Valley Metro light rail stations can, at times, be bustling. I wanted to know which ones are the busiest and the reasons why.
According to the Valley Metro Rail Ridership by station annual report, the busiest light rail stations, according to average, are Dunlap/19th Ave with 1,528 boardings, Gilbert Rd/Main St with 1,307 boardings, 19th Ave/Montebello with 923 boardings, and 44th/ Wash St with 896 boardings.
Debby Thacker, Valley Metro rail operations manager, said the 44th and Wash St station is busy as passengers arrive and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The nearby PHX Sky Train transports passengers to and from Sky Harbor terminals. Using the Sky Train can cut down on traffic and parking hassles.
Thacker said when ASU is in session, or there’s a sporting event, the two ASU stations see added passenger loads. When expecting large crowds at ASU sporting events, Valley Metro will position extra trains nearby for rail passengers.
I’ve experienced large crowds at the busy Veterans Way/College station both before and after an ASU game. But the light rail was easily able to get me to the event on time. When the game ended, it took nearly no time to reach the station and leave the busy Sun Devil Stadium area. I’m glad I didn’t have to drive, fight the crowds, and find a parking space.
The Valley Metro Rail system connects the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa by providing pathways to work, education and entertainment.
There are many sports, shopping, restaurants, and arts and culture destinations along the line. Check out (Valley Metro Rail System Fact Sheet)
The Valley Metro app lets you see where trains and buses are in real-time. Check it out at (Valley Metro app).
