express bus service was apparent from the very first day of service on three out of four new express bus routes. Funded by the countywide half-cent sales tax extended by Maricopa County voters in 2004, new and expanded bus service could not have arrived too soon.

“This is a perfect example of challenge meeting opportunity, and it has resulted in a positive outcome,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. Boggs refers to the ongoing need to combat volatile fuel prices this year by offering more transit alternatives. Valley Metro not only offers bus service, but transit alternatives including an online carpool matching system, a vanpool program and assistance with employer trip reduction programs.

Buses serving these routes are new and designed for express bus service:

• Buses are 40 ft. long and have a seated capacity of 36 and average standing capacity of 18
• The air conditioning system is high capacity built for the desert climate—and the refrigerant is R407c, which will not harm upper atmosphere ozone
• Fueled by Compressed Natural Gas, they have the latest in engine technology and meets federal emissions standards
• Buses are equipped with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) to monitor activity of the bus
• Cost is $431,350 each and also funded by Proposition 400
• They are built by New Flyer in Winnipeg and assembled in Minnesota

On Monday, July 28, new routes were implemented and the first four weeks of ridership are shown below.

In addition to new service, Valley Metro expanded service on routes 61, 96 and 660 on July 28.

A registered nurse at Chandler Regional Hospital rides the Route 96 bus four days a week. “It’s a great way to get some exercise by walking to and from the bus stops,” she said. “I hope more people start riding Route 96. It’s easy and it’s a benefit to the environment.” She added that her employer subsidizes the bus pass so it’s also a great way to save money.

Effective July 23, 2012

Valley Metro has route and scheduling changes at least twice per year, in January and July. Along with these changes, a new Transit Book is released for viewing online and in print copy. If your route is not listed below there is no change.

Listed below is a preview of service changes that will begin on July 23, 2012.

LOCAL ROUTES

Grand Ave Limited – Eliminate two round trips; begin in Peoria, stop in Glendale, to State Capitol and Central Station.

Route 1 – Washington/Jefferson – Reduction of bus turnaround loop at east end of route.

Route 3 – Van Buren – Reduction of bus turnaround loop at east and west end of route.

Route 7— th Street – Reduction of bus turnaround loop at north end of route.

Route 8—7th Avenue – Extension to Euclid Avenue at south end of route.

Route 10—Roosevelt –Reduction of bus turnaround loop at west end of route.

Route 13— Buckeye - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at west end of route.

Route 16—16th Street –Modification of route to no longer serve the Sunnyslope Transit Center.

Route 17—McDowell - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at east end of route.

Route 17A—McDowell - Modification traveling into Desert Sky Mall Transit Center.

Route 19—19th Avenue –Reduction of bus turnaround loop at northeast end of route.

Route 27—27th Avenue – Restructuring of service on the north end of route, and extension to Lower Buckeye on the south end of the route.

Route 29—Thomas – Reduction of bus turnaround loops at the east and west ends of the route.

Route 35—35th Avenue –Reduction of bus turnaround loop at north end of route.

Route 41—Indian School - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at west end of route.

Route 43—43rd Avenue - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at north and south ends of route.

Route 50—Camelback - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at the east end and extension to 107th Avenue on the west end of the route.

Route 51—51st Avenue – Reduction of bus turnaround loop at south end of route and extension of south end of the route to Van Buren Street.

Route 52—Roeser - Reduction of bus turnaround loops at the east and west ends of the route.

Route 59—59th Avenue - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at south end of route.

Route 60—Bethany Home - Modification that restructures the service area east end of route to end at 16th Street.

Route 67—67th Avenue - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at south end of route.

Route 70—Glendale/24th Street - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at south end of route to end at South Mountain Avenue.  Eliminate the first 3 (a.m.) trips from 43rd Avenue and Glendale to Luke AFB; Eliminate 13 weekday peak trips; Reduce weekday frequency between 99th Avenue and Luke AFB to hourly; Reduce weekend service to hourly.  Last trip leaving Luke Air Force Base should be at 7:07pm eastbound on Saturday and Sunday.

Route 80—Northern – Modification of route to no longer serve the Sunnyslope Transit Center, route will end at 16th Street/Northern Ave.

Route 90—Dunlap/Cave Creek -  Reduction of bus turnaround loop at east end of route.

Route 106—Peoria/Shea - Reduce Route 106 (Peoria Avenue) Saturday service to hourly in Glendale and Peoria.

Route 122—Cactus – Eliminate service in Glendale, west end of route to end at 51st Ave.

Route 154—Greenway - Reduction of bus turnaround loop at west end of route.

Route 170—Bell - Reduce Saturday service to hourly in Glendale.

EXPRESS/RAPID ROUTES

Route 510—Scottsdale Express – Eliminate route.

Route 511—Tempe/Scottsdale Airpark Express – Change southern terminus to Tempe Transportation Center.

Route 512—Scottsdale Express – Eliminate route.

Route 514—Scottsdale Express - Follow existing Route 512 inbound routing to Shea Blvd / 101, south on 101 to Scottsdale Community College, south 101 to McDowell, west to 52nd Street, west on 202 to downtown Phoenix.

Route 520—Tempe Express – Route under review.

Route 521—Tempe Express – Route under review.

Route 531—Mesa Express - No change from October 2011 routing; eliminate 2 am inbound and 1 pm outbound trip.

Route 532—Mesa Express - Eliminate route.  Passengers served by Route 535 and new Route 514.

Route 533—Mesa Express - Start route at Superstition Springs Transit Center.  Add an additional morning and afternoon trip

Route 535- Mesa Express – Add 1 morning and 1 afternoon trip.

Route 540—Chandler Express – Route under review.

Route 541—Chandler Express – Eliminate one morning inbound trip and divert east on Baseline Road to West Mesa Park-and-Ride.  Reduce stops to mile and half mile streets only.

Route 560—Avondale Express – Eliminate route.  Passengers served by Route 562/563.

Route 562- Goodyear Express -  Add 1 morning and 1 afternoon trip

Route 571—Surprise Express – Surprise Park-and-Ride, south on Dysart Road to Thunderbird Road, east to Grand Avenue, southeast to Van Buren Street, east to Central Station, south to Washington Street, west to State Capitol.

Route 581—North Mountain Express – Eliminate route.  Passengers served by Route 573, I-17 RAPID, or Metro Light Rail.

RAPID ROUTES

I-17 RAPID to Rail – Eliminate route.

I-17 RAPID – Potential reduction of the number of trips operated on Fridays.

SR-51 RAPID - Potential reduction of the number of trips operated on Fridays.

I-10 West RAPID – Potential reduction of the number of trips operated on Fridays.

I-10 East RAPID - Potential reduction of the number of trips operated on Fridays.

SMCR-RAPID – Implement new South Mountain Central Avenue RAPID service from 27th Avenue/Baseline Park-and-Ride to downtown and the State Capitol area.

CIRCULATOR ROUTES

ZOOM – Extension of route to serve the YMCA east of EMCC, Tolleson, and the elimination of Randall McDaniel Sports Complex.  Add Saturday service.

Orbit Earth - Restructure to operate on College Ave. between Weber Dr. and McKellips Rd.

Orbit Mars – Restructure to stop operating on George Dr., Del Rio Dr., and Evergreen Rd. north of Southern Avenue.

Transit passes now available at Circle K stores

Phoenix, AZ (May 15, 2012) Circle K convenience stores are partnering with Valley Metro to provide additional locations for passengers to purchase transit passes. Since 2009, there has been a steady increase in the number of retailers that sell transit passes in the Valley, now totaling more than 600 locations.

“Securing additional locations for transit pass sales where access to transit passes are limited is very important for our passengers,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “This partnership with Circle K is key to our mission of making the entire public transit experience more friendly and inviting.”

For many south Phoenix and west valley residents, they now have the opportunity to purchase transit passes in advance, which helps save both time and money. Prior to the partnership with Circle K, retail locations selling transit passes in this area was limited.

“There’s not a Valley Metro route in town that doesn’t pass by one of our stores,” said Terry Brown, Circle K Advertising and Brand Manager. “We are excited to offer this added value and convenience to our customers who rely on public transportation.”

Circle K stores sell the All-day and Reduced-fare* All-day passes. The cost for an All-day pass on board the bus is $5.25, but purchasing the same pass in advance is $3.50. The Reduced-fare All-day pass costs $1.75 when purchased in advance and $2.60 at the bus farebox. With a transit pass in hand, the riders can board more swiftly after swiping their pass instead of depositing bills or change into the bus farebox.

Transit passes can also be purchased at particpating Fry’s and Safeway grocery stores, 7 Eleven convenience stores, Walgreens, PLS Check Cashers and Valero gas stations. For a list of all retail fare outlets selling transit passes and to purchase online go to www.ValleyMetro.org.

*Persons with disabilities, seniors 65 and older and youths 6 through 18 qualify for reduced fares on local bus routes and light rail, not including Express or RAPID service.  Passengers should be prepared to show proof of eligibility.  Acceptable forms of proof include: a driver’s license, Medicare card, state or government issued I.D. card, a Valley Metro reduced-fare I.D. card or current student I.D. with photo.

Visit circlekaz.com for all the latest news you can use as relates to the world of Circle K convenience stores. The company is also accessible via Facebook, Twitter or by contacting brand manager Terry Brown direct via e-mail at socialnetworking@circlek.com.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.
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Proposed Express Bus Route Restructuring

Restructuring of the Express bus system will be considered on Thursday, May 17 at the Valley Metro RPTA Board of Directors meeting that begins at 12:45 p.m. The Valley Metro member agencies have been considering different ways to resolve the large deficit in forecasted revenues. As a part of that effort, there was a review of Express bus system and its productivity and efficiency. Public hearings were held throughout the Valley and public comment was taken into consideration for the proposed recommendations. For detail on proposed route changes, go to the Valley Metro Board Agenda pages 66-97.

Following is a summary by route of the discussion for each of the express routes in the system, changes that were presented for comment during the public participation period and the final recommendation.

Grand Avenue Limited (GAL): This route travels almost the same route as Route 571 Surprise Express, and is scheduled to be extended to Surprise in FY 2013 according to the 2010 adopted TLCP model. Rather than have two routes in the same corridor, GAL was proposed to be cut back to begin in Peoria, traveling to Central Station in Phoenix. Additionally, two round-trips will be eliminated due to low ridership.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement change as proposed

Route 510: This route has a significant amount of local circulation. Although there are temporary park-and-rides on the route, these are primarily agreements with local businesses to use existing parking lots. There are no permanent park-and-rides in the area. It was proposed that this route be eliminated and its riders served by a modified Route 512.
RECOMMENDATION: Eliminate route as proposed

Route 511: This route was proposed in Proposition 400 and implemented as a connector route from Chandler to Scottsdale. The Chandler portion had been eliminated previously and ridership remains low. It was proposed to modify the southern end point from the Apache/101 park-and-ride to the Tempe Transportation Center. It is hoped that the change will generate additional ridership. If ridership does not improve, it is likely that the route may be proposed for elimination in the future.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement change as proposed

Route 512: This route was proposed to use the Loop 101 Pima Freeway, rather than SR 51. It would begin in Fountain Hills as it currently does, then turn south on Loop 101. It would make a stop at Scottsdale Community College which could be used by existing Route 510 passengers as a park-and-ride. The route would exit the Loop 101 at McDowell and head west stopping at each point where a transfer with a local route exists. Existing Route 510 passengers could use local routes to connect to complete their trips.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement as proposed and change route number to 514.

Route 520: This route was proposed to begin at the Tempe Library at Rural and Southern. Existing riders would access the route by driving and parking at the Library. The route would enter US 60 at Rural Road. Additionally, two round-trips would be eliminated.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement routing change as proposed but maintain the number of round trips at four.

Route 521: This route was proposed to use two park-and-rides, one at the Tempe Sports Complex at Hardy and Carver, and one at Kiwanis Park at Guadalupe and All America Way. Two trips would begin at the Sports Complex, then stop at Kiwanis Park before entering US 60 at Mill Ave. Two trips would begin at Kiwanis Park, for a total of four round trips. This is a reduction of two and a half round-trips.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement route from Kiwanis Park only with six round trips per day.

Route 531: This route was recently modified to serve the West Mesa park-and-ride. No additional routing changes are proposed, but one and a half round trips were proposed to be eliminated.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement change as proposed.

Route 532: This route has significant local circulation. It was proposed to be eliminated. Current passengers can use the new Gilbert Road park and ride to access Route 535.
RECOMMENDATION: Eliminate route as proposed.

Route 533: This route has some local circulation prior to stopping at the Superstition Springs park-and-ride. It was proposed that the local circulation be eliminated and the route begin at the Superstition Springs park-and-ride.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement change as proposed and add one round trip.

Route 535: This route is currently park-and-ride based, beginning at the Power Road park-and-ride, using Loop 202 to the Gilbert Road park-and-ride. No routing changes are proposed.
RECOMMENDATION: Add one round trip to accommodate riders from Route 532.

Route 540: This route has significant local circulation. It was proposed to be eliminated. Current passengers would access proposed Route 521 at the Tempe Sports Complex, or Route 542 through its proposed modification.
RECOMMENDATION: Eliminate existing Route 540 and implement new Route 522 to begin at Tempe Sports Complex park and ride, entering I-10 at Elliot Rd with four round trips.

Route 541: This route has significant local circulation. There are no permanent park-and-ride locations along the route. For that reason, it was proposed to keep the local circulation but to limit the stops to half-mile or mile intervals. Additionally, it was proposed to deviate this route at Baseline Road east to the West Mesa park-and-ride. This would provide additional trip options for passengers who are able to access that park-and-ride.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement changes as proposed.

Route 542: This route was proposed to exit I-10 at Warner Road and access a temporary park-and-ride in the area to serve current Route 540 passengers. It was proposed that only 3 of the 5 existing trips would make this deviation.
RECOMMENDATION: No changes to the route.

Route 560: This route has significant local circulation. It was proposed to be eliminated. Current passengers could access Route 562 at the Goodyear park-and-ride or I-10 West RAPID at the 79th Avenue park-and-ride.
RECOMMENDATION: Eliminate route as proposed.

Route 562: This route is park-and-ride based. No modifications are proposed.
RECOMMENDATION: Add one round trip to accommodate riders from Route 560 and to alleviate existing over-crowding.

Route 563: This route is park-and-ride based. No modifications are proposed.
RECOMMENDATION: No changes to route.

Route 571: This route is park-and-ride based, with one additional exception stop entering using Grand Avenue. It was proposed that the route be modified to travel south an additional mile to Thunderbird Road and make two exception stops in El Mirage that are currently being served by GAL.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement changes as proposed.

Route 573: This route is park-and-ride based. No modifications are currently proposed, however Glendale is developing a permanent park-and-ride in the Bell Rd/Loop 101 area and this route may be recommended for modification in the future.
RECOMMENDATION: No changes to route.

Route 575: This route is park-and-ride based. No modifications are currently proposed, however Glendale is developing a permanent park-and-ride in the Bell Rd/Loop 101 area and this route may be recommended for modification in the future.
RECOMMENDATION: No changes to route.

Route 581: This route has significant local circulation. It was proposed to be eliminated. Current passengers could access the transit system at Metrocenter.
RECOMMENDATION: Eliminate route as proposed.

Student Art on Bus Unveiled

PHOENIX (April 18, 2011) – High school art students across the Valley competed recently to have their artwork exhibited on a moving canvas for the 12th annual Bus Wrap contest.

“We understand that transit options are important to our youth, and this student-inspired bus wrap is one way to that we can connect to a younger generation,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer.

The winning design was produced by Stephen Bielecki, a senior at Pinnacle High School. In addition to receiving his winning artwork on a 40-foot bus for one year, he will take home various prizes.

“Stephen’s artwork was chosen because it is simple yet strong,” said Dolores Nolan, Valley Metro Transit Education Manager. “The image is reminiscent of the American icon, Superman, which exudes strength and confidence in serving the community.”

The bus will be placed into service after its unveiling on April 26.

Second place winner, Stephen Jewell, a senior at Pinnacle High School and third place winner, Marissa Salazar, a junior at Corona del Sol High School, Tempe, also will be recognized at the unveiling.
 
The unveiling event on April 26, which begins at 11:30 a.m. at Pinnacle High School, 3535 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, will include a brief presentation with remarks from Valley Metro CEO Steve Banta and Pinnacle High School Principal Jason Reynolds.

Stephen’s artwork was chosen out of more than 103 entries submitted by public and charter schools across the Valley. Honorable mentions were handed to students from Corona del Sol High School and Metro Tech High School in Phoenix.
           
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Valley Bike Month continues

Riding a Bike Can Equal One Less Car
Special events held in April for Valley Bike Month

Phoenix, AZ (April 2, 2012) One less car in a household can mean one less expense, especially in the days of record-high fuel prices. Collectively, it could mean less traffic congestion and improved air quality if more residents made trips on two wheels instead of four.  In April, Valley Metro is encouraging local residents to use a bike for travel or leisurely trips.  With more than 14 events being held across the Valley, there’s plenty of reason to pedal your way to family fun.

“With our favorable weather and extensive network of paths and trails, bicycling is a great travel option in the Valley” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “We’d like to see more people exercise their options when it comes to leaving a car behind.”

Valley Metro promotes bicycling events as part of the local Clean Air Campaign, a general public awareness effort to emphasize the importance of air quality and ways to reduce vehicle trips. Bicycling is a non-polluting, low cost form of transportation that is feasible for many types of daily trips and can help extend the transit trip.  Riders of all ages should wear a properly fitted helmet, wear brightly colored clothing, and follow the rules of the road. 

Premier events occurring during Valley Bike Month incorporate partnerships with REI, a national outdoor retailer, as well as many cities and towns in Maricopa County. The events focus on activities that families can enjoy, as well as bike safety, maintenance and rules of the road. Two of the most popular bike month events are listed below:

Great Bike Chase—downtown Phoenix, Sunday, April 22; 10:30 a.m. Features: Self-guided bike rides from a location of your choice. A bike expo will be held at the Chase Field prior to the game featuring a bike safety rodeo, kids’ activities, snacks and prize drawings.

NEW THIS YEAR: Free valet bike parking is available at all home Diamondbacks’ games in April at the Urban Commons Summit, which is adjacent to the ballpark and supported by the Summit at Copper Square. Local organizations providing staff for the valet bike parking include the Arizona Bicycle Club, the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists and the Tempe Bike Action Group. Valet bike parking begins with the April 3 exposition game at 6:40 p.m. Be sure to use front and rear lights on bikes during any night time riding. Event is free; game ticket discount available for riders. Go to: http://registration.valleymetro.org/

Bike to Work & School Day—Gilbert,  Mesa, Phoenix/Maricopa County, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Wednesday, April 18; check website for times
Features (varying upon location): food, contests, prize drawings and t-shirts.
Events are free. More information at:  http://www.valleymetro.org/bike_month/bike_work_school_day/

For a complete listing and details of all Valley Bike Month events, click here.

The Clean Air Campaign is sponsored by the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa Air Quality Department and Valley Metro RPTA.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, commuter vanpools, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. The Clean Air Campaign is sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, and Valley Metro RPTA. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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How Green is Valley Metro?

Valley Metro is involved with a variety of initiatives to help enhance air quality and protect the local environment. From reducing greenhouse gases to improving fuel usage, we are working to be a better partner in preserving nature and our local surroundings.

View or print the Green By Design fact sheet.

Southwest Valley Local Transit System Summit

Southwest Valley residents are encouraged to attend a
Southwest Valley Local Transit Summit , hosted by Southwest Valley Rail Partnership and the Southwest Chamber of Commerce on April 5th from 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the American Sports Center (Randall McDaniel Sports Complex), 755 N. 114th Avenue in Avondale.

A continental breakfast is available at 7:00 a.m.

The Southwest Valley Local Transit Summit will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners and community leaders from throughout the Southwest Valley to come together to review and prioritize the local needs and suggest which local transit services might best meet the needs of the communities. Residents will also hear the results of an online survey in which they were asked to provide input on the types of transit services they need now and in the future.

Residents can register HERE for the Southwest Valley Local Transit Summit.
If you have any questions regarding this project or the summit, please contact Jorge Luna, Transit Planner, Maricopa Association of Governments, at 602.254.6300 or e-mail jluna@azmag.gov.

Bus Strike Update

Tempe routes fully restored on Saturday. All Phoenix routes are on regular schedules.

Update as of March 16, 2012 at 5:45 p.m.

Tempe:  Veolia Tempe drivers have approved the collective bargaining agreement and restoration of full bus service will occur Saturday morning.

Update as of March 16, 2012 at 8:20 a.m.

Phoenix: Buses are back on a regular schedule as of Friday morning, March 16, 2012. Click here for settlement announcement from the city of Phoenix.

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We apologize for the inconvenience and hardship created by the bus strike. Valley Metro appreciates every passenger and understands that you rely on our services to get to school, jobs, vital appointments and community events. Thank you for your patience during this time. We are committed to providing you, your family and friends with safe and reliable transit services.

Events for East Valley Dial-a-Ride Passengers

Phoenix, AZ (March 7, 2012)  Valley Metro is conducting outreach events beginning in March to prepare East Valley Dial-a-Ride customers for the change in vehicles that will be providing service beginning July 1, 2012. The new service will seek to be more efficient utilizing resources from the private sector, while allowing the custom, door-to-door service that these passengers need in their daily travels.
The public is welcome to attend the upcoming events that will feature the new types of vehicles that will be used beginning July 1.

Chandler
March 21, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Guthrie Center, 3200 N. Dobson Road
May 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Senior Center, 202 E. Boston

Gilbert
March 14, Noon-1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 130 N. Oak Street
April 3, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Guthrie Center, 854 E. Williams Field Road, Ste. 106

Mesa
March 28, 10 a.m.-Noon, Guthrie Center, 6549 E. University
May 8, 10 a.m.-Noon, Senior Center, 7550 E. Adobe
May 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 247 N. MacDonald

Scottsdale
May 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda

Tempe
April 10, 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Escalante Senior Center, 2150 E. Orange

Tempe Senior Health Expo—Valley Metro will be present with an information table
April 12, 8 a.m.-Noon, Pyle Senior Center, 655 E. Southern Avenue

East Valley Dial-a-Ride allows ADA-eligible passengers to travel between Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe without having to transfer when crossing city and town borders.

Beginning July 1, 2012, the new service will offer greater flexibility with types of vehicles provided and will offer more direct route service. The services will be provided by several different operators including Discount Cab, the MARC Center, DMTS-Dependable Medical Transport Service, QTS-Quality Transport Services, PHX EI Transportation and Ride Plus.

For more information, contact:
Arleen Schenck at aschenck@valleymetro.org; 602-251-2032
Jody Burbank at jburbank@valleymetro.org; 602-716-2107.

Preparing for Central Mesa Light Rail Construction

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail’s first extension into downtown Mesa will break ground in late spring 2012.  In preparation, METRO invites the community to learn about the initial construction activities, progress of project design and business assistance programs that are available to neighboring businesses today.

Thursday, February 16, 2012
6 – 8 p.m.; presentation begins at 6:20 p.m.
East Valley Institute of Technology, Main Auditorium
1601 W. Main St., Mesa

The first phase of construction is utility relocation.  Relocation is necessary to maintain access to these underground utilities with the addition of the future, center-running track.  Design is also underway and will be completed, in order to further advance construction, in 2013.

The 3.1-mile Central Mesa extension will travel east on Main Street from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive.  It will consist of four stations and a park-and-ride lot.  The project will be built using a mix of regional Proposition 400 funds and federal grant dollars by late 2015/early 2016.

For additional information or to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at this meeting, please contact Lisa Procknow at (602) 495-8213/TTY (602) 251-2039 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Central Mesa project information is available online at www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa. 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

More than 7,500 signs across Valley point to NextRide

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 2, 2012) Have you seen your sign? More and more Valley Metro passengers are letting their fingers do the talking after spotting their NextRide sign at their bus stop or light rail station. NextRide simply provides passengers with real time or scheduled bus and train arrival times. 

“We want to make it easier for our passengers to get on board,” said Steve Banta, CEO, METRO light rail. “This travel tool takes the guesswork out of riding transit and allows passengers to be more timely when heading out to their stop.”

Instructions for NextRide are posted at each of the Valley’s 7,500 bus stops and light rail stations. The information request uses Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to send out real time or scheduled arrival times. By using the mobile website, texting or calling, the passenger enters the stop’s unique stop identification (ID) number and receive the next arrival times for the light rail train, bus route or routes served by that station or stop. There are four ways passengers can retrieve the arrival times instantaneously:
1. SMS Text Messaging to 64274, enter NXRD and the stop number listed on the sign, press send
2. Valley Metro mobile site (www.ValleyMetro.org)
3. Phone call to (602) 253-5000, say NextRide, say or enter your stop number
4. Valley Metro web site

With the advent of NextRide, there were nearly 306,000 SMS text messages sent out between August 2011 and January 2012. That resulted in 270,000 fewer calls made to customer service.

According to Valley Metro Customer Service Manager Scott Wisner, the goal is to reduce the pressure on the phone lines and provide quicker customer service to waiting callers. About 55 percent of calls received by Valley Metro pertain to arrival information. 

A recent post by Facebook fan, Trinity Marler, states, “I love NextRide! Just moved to Phoenix a week ago and I use it every time, especially love that you can text the info. I save my closest bus stop numbers and text in from my apartment so I know when to leave.”

The funding for NextRide was provided by a federal Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant and regional public transportation funds from the countywide half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004.
Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, vanpools, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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Partnership with Diamondbacks results in new bike racks

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 2, 2012)  Finding a place to secure a bike in downtown Phoenix is becoming easier and more attractive thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the bicyclists who participated in the Great Bike Chase event last April. The Great Bike Chase is a family bike ride that begins in several different Valley locations and ends at Chase Field for a Diamondbacks baseball game.  The Diamondbacks donated $5 from each event ticket purchased as a way to thank the community for supporting the annual event. More than 300 riders participated in last year’s ride contributing to the fabrication of 11 bicycle racks.

“By increasing available bicycle parking, more riders will feel comfortable with traveling to a venue by bike,” said Suzanne Day, Valley Metro Business Services representative. “Bikes are a great way to exercise and contribute to cleaner air at the same time.”

Bicycles are also considered an easy way to extend a transit trip because they can be loaded onto light rail trains and buses. The Valley’s bus system carries more than 1.5 million bikes each year.

Jenny Poon, founder of CO+HOOTS, Creative Coworking for Phoenix, noted that they have several entrepreneurs using their facility who live within a five-mile radius.

“They prefer biking in to work and that’s something we’re really proud to support. With an increasing demand for bike parking, we need a rack that can hold more bikes to support a developing bike culture in downtown Phoenix,” said Poon.

The first of the unique racks is being installed on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Carly’s Bistro, 128 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix. Installations are also planned for Blooming Rock, Cibo, Tucan Properties, Harder Development, Advantage Logistics SW, Buttertoast Boutique, Co+Hoots, Dukes Sports Bar, The Centers for Habilitation, and Stadium Lofts HOA beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

“The Valley Metro bike rack program is making it easier for businesses to accommodate an important and growing segment of their customer base who just happen to be bicyclists,” said Taz Loomans, Architect and Writer at Blooming Rock.  “This program a win,win,win situation for local businesses, bicyclists, and the Arizona Correctional Facility.”

Made from heavy-gauge steel, the racks were manufactured by Arizona Correctional Industries and feature a medallion designed by local artist Lilydog Industries. The medallion is accented with the buyer’s choice of five different slogans such as Bikes Welcome or Ride On encircled by a chain ring design. Varying in size to accommodate between four and 12 bikes, the racks were offered to various businesses, neighborhoods and organizations at 50 percent of the cost to build. Valley Metro funds the remaining cost with the money donated by the Diamondbacks.

Arizona Diamondbacks and Valley Metro will consider the bike rack partnership again with the upcoming 2012 Great Bike Chase on April 22.


Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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Provide Input on Tempe Streetcar Stop Features

PHOENIX, AZ — The community is invited to review and comment on the Urban Design Guidelines (UDG) for the 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar project and any future streetcar project in the region.  The UDG is a document that will provide future project designers with guidelines for how the streetcar stops should look, including concepts for seating, lighting, platform paving, canopies, etc.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012
6 – 8 p.m.; presentation at 6:15 p.m.
Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Room
200 E. 5th St., Tempe

Tempe Streetcar will run between Rio Salado Parkway and Southern Avenue in the Mill Avenue corridor.  Thirteen stop locations along the 2.6-mile line have been identified and were shared with the public and Tempe City Council in fall 2011.  The project will be built using a mix of regional Proposition 400 funds and federal grant dollars by 2016.  Design will begin later this fall; construction in 2013.

For additional information or to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at this meeting, please contact Carla Kahn at (602) 744-5552/TTY (602) 251-2039 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

Tempe Streetcar project information is available online at www.metrolightrail.org/tempestreetcar. 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Free Webinar About Vanpools on Jan. 31

Phoenix, AZ (Jan. 17, 2012)  Commuters making the trek regularly from home to work have an opportunity to free themselves from the boredom of the daily drive. Valley Metro is hosting a vanpool webinar for the public on January 31 to give anyone an opportunity to learn more about the travel alternative.

“More than 3,000 satisfied commuters have discovered the secret,” said Eddie Caine, Valley Metro vanpool program manager. “The benefits of vanpools range from saving time and money to expanding your network of friends and business contacts.”

Webinar Details:
-Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
-Participate at your desk—and have the opportunity to ask questions or respond to simple survey questions.
-Cost:  Free
-Register at www.ValleyMetro.org

A vanpool works essentially like a large carpool. A group of 6-15 commuters, who travel generally to and from the same locations, share the cost of operating the van with no long term lease. The van is typically driven by one of the members of the vanpool. Click here for more information about vanpools.

The vanpool webinar will help:

-Define what a vanpool is and its benefits to commuters
-Provide information about what your commute is currently costing and how you can save
-Learn tips from the “pros!” Two vanpool drivers will share their experiences.
-Get next steps on forming your own vanpool.

For more information about the vanpool webinar, contact Suzanne Day at 602.523.6063 or sday@valleymetro.org.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.                           
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METRO 2011 Milestones

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail served 13.2 million riders in 2011, an increase of four percent over 2010.  On average, 40,712 riders traveled using light rail on weekdays, 31,008 on Saturdays and 20,930 on Sundays/holidays.

“Our ridership continues to grow—2011 ridership exceeded the record set in 2010,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “More and more of the Valley is opting in to public transit.  We look forward to working more collaboratively with regional partners in 2012 to make the transit trip even easier and more appealing for riders.”

Other notable highlights of 2011:

• Generated $383,000 in system advertising across 2011; approximately 25 percent over budget.

• Completed the ARRA-funded, 123-space park-and-ride lot at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road in March, which included shade canopies at this and two existing park-and-ride lots.

• Launched a solar-cooled light rail station at 3rd Street/Washington in partnership with NRG and the City of Phoenix in July.

• Served nearly 200,000 riders during Major League Baseball’s All-Star week with five, full All-Star train wraps and took part in the All-Star Red Carpet Parade.

• Developed a mobile website in conjunction with Local First Arizona that shares the locally-owned restaurants and retail within a half-mile of the line.

• Received environmental clearance in July and $35.5 million in the FY 2012 federal appropriations bill signed in November for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.

• Determined 13 stop locations and several street configurations for the 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar project.

• Received a $1 million federal grant to conduct a 24-month Alternatives Analysis on the South Central Phoenix corridor.
 
• Received a $2.7 million TIGGER (Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction) grant award for a solar shade structure at the maintenance facility.

For more detailed information on METRO 2011 ridership, click here for the annual ridership report.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

METRO Light Rail Service on PF Chang’s Race Day

PHOENIX, AZ — On race morning, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, the entire METRO light rail line will be open with enhanced service to connect full and half-marathoners to the race starts in downtown Phoenix and Tempe.  Trains will run every 10 minutes between the start of service at 5 a.m. through the race start at 7:30 a.m.

During the race, METRO will transition to a regular Sunday schedule, whereby trains run every 20 minutes, with the following service restrictions:

Due to a race crossing in Phoenix at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road, service will be suspended to the following stations between 7:30 – 9 a.m., or until the race has cleared:

•  Montebello/19th Avenue
•  19th Avenue/Camelback
•  7th Avenue/Camelback

Service will continue through race crossings in Tempe, but slight delays could result.  Please allow a few extra minutes to arrive at your destination.

Sunday service will resume to all stations once the race has cleared.  Additional trains will be provided to support the demand at race finish.

There will also be bus detours as a result of this event.  Select routes in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale will be impacted.  All transit riders planning to ride on Sunday are strongly advised to consult www.valleymetro.org or call Customer Service at (602) 253-5000 for more information.

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 13.2 million riders in 2011, exceeding the prior year by four percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders per weekday.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Service changes begin on Jan. 23

Phoenix, AZ (January 10, 2012)  From east valley to west valley, changes in bus service are occurring on January 23, 2012. Passengers can go online and check schedules and route maps before leaving for their destinations. Click here for a complete list of service changes.

“We continue to add tools that help make finding transit information easier,” said Scott Wisner, Valley Metro Customer Services Manager. “With the online Transit Book and NextRide, which gives bus and train arrival information, passengers can be self-reliant when planning transit trips.”

The Transit Book, which contains a summary of changes effective on January 23, is now available online or can be picked up at transit centers and on buses. Reference copies of the Transit Book are available at city libraries and city halls.

Two additions to service effective Monday, January 23 are shown below. There are no changes to the METRO light rail schedule.

• Route 251 – 51st Avenue: Route will travel from 27th Avenue and Baseline Road to Vee Quiva Casino at 51st Avenue and Komatke Lane offering 60 minute frequency.
• Route 563 – Buckeye Express: Route will travel from the new East Buckeye park-and-ride at the southwest corner of Jackrabbit Trail and Palm Lane to downtown Phoenix offering two morning and two afternoon trips. Each trip will stop at the Goodyear park-and-ride.

More than 30 bus routes will have adjustments on January 23, so passengers are advised to go online at www.ValleyMetro.orgto view all of the bus route changes.

The Transit Book is a 300-page comprehensive resource that passengers rely on for accurate information about riding transit. In addition to offering the schedules and maps for more than 80 bus routes and METRO light rail, the Transit Book features information in English and Spanish about fares, fare sales locations, and tips on how to ride the bus or light rail. 

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. Get the latest news by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
 

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Avondale Zoom Makes Service Adjustments on Jan. 23

On Monday, January 23, the Zoom neighborhood circulator will make some minor route adjustments, including adding a stop at Walmart on Rancho Sante Fe Blvd.

“Ridership has been tremendous since the inaugural day of service, climbing to more than 7,500 riders per month.” said Kristen Sexton, Transit Coordinator for the City of Avondale.  “Since its launch in July 2011, we have monitored feedback from our passengers, and as a result, we’ve made a few adjustments to include additional stops to accommodate service needs.”

The Zoom bus, with its unique bright red logo and checkered flag graphics, traverses a 14-mile route between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. each weekday in accessible vehicles that seat between 8 and 11 passengers. Service operates every 30 minutes taking passengers to local destinations and attractions for 50 cents (exact change required) per trip.  Among the destinations on the Zoom route are: Estrella Mountain Community College, Estrella High School, Randall McDaniel Sports Complex, Avondale Civic Center and Library, Historic Avondale, Avondale Auto Mall, University Technical Institute, Gateway Pavilions and now Walmart.

Funding of the route is provided by local and federal transportation funds. Operations of the route are provided by the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA).
For more information about Zoom or a map showing the new route, go to www.avondale.org/zoom. All Valley Metro transit information is available at ValleyMetro.org or by calling 602.253.5000; TTY 602.251.2039.

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Tempe Hosts Meetings on Proposed Changes to Service

This winter/spring, Tempe in Motion will gather feedback from passengers and residents on bus service changes that may occur in July 2012. These meetings are part of a three-year public involvement process to develop the service changes necessary to help address a forecasted budget deficit due to the slowing economy. The Tempe transit system is funded primarily by a half cent sales tax, which has decreased causing Tempe to reevaluate the transit system in order to reduce costs. Click here for details.

Holiday and December Special Events Schedule

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail will operate a Sunday schedule on the observed holidays for Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 2.  Trains arrive every 20 minutes on Sundays and holidays.  Buses will also operate using a Sunday schedule.

On Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, METRO will operate a regular schedule, but without late-night service; trains will complete their last full trip from the end-of-line stations at 11 p.m.

For the Insight Bowl on Friday, Dec. 30, and New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, METRO will run regular service with additional trains to support pre- and post-event crowds.  On Friday and Saturday nights, trains complete their last full trip from the end-of-line stations at 2 a.m. (the following morning).

For more information, contact Customer Service at 602-253-5000, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or click here for METRO’s regular service schedule. 

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009, exceeding all first-year ridership projections by 45 percent.  METRO continues to serve an average of 41,000 daily riders and refine its 20-mile operation.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Holiday Train Rolls into Service

PHOENIX, AZ — To spread holiday cheer and show continued gratitude to riders, METRO light rail will release a specially-decorated holiday train into service on Friday, Dec. 9.  It will stay in service through Sunday, Dec. 18. 

The train will be adorned inside and out with seasonal décor promoting the idea of holiday shopping along light rail.  To discover hidden, locally-owned restaurant and retail gems along METRO, visit m.shiftarizona.com from your smart phone or home computer.  This site was developed in partnership with Local First Arizona to help residents understand how and where to spend local this holiday season and year-round.

Follow the Holiday Train on @METROrail’s Twitter using hashtag #trackthetrain. Send us your photos when you catch a glimpse or as you’re on board. Your photo submission enters you to win holiday giveaways.

Note:  The METRO Holiday Train is a regular service train; fares are required to ride.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009, exceeding all first-year ridership projections by 45 percent.  METRO continues to serve an average of 41,000 daily riders and refine its 20-mile operation.  It is also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Update on East Valley Dial-a-Ride

Phoenix, AZ (January 20, 2012)  Developing a new method to provide travel to seniors and persons with disabilities will create an annual savings of more than $3 million for East Valley Dial-a-Ride’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service. The new service delivery model will incorporate more efficiency utilizing resources from the private sector, while allowing the custom, door-to-door service that these passengers need in their daily travels. The $3 million in savings will occur with the private contractor, fuel, and facility costs.

The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved a contract award to Total Transit, a transportation provider located in Glendale, Arizona. Total Transit also provides fixed route bus service for RPTA in the west Valley since 2007 and has been providing the Dial-a-Ride service in Sun City, El Mirage, and in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County utilizing their Discount Cab service since 2010.

“As we shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach, we are able to meet the needs of the disabled community using more suitable vehicles and a direct routing approach versus shared-ride travel,” said Jim Wright, Valley Metro Director of Operations. “Drivers will be trained extensively for the safety sensitive position and are upheld to the same federal standards as any other public transportation operator.”

East Valley Dial-a-Ride allows ADA-eligible passengers to travel between Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe without having to transfer when crossing city and town borders. Traditional operations of the service has occurred out of the RPTA bus operations facility in northeast Mesa by a private contractor that also provides fixed route bus service.

With fewer revenues being collected by the regional, half-cent sales tax that funds the service, it became necessary to look at cost-savings measures that could be implemented as early as possible. With a passenger fare of $3.50 per trip, the actual cost to operate a trip on Dial-a-Ride is $36.79.

The new service provider begins on July 1, 2012.

Passengers who ride East Valley Dial-a-Ride (EVDAR) should be aware that the service will continue as it is currently operating. East Valley Dial-a-Ride service, as well as all local fixed route and Express bus service, is provided by private contractors in an effort to provide efficient and cost-effective public transportation for Valley Metro. 

Please see the letter and flyer that was recently mailed to all East Valley Dial-a-Ride passengers.

As with all services provided, the safety of EVDAR passengers is the highest priority.

For those ADA passengers needing accessible vehicles, those services will continue to be provided. After July 1, 2012, there should be no disruption with your current service and you can continue to rely on East Valley Dial-a-Ride to provide your travel needs in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe.

We welcome your comments or questions by email at csr@valleymetro.org or by calling 602.253.5000.

Valley Metro is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide paratransit service (Dial-a-Ride) wherever local, fixed-route bus service is operating.

Phoenix 10K Day-of-Race Bus Detours and METRO Light Rail Service Delays

PHOENIX—Bus routes and light rail service in Phoenix will be affected when the Phoenix 10K and the related 5K run travel through central Phoenix on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 Several bus routes will be detoured to allow for the event, and light rail service will experience delays.

Starting and ending near the CityScape development at Jefferson Street and Central Ave., the race will run up Central Ave. as far north as Osborn Road. 

Local bus routes 0-Central Ave., 1-Washington St, 3-Van Buren St., 8-7th Ave., 10-Roosevelt/Grant, 15-15th Ave., 17-McDowell Rd., and 29-Thomas Rd. will be on detour during the race due to street closures.  Routes 3, 17 and 29 are scheduled to return to normal service by 11 a.m. All other detours are expected to last until approximately 2 p.m. 

Light rail service could be delayed by as much as 15 minutes per trip between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. due to the race.  Passengers are recommended to plan extra time to arrive at their destination. METRO service will run as normal before and following the race; trains run every 20 minutes on Sundays.

Transit riders are advised call customer service at 602.253.5000 for any route detour updates.

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METRO Ridership Peaks Again in October

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail saw its highest ridership on record in September 2011, only to have the record broke again one month later.  METRO had 1,258,711 total boardings in October, an eight percent increase over October 2010 and the highest in the system’s history.

“The increase can be attributed to a number of different factors including a large number of conventions, the Arizona Diamondbacks reaching the playoffs and Arizona State University football drawing a crowd,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “But it’s not solely events, it’s positive growth in response to good, quality service.”

METRO served a total of 55 special events, within a half-mile of the line, with an estimated attendance of 603,500.  The events range from conventions, to concerts, to charity walks and festivals.  The Arizona Diamondbacks had two home playoff games in October; however, the Phoenix Suns have yet to initiate their season, which typically starts in October.

METRO averaged 45,867 daily weekday riders in October; 36,725 daily riders on Saturdays; and 22,376 on Sundays.  The Saturday average is also the highest on record.

Click here for complete METRO ridership information. 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Valley Metro Board Moves Towards Single CEO for Transit Agencies

Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 27, 2011)  The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) Board of Directors has been working towards naming a successor for the agency after David A. Boggs announced his retirement effective December 31, 2011. Today, at the RPTA Board meeting, a unanimous decision was made to identify the current METRO Light Rail Chief Executive Officer, Stephen R. Banta as the candidate for the joint Executive Director/CEO for both RPTA and METRO. An independent legal firm will be negotiating with Banta to draft an employment agreement.

The RPTA and METRO Boards will meet again in November for continued discussion and possible approval of the employment agreement.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system. The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and planning is underway for six additional extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.
               
# # #

METRO Receives Grant Award for South Central Corridor

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO and City of Phoenix applied for and won $1 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s Alternatives Analysis (AA) competitive grant program.  METRO will conduct an AA, analyzing various high-capacity transit alternatives, for the South Central Phoenix corridor on Central Avenue between downtown Phoenix and Baseline Road.

An AA consists of evaluating the feasibility of several high-capacity transit routes and modes, including light rail, bus rapid transit and modern streetcar.  The study will also develop preliminary ridership forecasts, cost ranges, engineering and community issues and economic development opportunities.  The end result is identification of a single transit route and mode that best serves the South Phoenix community and larger transit system.  An AA study takes approximately two years to complete and is the first step in the process to compete for federal capital funds.

“Connecting where people live to where jobs and services are located is important to our quality of life, and becomes more important given where developments have occurred in the last decades,” said Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor.  “With this funding the City and METRO light rail will be able to explore and identify how to make the best use of the South Central corridor to connect residents from the south and southwest areas throughout Phoenix.  This study gives everyone an opportunity to discuss possibilities and constraints to help put the best plan forward.”

METRO previously received $500,000 from this same grant program to initiate a preliminary feasibility study of light rail in this corridor.  The study’s scope will be enhanced to complete a formal AA with a budget now totaling $1.5 million.

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

METRO Ridership Peaks in September

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail saw record ridership in September 2011 with 1,241,701 total boardings – the highest in the system’s nearly three years of service.  Ridership in 2011 is out-pacing records achieved in 2010 by an average of more than four percent.

“Our growth in ridership is indicative of quality service,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “When you give residents effective mobility choices and connections to life, they will ride.  Our focus has and will continue to be on the customer.”

METRO also saw its highest ridership day on record with 60,437 riders on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011.  The ridership spike was achieved by weekday commuters and special events that included home games for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University football.

METRO averaged 47,818 daily weekday riders in September; 34,520 daily riders on Saturdays; and 19,887 on Sundays.  METRO’s 2020 weekday ridership projection of 48,004, developed during project planning, was also nearly reached.

Click here for complete METRO ridership information. 

About METRO 

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

Newest Park-and-Ride in Mesa opens Feb. 21

Announcing the opening of four new commuter park-and-rides that are being added to the Valley Metro transit system. These park-and-rides are available for carpools, vanpools and will be served by Valley Metro public transit. There is no cost to park at these facilities. Stay tuned for updates as ongoing construction may cause opening dates to be adjusted.

Opens February 21, 2012
Gilbert Road/Loop 202—Red Mountain Freeway
Served by: Express Route 535 and Route 136

Now Open!
West Mesa
Country Club and Juanita
Served by: Express Route 531, Route 112, Arizona Avenue LINK stops near the park-and-ride
*Catch the bus at Country Club Drive beginning Monday, January 23.

Now Open!
Park-and-Ride at Power Road/Preston Street at Loop 202—Red Mountain Freeway
Served by: Express Route 535 and Route 184

Now Open!
East Buckeye Park-and-RideJackrabbit Trail (195th Avenue), ½ mile North of I-10 (just north of McDowell)
Served by: NEW Express Route 563 beginning January 23, 2012

New Mobile Site to Find Local Businesses Along Light Rail

PHOENIX, AZ — Local First Arizona (LFA) has launched “Shift the Way You Shop,” a campaign aimed at strengthening the local economy, increasing civic pride, and changing consumer buying patterns to increase the economic and cultural sustainability of the region. During this economic downturn LFA has identified a plan that will assist in economic recovery. It will also improve our environment, create jobs and enhance community development.

To celebrate all of the wonderful local businesses in the valley, Local First has partnered with METRO to create a light rail wrap and a full marketing campaign to run through the holidays that will include a mobile site which riders can use to find any locally-owned retail store, restaurant or entertainment within ½ mile of each light rail stop. The mobile site is free and will be available at http://m.shiftarizona.com/ on Wednesday, October 12th.

“Many people don’t realize how many locally owned businesses are located near the rail,” explained Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First Arizona, “and that choosing a local businesses to patronize means residents are keeping more money right here at home in Arizona.”  Lanning cites several studies that prove that buying locally actually increases community wealth and creates jobs.

For the launch, several notable people in the valley will identify their favorite light rail stops and join riders, local first fans, and others to ride and explore their community.

In Tempe, Councilmember and METRO Board member Shana Ellis will join Local First for a “ride along” where guests and riders will be encouraged to visit her top two light rail stops in Tempe: the Mill Avenue/Third Street station and the Tempe Transportation Center (Veterans Way/College Avenue). Kimber Lanning of Local First will act as tour guide and will offer up bits of history, interesting landmarks, and great new businesses that have opened in the Tempe area.

Those interested in joining the fun should meet at the Dorsey/Apache Boulevard station at 5 PM and ride to the Tempe Transportation Center on October 12. The group will be visiting such Tempe establishments as House of Tricks, Here on the Corner, and Canteen and will learn about biking opportunities, community gardens and other little known gems about Tempe.

In Phoenix, Councilmember and METRO Board Chairman Tom Simplot will host stops at Osborn/Central Avenue and Washington/Central Avenue, which are his two favorite stops on the line. Guests will visit an urban living environment along with great infill projects like Hanny’s, Cartel Coffee and more. Again, Kimber Lanning will act as tour guide and will offer up little known facts and history about the Phoenix area. Interested riders should plan to meet the group at Central Avenue/Cameback station at 5 PM on October 18th.

Other local notables will take part in “ride alongs” in October to celebrate the program’s launch. Stay tuned with Local First Arizona for more details.

Prizes will be given away to some lucky riders, so join in the fun and explore the community by learning more about the local businesses that make us proud to call the Valley home. Lanning says, “We’ll even be spreading the word about great local deals like where you can buy a great locally made lunch for only $5.99.” 

”Local businesses are assets to our line,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “The partnership with Local First Arizona is another opportunity for us to connect with these businesses and provide value to our transit riders.”

Shift the Way you Shop was inspired by a study that was recently completed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that examined the spending patterns of residents and businesses. The study determined if all 600,000 people in Grand Rapids county simply shifted 10% of their spending from national to local businesses, the result would be 1600 new jobs, an additional $130 million invested in the local economy and an increase of $50 million in local wages within one year. 

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Effective October 24, 2011

If your route is not listed below, it has not changed. 

Summary of Changes

Local Routes

Arizona Ave/Country Club Dr LINK – First morning northbound trip has been adjusted by 5 minutes.
Main St LINK – Schedule adjustments.
Route 30—University – First two morning westbound trips have been adjusted by 5 minutes. 
Route 112—Country Club/Arizona Avenue – Route will begin serving the new West Mesa Park-and-Ride at Country Club Dr. and Juanita in early November.  Several late trips added in Mesa on weekends to provide service until 9 pm.

NOTE: Route will follow July 25th routing until the Park-and-Ride opens. Opening is estimated for end of November.  Buses will pick up passengers at Iron Ave. and Country Club Drive.

Route 136—Gilbert Road – Route will begin serving the new Gilbert Rd/McDowell Park-and-Ride in early November.  Service along the Lindsay Rd. and Brown Rd. loop is eliminated.  Afternoon schedule adjustments to better connect to route 156 westbound.

NOTE: Route will follow July 25th routing until the Park-and-Ride opens.  Park-and-Ride opening is estimated for the end of November.

Route 184—Power Road – Route will begin serving the new Power Road Park-and-Ride at Power Rd. and Preston St.  Route 184 will continue to serve Red Mountain Mesa Community College in both directions.

NOTE: Route will follow July 25th routing until the Park-and-Ride opens.  Park-and-Ride opening is estimated for the end of November.

Express Routes

Route 511—Tempe/Scottsdale Airpark Express – Schedule adjustments.
Route 531—Mesa/Gilbert Express – Route will begin serving the new West Mesa Park-and-Ride at Country Club Dr. and Juanita in early November. Route will travel on Baseline Rd. between Gilbert Rd. and Country Club Dr.

NOTE: Using the Oct. 24th Transit Book supplement schedule, bus stop will be available on Country Club Ave. and Juanita Ave. until the Park-and-Ride opens – estimated for the end of November.

Route 532—Mesa Express – Eliminate one inbound and one outbound trip.
Route 535—Northeast Mesa/Downtown Express – Route will begin serving the new Power Road and Gilbert Rd/McDowell Park-and-Rides in early November.  Route will no longer travel to Power Rd. and Decatur; service begins and ends at the Power Road Park-and-Ride.  Add one inbound and one outbound trip.

NOTE:  Until the Park-and-Ride opens the route will follow July 25th routing, beginning at Power Rd and Decatur St., using the Oct. 24th Transit Book supplement schedule.

Rural Routes

Route 660 — Wickenburg to Glendale – Service will be discontinued.

Circulator Routes

Avondale Zoom – Schedule adjustments. (Not in Supplement. New schedule available onboard vehicle.)
Mesa Downtown BUZZ – Schedule adjustments.

Park-and-Rides

Three new Park-and-Ride (PNR) facilities will open in Mesa in early November

• West Mesa PNR at Country Club Dr. and Juanita
• Gilbert Rd./McDowell PNR
• Power Road PNR at Power Rd. and Preston St.

Information subject to change. For the most up-to-date information call (602) 253-5000.

Kudos to Valley Employers for Clean Air Efforts

Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 5, 2011) More than 1,200 employers in the Valley are working on your behalf to continue the fight to improve air quality. On Wednesday, October 26, Valley Metro’s Champions for Clean Air will be honored at a special awards luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. CBS Channel 5 Anchor Sean McLaughlin will serve up the ceremony’s carte du jour as Master of Ceremonies.

“At this important event, we focus on the organizations that are making a difference in reducing single occupant trips,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. County officials claim that for every 46 miles traveled, one pound of pollution is emitted.

Both public and private employers will be receiving clean air recognition due to their efforts to comply with the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program. Awards will range from outstanding commuters to best trip reduction program.

Support from community businesses is imperative in hosting the annual event. SRP, who has a long history of being a foremost environmental leader, is the top sponsor and will be participating in the luncheon festivities.

“As a strong supporter of sustainability, SRP has participated in the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program for 22 years. At SRP, we offer our more than 4,000 employees a variety of programs that encourage the use of alternative commutes from van pools to light rail to carpooling,” said Lori Singleton, Manager of Customer Program Operations for Solar, Sustainability and Telecom.

Entries vying for top spots in various categories include:

Transportation Coordinator – Companies with 50-149 Employees
Valerie James – Scottsdale Cultural Council
Bonnie Serino - WorldatWork
Juan Barreto – Area Agency on Aging

Transportation Coordinator – Companies with 150-499 Employees
Katie Dunham – Equity Fund Advisors, Inc.
Terry Solis – Friendship Village of Tempe

Transportation Coordinator – 500+ Public Employer
Julie Howard – City of Mesa
Sue Taaffe – City of Tempe

Transportation Coordinator – 500+ Private Employer
Marcia Rightnour – Walmart Distribution Center
Diane Reega – Arizona Biltmore

Trip Reduction Program – 50-149 Employees
Friendship Village of Tempe
Area Agency on Aging
Scottsdale Cultural Council

Trip Reduction Program – 150-499 Employees
Berge Ford
IKEA Tempe
             
Trip Reduction Program – 500+ Public Employer
City of Phoenix
Maricopa County
City of Glendale

Trip Reduction Program – 500+ Private Employer
Scottsdale Healthcare
American Express
Southwest Gas

Leadership
Debbie Badge – Quarles & Brady
Gary Bacon – ARCADIS – Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.
Jamsheed Mehta – City of Glendale

Marketing & Creativity – Electronic and/or Print Media
City of Mesa
Gompers Habilitation Center
Boeing Company

Marketing & Creativity – Event or Campaign Under $500
Equity Fund Advisors, Inc.
WorldatWork

Marketing & Creativity – Event or Campaign Over $500
Quarles & Brady
Capitol Rideshare – State of Arizona

Outstanding Telework Program
Scottsdale Insurance Company
ARCADIS – Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.
Maricopa County Tobacco Use Prevention Program

Bike Program
City of Tempe
Bull Information Systems, Inc.
City of Mesa

Outstanding Commuter – Transit User
Cindi Farmer – ASU
Jean Makin – ASU
Hans “Bill” Sandberg – Maricopa County

Outstanding Commuter – Carpooler
Anthony Navarro & Robert Wooten – City of Avondale
Cindy Hansen – City of Mesa
Mike Dugan & Rose Barton – ASU

Outstanding Commuter – Bicyclist/Walker
Margaret Richey – Boeing Company
Jody Rockmaker – ASU
Scott Mackeigan – Scottsdale Cultural Council

Outstanding Multi-Modal Commuter
Claudia Vazquez – Scottsdale Cultural Council
Janene Welker – ASU
Dr. Rajni L. Nair – ASU
Dawn Parker – Maricopa County
Mariah Silk – Maricopa County
Mara DeLuca – Maricopa County

MAG Livable Communities
City of Tempe
City of Mesa
City of Glendale

Corporate Sustainability
Arizona State University
IKEA Tempe
USAA Phoenix Campus

People’s Choice Bulletin Board
Area Agency on Aging
Southwest Gas
WorldatWork

Winners for each category will be announced at the luncheon on October 26. Results from the awards ceremony will be made available at the Valley Metro website.
To register for the luncheon, contact Valley Metro at (602) 523-6074 or click here. Cost is $40.00 per person or $375 for a table of ten. Registration closes October 19. For more information, call (602) 523-6074 or email us at: cleanair@valleymetro.org.

The Clean Air Campaign is sponsored by the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County Air Quality Department and Valley Metro.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004. 
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Route 660 Rural Connector to Make Final Stop Oct. 21

Phoenix, AZ (October 3, 2011) More than five years ago, Route 660, the rural connector route that serves the areas between the cities of Wickenburg and Glendale began providing weekday trips to help get residents to jobs, medical appointments, shopping and social visits. The route, which was intended to serve as a life line for people having few travel options, will make its final trip on Friday, October 21.

“We know that there are riders that rely on this service for basic needs, so we are very disheartened to see this service end,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro executive director.

The weak economy has resulted in lower sales tax revenues, a major funding source for transit. As a result, transit service has been reduced in 2011 and is anticipated for reduction in 2012.  The Route 660 rural connector route receives half of its operating funds from the countywide half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004 and the other half from a grant through the Federal Transit Administration.

With low ridership and increased need for these funds on other services, the funding is no longer available to support this route.  As a result, Route 660 will discontinue service effective October 24, 2011.

“It’s been our pleasure to provide the Route 660 rural connector service and we appreciate the public’s support that we’ve encountered since the route began serving the northwest Valley communities,” said Boggs. “We hope that people will continue to seek out Valley Metro for carpool and vanpool options or to plan bus and light rail trips in the metro Phoenix area.”

Despite ongoing marketing efforts, average ridership for Route 660 is less than three passengers per trip resulting in an operations cost of about $54.72 each.  Fares typically cover about 25 percent of the cost of operations, however, fares collected from Route 660 covered an average of 4.58 percent operations’ costs.

For online transit trip planning or carpool matching assistance, go to www.ValleyMetro.org or call (602) 253-5000.
Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.               

# # #

Route 685 Survives Service Cuts

Phoenix, AZ (Sept. 22, 2011)  The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) Board of Directors approved cuts in Valley Metro service today that would take effect on October 24, 2011. However, Route 685, the rural connector service that averages 60 passengers each weekday and operates between Ajo, Gila Bend, Buckeye, Avondale and Phoenix, will continue service as usual making five weekday and two Saturday roundtrips.

“We received overwhelming feedback on how important the Route 685 bus service is for the elderly and those who have no other means of reliable transportation,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director. “This bus service is a life line for getting people in rural areas to jobs, medical appointments, shopping, and school.”

Funded by Proposition 400 funds, the county wide transportation half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004, and federal grants, the service will continue to be reviewed annually. Due to a weak economy, which has resulted in fewer sales tax revenues being generated for funding transit service in Maricopa County, service cuts are being made to local and Express routes, including the elimination of the rural connector bus Route 660 that serves Wickenburg.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.
 
# # #

Tempe Introduces Hybrid-Electric Buses

Bus passengers on several Tempe routes are getting to ride on new 60-foot, hybrid-electric buses since being introduced in early September. These 17 hybrid-electric buses are environmentally-friendly and will save money in fuel and maintenance costs. They will replace older 30, 35 and 40-foot Tempe buses that have surpassed their useful life, which is 500,000 miles or 12 years.

“Over the last three years, Tempe has modified its bus routes and reduced service in some areas in order to balance the transit budget,” said Greg Jordan, Interim Deputy Public Works Director. “These larger buses will reduce overcrowding along heavily traveled corridors throughout the region.”

The fleet was paid for with regional Proposition 400 funds, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 formula grant funds specifically allocated for bus fleet replacement and FTA’s Clean Fuels Grant Program, which provided the hybrid propulsion system. Environmental benefits include less pollution, less noise, better riding experience for passengers and reduced parts and labor costs.

One unique characteristics of the hybrid-electric bus is its engine. The engine on these buses is programmed to idle while the bus is operating in the electric mode. From 0 to 15 mph, the bus runs on stored electrical power. When a typical bus accelerates from a stop light, the engine labors producing heavy exhaust emissions and loud noise. With the new 60-foot, hybrid-electric buses, heavy emissions and noise are eliminated during acceleration.

In addition, when the bus operator removes his or her foot from the accelerator, the electric motors reverse direction to provide dynamic braking without having to actually use the brakes. This extends the brake life beyond the typical 75,000 miles to over 250,000 miles before brake servicing is required.

These vehicles represent the second generation of Tempe’s transit bus fleet and continue the city’s commitment to alternative fuel technology, innovation, efficiency and a high regard for passenger service.

The city of Tempe Transportation program, Tempe in Motion (TIM), provides light rail, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and encourages getting around Tempe in anything but a car. Since the passage of the city’s 1996 transit sales tax, Tempe has: added bus service, implemented five free neighborhood circulator routes, created an alternatively-fueled fleet, constructed light rail, built bikeways, constructed two “green” buildings and implemented neighborhood pedestrian facilities. For bus route and schedule information visit www.tempe.gov/tim or call 602-253-5000.

METRO to Commemorate 9/11

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO will participate with transit agencies across the country in the nationwide Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EST, 10 a.m. local, to honor the victims and 10th anniversary of 9/11.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, METRO trains will pause and ring their bells for 30 seconds.  Train operators will provide advance warning.  METRO stations will also display an announcement sharing “9/11 – Never Forget.” 

Beyond this short pause in service, METRO will run a normal Sunday schedule with trains running every 20 minutes.

Decision by judge says state must reinstate transit funds

Click here for full story in The Arizona Republic dated September 3, 2011..

Avondale’s Zoom bus is a Winner

Phoenix, AZ (August 31, 2011)  Ridership on the Avondale Zoom neighborhood circulator bus service has gotten off to a winning start. Getting the green flag on Monday, July 25, the Zoom bus now averages more than 300 riders each day.

“Our residents told us they would like alternative modes of transportation to move around the community to shop, dine, get to work or attend institutions of higher learning,” said Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers. “The Zoom circulator service offers an economical, convenient and greener way to take people to the places they need and want to go around town, as well as make connections to routes that will take them to destinations outside Avondale.” 

Zoom statistics show that more riders are using the new service each week.

The Zoom bus, with its unique bright red logo and checkered flag graphics, travels a 14-mile route between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. each weekday in accessible vehicles that seat between 8 and 11 passengers. Service operates every 30 minutes taking passengers to local destinations and attractions for 50 cents per trip.

Funding of the route is provided by federal and local funds and operations is provided by the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA). The route connects with Valley Metro bus Route 3 at the Avondale Civic Center and Route 17A at 99th and McDowell avenues. Full fare must be paid when boarding these routes.

For more information about Zoom, go to www.avondale.org/zoom. All Valley Metro transit information is available at ValleyMetro.org or by calling (602) 253-5000; TTY (602) 251-2039.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

Open House to Review Tempe Streetcar Track and Stop Locations

PHOENIX, AZ — Where will streetcar stop and how will it operate in the existing street network have been topics of discussion at the Tempe Streetcar Community Working Group for the past eight months.  This group, working alongside METRO and Tempe technical staff, has debated several options, coming to conclusion on 14 stop locations and a street configuration that will best serve the project and community needs.

The public will have the opportunity to review the recommended track and stop locations at an open house on Sept. 6.  The meeting will be conducted as an open house to talk individually with community members about their interest areas, so attendees are encouraged to stop by at any time.

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011
6 – 8 p.m. open house
Tempe High School Cafeteria
1730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe

Tempe Streetcar will run between Rio Salado Parkway and Southern Avenue in the Mill Avenue corridor.  It will be built using a mix of regional Proposition 400 funds and federal grant dollars by 2016. 

Streetcar vehicles operate on tracks, typically mixed with automobile traffic, and are powered by overhead power lines.  They differ from light rail vehicles in their smaller vehicle size and single-car operation.  Stops are also more simple and frequent than light rail. 

The Community Working Group (CWG), consisting of residents and business owners along the 2.6-mile route, provided input that further refined preliminary design elements, including definition of streetcar track configuration, bicycle facilities and stop locations.

For additional information or to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact Carla Kahn at (602) 744-5552/TTY (602) 251-2039 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

Tempe Streetcar project information is available online at www.metrolightrail.org/tempestreetcar.  For more information on the CWG, visit www.tempe.gov/tim.

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.

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3rd Grade Transit Designs Needed for 2012 Calendar

PHOENIX (Aug. 22, 2011) – The seventh annual Cool Transit STUFF contest (formerly Cool Bus STUFF Contest) kicks off with an invite to all 3rd graders in Maricopa County that love to draw buses or trains. With the theme, Valley Metro: Go Far Without a Car, Valley youth are encouraged to focus on being courteous, being environmentally-minded or just having fun while on a bus or train.

The objective of the contest that features the winning art in a 2012 calendar is to promote excitement about public transportation and how we can work together to improve our communities.  Transit provides solutions to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Include city bus and light rail images, family and community in your design.

Who: All 3rd graders in Maricopa County during FY 2011/12 school year
What: 7th Annual Cool Transit STUFF Contest
Where: Click here for the entry form
When: Entries accepted until Friday, October 7, 2011
How: Use the reverse side of the entry forms as the canvas! Draw a picture that focuses on one of the following six areas:

1. Be courteous
2. Environment
3. Safety
4. Awareness
5. Fun
6. Enjoy

Why: To be one of 13 winners and win fun prizes including a pizza party for your class!
 
Rules of the contest:
• Artwork can be drawn in crayons, colored pencils, markers, or computer drawings and must be drawn on an 8 ½ x 11 white piece paper (no lined paper).
• All 3rd graders in Maricopa County during the 2011/2012 school year are eligible to submit art.
• Artwork must be designed and created by an individual student.
• Contest is limited to one entry per person.
• Deadline for entry is Friday, October 7, 2011 at 5 p.m.
• Artwork can be mailed to:
        Valley Metro
        Attn: Transit Education Department
        101 N. 1st Avenue, Ste. 1100 (Delivered contest forms should go to Ste. 1300)
        Phoenix, AZ 85003

Judging is based on successfully illustrating one of these themes, as well as creativity and neatness. For more information about the contest, contact Transit Education at (602) 523-6070.
Transit Education is a major initiative provided by Valley Metro that includes school classroom presentations, bus and light rail field trips, and community event participation.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system. All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.
 

Phoenix Public Transit Solicits Comment on Future Bus Route Changes

Phoenix — Three public meetings will be held by the Phoenix Public Transit Department to present proposed changes to City of Phoenix funded Valley Metro routes.  The proposed changes affect local routes which provide service in south and southwest Phoenix.  Proposed changes would be effective on January 23, 2012, and could include an extension of Route 77-Baseline Road to 75th Ave in Laveen; and reductions or alterations to local bus routes 0-Central Ave.; 7-7th St; 8-7th Ave.; 19-19th Ave.; and 35-35th Ave.  Routes could also be redirected to service a new park-and-ride to be constructed at 27th Ave. and Baseline Road.

PUBLIC MEETINGS
When: 5:30 p.m — 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Where: Cesar Chavez High School, 3921 West Baseline Road, Laveen, AZ 85339

When: 5:30 p.m. — 6:30p.m., Monday, September 12, 2011

Where: Betty H. Fairfax High School, 8225 South 59th Avenue, Laveen, AZ 85339

PUBLIC HEARING

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Open house begins at 5:30 p.m., public hearing begins at 6 p.m., and continues until all comments are heard.

Where: Ed Pastor Transit Center

10 W. Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85041

Written comments accepted:  “Bus Service Changes,” City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, 302 N. 1st Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix AZ 85003 or e-mailed to pubtrans@phoenix.gov until 5:00 p.m., Wed., Sept. 14, 2011.  Information on proposed bus service changes will be posted at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/jan2012.html
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Walgreens Now Sells Transit Passes

Phoenix, AZ (Aug. 17, 2011) Now, there are 170 more reasons to buy your transit pass in advance of riding the bus and light rail. Walgreens, with 170 stores offering Valley Metro passes, has joined the transit agency network of retail partners.  With a total of more than 400 locations along transit routes selling transit fares, it’s a matter of greater convenience and cost savings for all bus and light rail passengers.

“Welcoming Walgreens as a retail partner will make it easy for customers to add transit passes to their shopping lists,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director.

Walgreens sells Valley Metro’s most popular fare passes including All-day passes at $3.50 each or 31-day passes at $55.00 each. Reduced* fare All-day passes at $1.75 each and 31-day passes at $27.50each are also available at Walgreens stores. Both types of passes are good for unlimited, all-day travel on both bus and light rail.

“We are pleased to offer this convenience for Valley Metro transit commuters,” said Walgreens market vice president Barry Zins. “With our presence on major corridors across the region, Walgreens is a natural destination for transit passes.  This service also fits well with our focus on offering convenient access to health and daily living needs in every community we serve. ”
Along with Walgreens, the retail fares sales line-up includes 7-Eleven stores, PLS Check Cashers stores, Fry’s Food and Safeway grocery stores. For details on locations selling fares, click here.

*Persons with disabilities, seniors 65 and older and youths 6 through 18 qualify for reduced fares on local bus routes and light rail, not including Express or Rapid service.  Passengers should be prepared to show proof of eligibility.  Acceptable forms of proof include: a driver’s license, Medicare card, state or government issued I.D. card, a Valley Metro reduced-fare I.D. card or current student I.D. with photo.

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,742 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multi-channel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

# # #

Annual Transit Ridership Released

Phoenix, AZ (July 28, 2011) Ridership on transit remains steady in the Valley, despite fewer miles of transit service last fiscal year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011). There were 54.8 million passengers on the Valley Metro bus in 2011, which is down from 55.6 million passengers in 2010. Buses provided about 29 million miles of service last year, or about 10 percent less than the previous year due to the economic downturn. 

“Funding of transit has significantly affected service levels resulting in cuts that have slowed the pace of building a regional transit system,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “In spite of today’s economic challenges, we hope to continue to look at ways to deliver transit service more efficiently.”

Although METRO light rail reduced service miles, due to the sales tax revenue decline, by about 18 percent in 2011, the service experienced an increase in ridership.  Light rail ridership continues to climb and exceed expectations with more than 12.8 million passengers in 2011, up from 12.1 million in 2010.

“The increase in ridership is validation that the community continues to see value in the service we provide,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “This momentum serves us well as we work to expand quality transit service to more of the Valley.”

The number of bicycles on buses also continues to expand with 1.5 million bikes loaded in 2011, up from 1.4 million in 2010. Bicycles are considered a popular way to extend a transit trip.

To capture new riders, Valley Metro released the first of eight Notes informational videos in November 2010 that have addressed the top concerns received by customer service, such as how to ride the bus or light rail or how to pay a fare. The videos, with music from local bands, have helped make riding transit less intimidating for first-time passengers.

Funding of transit operations is mostly from the revenues collected through local sales taxes dedicated to transit. In March 2010, there was a permanent repeal of Lottery funds by the Arizona state legislature, which provided $23 million annually to towns and cities in Maricopa County to help fund transit operations. Passenger fares cover about 25 percent of the cost to ride.

Ridership reports on bus and light rail are available at www.valleymeto.org.
Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.# # #

METRO Takes Design-Build Approach with Central Mesa Extension

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO light rail will take advantage of the competitive market and gain the early insight of a contractor with a Design-Build delivery method for its 3.1-mile Central Mesa extension.  This decision is a departure from METRO’s typical project delivery approach of Design-Bid-Build, but it works in favor of advancing a project in this economy and building it in such a way that is supportive of the local business community.

“The challenging economy presents us with an opportunity to think creatively about how we move projects forward,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “A quality design/builder can help us navigate towards a successful project that will best serve the neighboring community and the public dollar.  It will also benefit the project’s timeline.” 

A strong benefit of the Design-Build approach is that the construction contractor will come on board early to work directly with the designer to build plans that are workable for both parties.  Contractor expertise will also help to build a construction schedule that meets the needs of the agency, project and community.

“The City of Mesa supports the Design-Build option for the Central Mesa light rail extension,” Mesa Councilmember and METRO Board Vice Chairman Dennis Kavanaugh said.  “It will advance the schedule and put Arizonans to work.”

The Central Mesa project team is now finalizing preliminary engineering.  These plans will be delivered to a design/build team for further development in spring 2012.  A Request for Qualifications, to initiate the Design-Build procurement, has been issued as of Sunday, July 24.  Click here for more detail on the procurement process.

Future project milestones remain intact.  Utility relocation will begin in spring 2012 with the project to be complete in 2016.

About Central Mesa light rail extension 

The Central Mesa project is a 3.1-mile light rail extension that will travel east from the current end-of-line through downtown Mesa on Main Street to Mesa Drive.  The extension will provide East Valley residents with greater connection to the regional transit system and help support the growth of downtown Mesa.  For more information, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 40,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.  For more information, visit www.metrolightrail.org.

METRO Light Rail Serves 200,000 Across the Five Days of MLB All-Star

PHOENIX, AZ — With the additional capacity of three-car trains, METRO light rail served more than 51,000 riders on game day, July 12, and nearly 200,000 across the five days (July 8 – 12) of Major League Baseball’s All-Star 2011.  Typical daily ridership in July is 29,000.

“We put our best foot forward to provide good, quality service to those visiting the Phoenix area for the first time and to take care of our everyday riders,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “We appreciate the support of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball for seeing value in our service and allowing us to take part in the All-Star Red Carpet event on Tuesday.”

MLB All-Star-wrapped trains traveled through the Red Carpet parade on July 12 that welcomed All-Star players and their families into Chase Field, the site of the All-Star game later that evening.  The red carpet ran adjacent to the light rail tracks on Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.  For photos of this event, visit METRO’s Facebook page.

“METRO light rail has positively impacted our fan experience since its arrival,” said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall.  “We greatly appreciate the cooperation, spirit and generosity from its leadership around the All-Star events.  They had all baseball fans and their best interests in mind and provided clean, comfortable, efficient and first-class value.”

METRO also provided service to many new, local riders who took advantage of the MLB All-Star opportunity to try transit.

“The kids and I rode the [light] rail yesterday from Mesa to Phoenix for MLB FanFest!  It was easy and fun (and AIR CONDITIONED!!!),” said mother and first-time rider Wendy Dunn.

For more information on METRO light rail, visit www.metrolightrail.org.

Central Mesa Light Rail Extension Receives Environmental Clearance

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO has received the Finding of No Significant Impact (or FONSI) from the Federal Transit Administration for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.  This approval comes following the submittal of the project’s Environmental Assessment, required to understand the extension’s effect on its neighboring environment and to continue to compete for federal grant dollars.

“This is another significant step toward implementing the voter-approved extension of light rail, which is so important to not only Mesa, but to the entire metro region,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.

After more than a year of reviewing potential property, historic preservation, air quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials and other impact areas, the receipt of the FONSI indicates that no significant environmental effect would occur with the implementation of this project. 

“This is good news that took a lot of hard work and rigorous analysis by METRO working closely with the City of Mesa,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “It also allows us to initiate other key areas of work including utility relocation and real estate acquisition discussions.”

The Central Mesa extension will travel on Main St. from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa to Mesa Dr.  It will include four stations and a park-and-ride lot.  The project is currently in design.  As the design progresses, precise real estate needs will be determined and discussions with property owners would ensue at that time.  Utility relocation is expected to begin in summer 2012 with the line operational in 2016.

For more information on Central Mesa, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

Changes to bus service effective July 25

Phoenix, AZ (July 14, 2011)  A myriad of service changes take effect on Monday, July, 25. Passengers should check schedules before leaving for their destination as changes are being made to bus service across the Valley.
“Passengers should try to go online by using their mobile device or a computer to confirm their travel plans,” said Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “We see more and more passengers wanting immediate information and with online access it’s easier and quicker to get route information.”

Another reason to go online is that fewer Transit Books will be available in July compared to previous years. Reference copies of the Transit Book are available at city libraries and city halls. To keep up with the cost of printing, Valley Metro has estimated the Book’s value at $2.00 per copy and plans to charge for the Book in the future. For now, all Transit Books distributed on buses and at Transit Centers are free. 

If calling for bus and light rail route or schedule information, please note that Customer Service hours have changed. Valley Metro Customer Service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Representatives will not be available for bus and light rail service on major holidays.

Some of the major changes effective Monday, July 25 to the Valley Metro regional public transit system are shown below. There are no changes to the METRO light rail schedule.

• “Zoom” Avondale circulator will replace Route 131 (START) and will provide neighborhood circulator service traveling in smaller vehicles. Each trip costs $.50 and passengers must pay an additional full fare to travel on any connecting Valley Metro bus route. The first week of service (July 25-29) is free.
• Loloma Station in Scottsdale will no longer be open for pass sales and Routes 41 and 72 will continue to travel to Indian School Rd. and Scottsdale Rd.
• LINK: Both Arizona Avenue/Country Club Dr. and Main St. routes will have their schedules adjusted.
• Route 40 (Apache/Main): The Tempe portion of the route is being eliminated. Route will travel between Superstition Springs Transit Center and Loop 101 Freeway/Apache Blvd. park-and-ride. Route 40 is renamed Route 40-Main Street. In addition, there are schedule adjustments.
• Route 62 (Hardy/Guadalupe): Route will no longer travel on Price Rd. between Baseline Rd. and Guadalupe Rd. Trips will begin and end at Price Rd. and Guadalupe Rd. Weekday peak service is reduce from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.
• Route 76 (Miller Rd.): Route is now Miller Road Trolley and is free to ride.
• Route 108 (Elliot Rd.): Portion of the route serving Arizona Mills Mall from Priest Drive to Baseline Road eliminated; service will begin and end at Priest Drive and Elliot Road.
• “BUZZ” Mesa circulator will have significant schedule and routing changes, as well as an extension to Brown Road and Mesa Drive on select weekday trips.
• Select low ridership trips have been eliminated on Routes 30, 45, 61, 66, 72 and 81.

To view all of the bus route changes, go online at www.valleymetro.org. The Transit Book is available online and in printed format. Books are available at libraries, transit centers, city halls and on buses.
The Transit Book is a 300-page comprehensive resource that passengers rely on for accurate information about riding transit. In addition to offering the schedules and maps for more than 80 bus routes and METRO light rail, the Transit Book features information in English and Spanish about fares, fare sales locations, and tips on how to ride the bus or light rail.  The release of the Transit Book coincides with the release of Valley Metro Notes’ newest song, “The Amazing Transit Book.”

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 16 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. You can follow Valley Metro RPTA and METRO Light Rail on Twitter and Facebook. 

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Avondale’s Zoom Circulator Bus Route Gets the Green Flag

Phoenix, AZ (July 13, 2011)  On Monday, July 25, the official green flag will fly when the Zoom neighborhood circulator buses “start their engines” to serve the residents in Avondale. The public is encouraged to attend an event to help celebrate the official qualifying round of service, which will include local officials, special guests and a Phoenix International Raceway pace car. Zoom Kick-off—A “Green Flag” Celebration

8 a.m., Monday, July 25
Avondale Civic Center Library Bus Stop
11350 W. Civic Center Drive
Avondale, AZ 85323

“Our residents told us they would like alternative modes of transportation to move around the community to shop, dine, get to work or attend institutions of higher learning,” said Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers. “The Zoom circulator service offers an economical, convenient and greener way to take people to the places they need and want to go around town, as well as make connections to routes that will take them to destinations outside Avondale.” 

The Zoom bus, with its unique bright red logo and checkered flag graphics, will traverse a 14-mile route between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. each weekday in accessible vehicles that seat between 8 and 11 passengers. Service operates every 30 minutes taking passengers to local destinations and attractions for 50 cents per trip. However, for the very first week of service, July 25 – 29, ridership on the Zoom will be free.

The route, which is funded by federal and local sources, was given the green flag after the completion of a feasibility study and public input in 2010. Eighty-four percent of residents said they would either use the service often or occasionally if the community shuttle was available to them. With transit service across the Valley being reduced due to budget and sales tax declines, the route was viewed as a positive step forward for the local community and the destinations it would serve.

Funding of the route is provided by federal and local funds. Operations of the route will be provided by the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA). The route will connect with Valley Metro bus Route 3 at the Avondale Civic Center and Route 17A at 99th and McDowell avenues. Full fare must be paid when boarding these routes.

For more information about Zoom, go to www.avondale.org/zoom. All Valley Metro transit information is available at ValleyMetro.org or by calling 602.253.5000; TTY 602.251.2039.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.  

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Chandler Seeks Input on Bus Service Reductions

Chandler would like residents to comment on possible bus service reductions due to a significant decline in sales tax revenues.

The meetings are scheduled for:

• 6:30 p.m., July 12, Room 170 of the Mesa City Plaza Building, 20 E. Main St. (RPTA regional public hearing for regional service changes)
• End of August—date to be determined, Chandler Transportation Commission
• Mid-September-date to be determined, Chandler City Council Meeting.

The reduced revenue will necessitate changes to Chandler’s bus service, including possible reductions in service hours, and elimination of routes.

Representatives from the city and Valley Metro will be present at the meetings to receive comments from the public. Any changes will take effect in January 2012.

A list of possible service reductions can be found by visiting www.chandleraz.gov/transit, along with an online comment form. The public can also provide input by e-mailing the City’s Transit Office at transit@chandleraz.gov.

Final recommendations will be presented to the Chandler Transportation Commission on Aug. 11 and the City Council on Aug. 18.

Central Station Reopens on July 4

After almost a year of ARRA-funded reconstruction, Phoenix’s newly refurbished Central Station will reopen to bus service and passengers on July 4, 2011.  Eight of the Valley Metro bus routes displaced during the project move back into the station:  Local routes: 0-Central Ave (northbound), 1-Washington/Jefferson, 3-Van Buren (westbound), 8-7th Ave. (north and southbound), 7- 7th St. (northbound), and 10-Roosevelt/Grant (eastbound); and Express routes 571 and 573.  Other bus routes moved during the project will remain in their new stops on the streets surrounding Central Station. For a map of the area, click here.

Because July 4 is a holiday, bus service will be limited and run on the Sunday schedule found in the Transit Book.  Bus service and customer services fully reopen at Central Station on Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

July is also the start of new service days for Phoenix’s four staffed transit centers, which will open only Monday through Friday, including Central Station whose customer service hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more passenger convenience, fare vending machines on-site are available 24 hours a day and retailers who sell Valley Metro transit passes can be found at ValleyMetro.org or by calling Valley Metro customer service at 602-253-5000.

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Cool Off at the 3rd/Washington Light Rail Station

NRG Thermal LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG), has built an innovative system that uses solar power and the Company’s downtown district cooling system to provide cooling to the seating areas of the popular 3rd Street/Washington METRO light rail station. The system is now operational and will run May through September annually, when summer temperatures often exceed 110 degrees.

“I was able to experience a similar system during a business trip to Dubai and brought the idea back to Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “NRG took the ball and ran with it, investing its money and expertise to make this happen. This solar-powered system will make riding the light rail in Phoenix even cooler. It’s an example of public-private partnership at its best!”

“This partnership with NRG will have a direct and positive impact on our riders,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta. “In addition to being a welcomed customer amenity, this project is the first use of solar energy on our system. We’re hopeful it can lead to other solar opportunities along our current line and as we grow.”

NRG designed and built this project in record time to help keep fans cool during the Major League Baseball All-Star 2011 being held in Phoenix, July 8 - 12.

Project benefits include:
• Free and on-demand cooling for passengers will improve the rail system experience.
• The system is environmentally friendly, leveraging the existing energy-efficient downtown district cooling system and using solar power to operate the air-conditioning/air-moving system.
• NRG will cover the entire cost of building, operating and maintaining this new system, which means no additional costs to local residents and commuters. 
• The project will include an educational exhibit showcasing the technology and how it works.

NRG owns and operates NRG Energy Center Phoenix, which provides cost-efficient and effective cooling for 34 major buildings in downtown Phoenix including Chase Field, US Airways Center, the Phoenix Convention Center, the Sheraton Hotel, Symphony Hall and CityScape among others. NRG also owns and operates distributed solar systems in Arizona at several schools, which help reduce the schools’ utility bills and provide shade for on-campus parking lots. NRG is in the process of building 12 large solar pavilions at schools in four districts across the state as the first stage of the program. NRG also provides large-scale solar solutions in Arizona as the Company is developing a 25 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Pima County and the 290 MW Agua Caliente PV project in Yuma County.

About NRG
NRG Energy, Inc. is a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 Index company that owns and operates one of the country’s largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company’s power plants provide 25,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to supply approximately 20 million homes. NRG’s retail businesses—Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy Company—serve nearly 1.9 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers. With major investments in solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

About METRO light rail
METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system.  The first 20-mile light rail line opened December 2008 and served 12.6 million riders in 2010, exceeding the prior year by 11 percent.  METRO serves an average of 43,000 riders each weekday while also planning for six extensions that will create a 57-mile system by 2031.  More information is available at www.metrolightrail.org.

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Media Contacts:

NRG Energy
David Gaier
609.524.4529

METRO light rail
Hillary Foose                  
602.322.4468

City of Phoenix
Michael Hammett
602.495.5405

East Valley Dial-a-Ride Fares Increase on July 1

Mesa, AZ (June 13, 2011)

The East Valley Dial-a-Ride service for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) customers will experience a $.50 cent increase to $3.50 per trip effective Friday, July 1. The current fare is $3.00. The fares were scheduled to change each year after a 2009 fare policy went into effect that stated the ADA or paratransit service in the East Valley would experience increases in fares each year until fares were two times the local bus cash fare or $3.50, as allowed by the ADA.

East Valley Dial-a-Ride ADA service is provided in the cities and towns of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe.  East Valley Dial-a-Ride non-ADA service, which is also available to persons age 65 and older, is offered in Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe. Flyers will be placed on vehicles beginning June 20.

To contact a local East Valley Dial-a-Ride provider, call 602.253.5000 or for more information, click here.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments sets the policy direction for the agency and works to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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Service Changes Effective July 25, 2011

Please note that information is subject to change.

New Route

Avondale ZOOM Circulator – Route 131 – START is replaced by the new Avondale ZOOM circulator.  The route travels from Thomas Road and Dysart Road to McDowell Road and 99th Avenue and costs $.50 each way. Service is provided Monday through Friday.

Facility Closure

Loloma Station in Scottsdale – See the Local Routes section below for changes to Route 41 – Indian School and Route 72 – Scottsdale/Rural that previously served Loloma Station.  The Scottsdale Downtown and Neighborhood Trollies will continue to board and de-board at Loloma Station.  For more information on fare outlet locations, click here.

Local Routes

Selected low ridership trips have been eliminated on routes: 30, 45, 61, 66, 72 and 81.

Arizona Ave./Country Club Dr. LINK – Schedule adjustments to enhance trip speed and better coordinate with light rail.  Improved weekday service.

Main Street LINK – Schedule adjustments to enhance trip speed and better coordinate with light rail.

Route 39 – 40th Street – North end portion of the route will turnaround in the Mayo Clinic parking lot off of 56th Street. 

Route 40 – Apache/Main St – Tempe portion of route eliminated.  Route travels between Superstition Springs Transit Center and the Loop 101 Freeway/Apache Blvd. Park-and-Ride.  Route is renamed Route 40 – Main St.  Schedule adjustments.

Route 41 – Indian School – Route no longer serves Loloma Station and will remain on Indian School Road through the city of Scottsdale. 

Route 48 – 48th Street/Rio Salado – Weekday peak service is reduced from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.

Route 62 – Hardy/Guadalupe – Route will no longer travel on Price Rd between Baseline Rd and Guadalupe Rd.  Trips will begin and end at Price Rd and Guadalupe Rd.  Weekday peak service is reduced from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.

Route 70 – Glendale/24th Street – No longer serves the “South Gate” at Luke Air Force Base.  Route will now access the “Lightning Gate” just north of Glendale Avenue.

Route 72 – Scottsdale/Rural – No longer serves Loloma Station.  Route will remain on Scottsdale Road through the city of Scottsdale.  Schedule adjustments.

Route 76 – Miller Rd – Route is now Miller Road Trolley.  See Circulator Routes section below for more information.

Route 81 – Hayden/McClintock – Schedule adjustments.  Route will use Raintree Drive instead of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to travel to Hayden Road where it will continue to connect to Route 170 – Bell.

Route 106 – Peoria/Shea – Improved service in the city of Peoria.  Service between 67th Avenue and 99th Avenue in Peoria will operate Monday through Saturday.

Route 108 – Elliot Rd – Portion of the route serving Arizona Mills Mall from Priest Drive to Baseline Road is eliminated; service will begin and end at Priest Drive and Elliot Road. 

Route 112 – Country Club/Arizona Avenue – Schedule adjustments.  Additional weekday trips have been added as well as 60 minute frequency on weekends.

Route 136 – Gilbert Rd – The Gilbert Road and McKellips Road park-and-ride has been eliminated. Schedule adjustments.

Route 186 – Union Hills – East end portion of the route will turnaround in the Mayo Clinic parking lot off of 56th Street. 

Express/RAPID Routes

Route 511 – Tempe/Scottsdale Airpark Express – Route now exits Loop 101 freeway at Raintree Drive and travels to Scottsdale Airpark via Hayden Road/Redfield Road/Thunderbird Road.

Route 520 – Tempe Express – Portion of the route serving River Drive and Alameda Drive is realigned to travel on Broadway Road and McClintock Drive.

Route 521 – Tempe Express – Portion of the route along Price Road from Broadway Road to Baseline Road is eliminated.  The route will begin inbound at Baseline Road and Price Road.

Route 532 – Mesa Express – The Gilbert Road and McKellips Road park-and-ride has been eliminated.

Route 535 – Northeast Mesa/Downtown Express – The Gilbert Road and McKellips Road park-and-ride has been eliminated.  All trips will begin and end at Power Road.

Route 542 – Chandler/Downtown Express – The outbound trip beginning at 5:45 p.m. is replaced with an outbound trip beginning at 3:35 p.m.

RAPID I-17 – Schedule adjustments.

RAPID SR-51 – One inbound morning trip has been added.

Circulator Routes

Mesa Downtown BUZZ – Significant routing changes including an extension of service to Brown Road and Mesa Drive on selected weekday trips.

Miller Road Trolley – Route 76 – Miller Road in Scottsdale is now a free circulator route.

“Dump the Pump” on June 16

If fuel costs have taken over your budget, then it’s time to take a vacation from high gas prices. On June 16, Arizonans are being asked to participate in the National Dump the Pump Day. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the sixth annual event encourages people to reduce trips to help save the pain at the pump. Click here for details on participating cities.

“Dump the Pump AZ is a perfect reason to try riding the bus or light rail, or even finding a carpool partner,” said Tempe Councilmember and Valley Metro Chair Shana Ellis, who drives a Toyota Prius for work, public office duties and family commitments. “We hope residents will find there are smarter ways to travel, which also will provide a payback in both finances and air quality.”

Transit agencies in many Arizona cities including Yuma, Sierra Vista, Kingman, Tucson, Flagstaff, and metro Phoenix will be participating in Dump the Pump AZ hoping for a significant dip in the consumption of fuel on June 16. Local city and regional transit agencies, as well as the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA), believes that the initiative will help Arizonans choose more efficient travel alternatives.

“If we can get a person to try transit, he or she will better recognize its value and continue using it in the future,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “Events like these help eliminate the hesitation around riding public transportation – it is, in fact, easy to use and an affordable way to travel about the region.”

According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report (www.apta.com), individuals in a two-person household can save an average of $834.00 per month when taking public transportation and living with one less car.

“As more and more Americans look for ways to save money at the gas pump, the choice to switch transportation is a smart decision,” said APTA president William Millar. “Switching from driving to riding public transportation is a proven way for individuals to cut monthly and yearly transportation costs.”

Valley Metro offers the following tips to help you Dump the Pump on June 16:

1. Go online at www.valleymetro.org and use the transit trip planner or Google Transit to plan a bus or light rail trip
2. Find a carpool partner at the ShareTheRide.ValleyMetro.org.
3. Ask your boss if you can work from home that day.
4. Calculate your fuel savings using our online calculator or find gas-saving commute alternatives by going to www.valleymetro.org.

Valley Metro RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local and federal revenues. A board of 16 governments determine the policy direction for the agency and work to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.# # #

Design of Central Mesa Light Rail Extension Underway

The 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension has completed 30% design.  Preliminary roadway design and station art and architecture concepts have been developed for the light rail extension that will travel east from the Sycamore end-of-line, through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive by 2016.

To view the presentation from the 30% design review public meeting, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.  Public comment is always welcome.

METRO will return to the community for the 60% design review public meeting in fall 2011.  With every design milestone, METRO will seek community input.  Public input is critical during the early phases of design as it can have direct impact on the final product.

For additional information, please contact Lisa Procknow at (602) 495-8213/TTY (602) 322-4499 or lprocknow@metrolightrail.org. 

Ozone HPA in Effect

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is issuing an ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Friday, May 27.

Ozone concentrations in the Valley reached their highest levels of the season on Tuesday and elevated levels are expected to remain because of a continued warming trend under cloudless skies. On Thursday, air quality forecasters expect several Valley areas to possibly exceed the federal health standard for ozone.

As a result, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is enforcing the mandatory “No Burn Day” restriction for Maricopa County from midnight to midnight Thursday. This restriction includes individuals and businesses that have burn permits for open burning.

“Outdoor activities are expected with the upcoming holiday weekend, so it’s a perfect time to think about air quality,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “Reduce trips, ride transit and help reduce ozone-forming emissions to keep the air healthier for everyone.”

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid outdoor activities on Thursday and suggests the general public limit outdoor activity throughout the day.

Valley Metro requests employers activate their HPA Plan. Residents and employers are asked to use these tips to help make the air healthier to breathe:

Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimineas and outdoor fire pits.

Drive as little as possible: car pool, use public transit or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.valleymetro.org
Avoid using leaf blowers.

Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

Delay big painting projects until high-pollution advisories or health watches have passed.

Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

To learn more about the air you’re breathing, visit: www.cleanairmakemore.com

OZONE BACKGROUND: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal “ozone season.”

WHO’S WHO?

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high pollution advisories or health watches. Please visit www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or call (602) 771-2367. To receive the air quality forecast via email and/or text message please visit www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html

CONTACT: Mark Shaffer – (602) 771-2215 desk / (480) 433-9551 cell

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Please visit www.cleanairmakemore.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Holly Ward – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 16 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. Please visit www.valleymetro.org to learn more.

CONTACT: Susan Tierney – (602) 523-6004 desk / (602) 292-4093 cell

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