— Special Report — First Tracks Laid for Light Rail Vol. VIII, Issue 3 T Fall 2005

he METRO light rail system is literally making Rail’s assistance program includes sev- A New Era for Public Transportation in the Valley tracks, with the first stretch of rail recently laid eral elements, such as business promotions, special busi- Implementing the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Tfor the 20-mile system. ness signage, a 24-hour construction hotline, business Construction crews began installing track this counseling and access to low-interest loans. In addition, summer at the maintenance and storage facility site, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) program was cre- new era in public transportation in • Service Effectiveness and Efficiency Study located south of Washington ated to give community Maricopa County has begun. The Regional Developing performance measures to allow for and 48th streets. More members the opportunity Destinations is the official newsletter of Valley Metro A Transportation Plan (RTP), approved by citi- the objective assessment of current and future bus than 1,000 feet of track has to empower the neighbor- zens last November, will play a key role in transforming service in order to ensure that regional investments in already been installed—one hoods directly affected the face of transit in the region over the next 20 years. transportation achieve their desired effects. of the most significant by construction. CABs Bus Ridership Continues to Rise The extension of the county-wide, half-cent sales tax and exciting milestones to evaluate contractors on will fund new and improved freeways as well as addi- • Regional Safety and Security Plan date for the METRO light how well they minimize aalleylley MMetro’setro’s bbusus rridershipidership nnumbersumbers aarere iin,n, 400 in November 2004. The resulting transportation tional bus transit, rural transit, Dial-a-Ride and light Developing detailed safety and security plans to rail system. impacts to the community rail service. address operational and physical vulnerabilities aandnd aaccordingccording ttoo tthehe 22004-2005004-2005 rridershipidership plan will seek to address the increasing demands on our Work is also progress- and recommend whether rreporteport tthehe nnumberumber ooff bboardingsoardings ccontinuesontinues ttoo transit system. The program will begin by funding In order to implement the of transit vehicles and the ing on other sections of to award quarterly mon- V iincreasencrease bbyy llargearge mmargins,argins, jjumpingumping 44.34.34 ppercentercent tthishis improvements to local and Express bus routes including RTP plan, Valley Metro/ system’s infrastructure. the route—including east etary incentives for RPTA will be undertaking yyear.ear. TThehe nnationalational aaverageverage fforor regionally integrated ‘supergrid’ Washington Street and in construction mitigation. iincreasesncreases iinn ttransitransit ssystemystem rrider-ider- bus service; funding the purchase a series of studies that will • Regional Park-and-Ride downtown Phoenix—where More information define the operational and Planning First METRO tracks being laid south of Washington and 48th streets. sship,hip, bbyy ccomparison,omparison, iiss 2 ppercent.ercent. of new buses and Dial-a-Ride crews are relocating utili- about METRO construc- TThehe ssystemystem eexperiencedxperienced 556.46.4 mmil-il- vehicles as well as new and capital requirements involved Preparing environmental ties and preparing the street for future tracks. At Tempe tion progress and the construction assistance program llionion bboardingsoardings ooverver tthehe llastast 1122 improved bus stops; and by allo- in this 20-year service expan- documents, and in some Beach Park, piers and footings are being installed for can be found on the Web site at mmonths,onths, aass ccomparedompared ttoo aapproxi-pproxi- cating funding for the construction sion. Current fiscal year 2006 cases preliminary designs, the new light rail bridge over the lake. Valley Metro Rail www.valleymetro.org/rail.Valley Metro Rail is a non- mately 54 million at the same time of more regional park-and-rides planning studies include: for new regional park-and- has put in place several comprehensive assistance and profit, public corporation overseeing the design, ride lots to include Loop mitigation programs to minimize construction impacts construction and operation of the METRO light rail last year. and 27 additional miles of • Express Bus and Freeway 101/Scottsdale Road wherever possible. system, which is scheduled to open in December 2008. Since March 2000, when light rail. Bus Transit (BRT) (Scottsdale), Mustang/Loop Phoenix voters passed Transit “Valley Metro provides a valu- Operating Plan 101 (Scottsdale) 2000, ridership has increased by able service to many residents Developing a detailed operating plan to identify and Loop 202/Greenfield Road (Mesa). more than 40 percent through- who rely on the bus to get to specific routes and infrastructure improvements Destinations is the official newsletter Valley Metro Board of Directors Production Team out the entire Valley Metro sys- work, school and shopping,” said needed for future freeway Express and BRT routes, • Park-and-Ride Prioritization of Valley Metro. It is published with Avondale Councilmember Marie Lopez Rogers Managing Editor: Susan Tierney tem. Contributing to the overall Valley Metro/RPTA Executive as well as to coordinate service with planned freeway Evaluating and, where necessary, reprioritizing the a circulation of approximately 6,000 Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn Assistant Editor: Kristy Corbett increase is Express and Phoenix RAPID bus service, Director Dave Boggs. improvement projects. phasing recommendations for regional park-and- copies. We welcome your letters, El Mirage Mayor Fred Waterman which together have risen 23 percent since 2004. “The increase in our total ridership shows that more Gilbert Councilmember Les Presmyk (Vice Chair) Contributing Writer: Greg Roybal ride lots originally identified in the 2001 Maricopa comments, and suggestions. In response to continued population growth in the residents are using the bus because it is a convenient and • (BRT) Corridor Study – Association of Governments Park-and-Ride Study. Glendale Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs Layout: Mike Smith Destinations is also available on audio- Maricopa County Supervisor Andy Kunasek region and the consequential demand for transportation economical way to travel.” Main Street, Mesa This reprioritization will also address three addi- tape. If you know of anyone who might Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker options, Maricopa County residents passed Proposition Defining what infrastructure investments are needed tional regional park-and-rides identified in the 2003 be interested in receiving Destinations Peoria Vice Mayor Pat Dennis (Chair) For more information, (vehicles, intersection and signal improvements, sta- Regional Transportation Plan. in that format, please call Valley Metro’s Phoenix Councilmember Peggy Bilsten (Treasurer) Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross tion design) in order to establish a BRT corridor on Pat Dillon at (602) 534-1806. visit our Web site at Valley Metro Asks Passengers to Stay Alert Main Street in Mesa, as well as integrating this ser- • Bus Stop Program and Standards Surprise Councilmember Cliff Elkins www.ValleyMetro.org. Tempe Councilmember Len Copple vice with existing and planned fixed-route bus and Developing standards and identifying needs for bus alley Metro is encouraging riders and transit “In today’s light rail transit service in Mesa. stop improvements along current and future regional Valley Metro/RPTA Executive Director David Boggs employees to renew their commitment to secu- world, bus pas- routes, including the preparation of a coordinated Vrity and safety awareness. sengers should • Passenger Satisfaction Surveys implementation program. To receive future issues of Destinations, please write or call Valley Metro: Using the principles of Transit Watch, a federal pro- be everyday safe Monitoring customer opinions about ongoing PRSRT STD gram based on the Neighborhood Watch program, transit by being every- 302 N. First Ave. Suite 700 Phoenix, Arizona 85003 (602) 262-7433 service changes through annual passenger For more information about the Regional US POSTAGE users and employees are asked to work together to create day watchful,” satisfaction surveys. Transportation Plan, and the fiscal year 2006 PAID a safe environment on vehicles and at bus stops. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said in a statement released planning program, contact Stuart Boggs at Phoenix, Arizona Increased interest in safety comes months after the after the security level was heightened. • Wireless Communications Network [email protected] U.S. Department of Homeland Security raised the threat Suspicious activities or persons should be reported Permit No. 386 Performing a study to assess the costs and benefits of level for transit systems to a high alert. Valley Metro immediately to bus operators or transit security officers. moving the current wireless transit communications passengers have been asked to watch what takes place The public can also call (602) 253-5000 to report any network to a newly established government on buses and at bus stops, and to be aware of suspicious concerns or suspicious behavior. radio frequency. behavior or packages aboard transit vehicles.

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Destinations fall 2005.indd 2 9/1/2005 12:32:45 PM Valley Metro is a political subdivision of the state of Arizona overseen by a 12- member board of New Buses Roll Into Town Next Year CityCity byby CityCity Scottsdale Trolley Offers Year-Round Service local elected officials. cottsdale city officials are making it easier It was created by rders for new buses have diesel buses that are fueled by an ultra-low sulfur Transit updates from across the Valley Metro service area Each trolley stop features a sign with a map of to get around Scottsdale’s historic Old Town the route and free brochures to assist new riders voters in 1985 been placed by the city diesel and have a special exhaust component that and the nearby shopping and arts district. of Phoenix Public Transit traps soot and particles to keep them from being S and visitors. with the passage O On July 1, the circulator service—Scottsdale Trolley— of Proposition 300. Department and Valley Metro/RPTA emitted into the air. Mesa Bus Shelters Provide Shade and Culture began operating year-round. and are due to arrive in 2006. To maximize its purchasing power, the city of The move was made to support continuing reinvest- Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Increases 39 Percent New bus shelter at the The Phoenix bus purchase is fund- Phoenix is entering into a Cooperative Procurement ment in this well-known part of Scottsdale, as well as The Scottsdale Trolley has gained new ridership For the hearing he wait for a bus in Mesa is more pleasant corner of Broadway ed primarily by federal grants, with a Pilot Program with the Regional Transportation meeting the needs for increased with the increase in downtown and speech impaired, thanks to the artist-designed passenger shelter and Macdonald in Mesa. portion coming from the Transit 2000 Commission of Southern Nevada for the purchase that was recently installed at the southeast cor- residential development. Also residential development. Besides transit, rideshare, and tax in Phoenix and Proposition 400 of 25 forty-foot buses operated by Liquefied T important, city officials want to tourists and local visitors, new ner of Broadway Road and Macdonald. The shelter, titled ADA information is revenues. The Valley Metro bus pur- Natural Gas (LNG), with an anticipated arrival “Desert Oasis,” was designed by artists Damian Charette Tiled mosaic on ensure that visitors can move homeowners in the Old Town available on TTY by chase is being funded by Proposition date of early 2007. The entire contract calls for and Martin Moreno, with the help of the Xicanindio column of the shelter. quickly and easily within district are finding the trolley a the downtown area. viable resource for easily accessing calling (602) 495-0936. 400 dollars and is part of the overall the purchase of 188 forty-foot buses over a five- Cultural Arts and Youth Development Program. The par- expansion of bus service and replace- year period. ticipants helped create the ceramic tile mosaics that are The trolleys operate every stores, restaurants and entertain- ment of older vehicles included in The ALEX (Ahwatukee Local EXplorer) neigh- mounted on the seating and columns. 10 minutes, Monday through ment venues. the 20-year Regional Transportation borhood circulator vehicles, which travel a 40-mile Another artist-designed shelter, located at the north- Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Trolley ridership has increased Plan (RTP). round trip route, will be replaced with new thirty- east corner of Center and 1st Avenue, near the Mesa Arts and travel to the Main Street 39 percent during the past winter foot buses and are expected to arrive in late 2006. Center, is scheduled to be completed later this month. The Arts District, Marshall Way Arts and spring, as compared to the City of Phoenix Bus Purchase Also anticipated for a late 2006 delivery is the first shelter, titled “Memento,” will feature photographs of District, Fifth Avenue Shops, the previous year. City officials are The city has a five-year contract that includes the shipment of modified vans for Phoenix Dial-a-Ride historic downtown Mesa. Galleria and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Service will attributing the increase in ridership to the new residents who now call the Scottsdale downtown area ‘home purchase of up to 50 forty-foot and 45 sixty-foot service. A total of 183 vehicles will arrive over a The City’s newest artist-designed shelter, to be installed in the fall of 2006, will be located at be extended until 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings for the downtown Artwalks. sweet home.’ five-year period. Power Road and Banner Drive, near the Banner Baywood Medical Center. Although they have an antique look, complete with a For information about the shelters, contact the Mesa Public Art Program at (480) 644-6628. Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Since 2002 clanging bell and cow-catcher, the trolleys run on clean- Valley Metro Bus Purchase 2002 2003 2004 2005 burning bio-diesel fuel. They carry up to 22 passen- Passengers* 42,456 49,498 54,504 75,527 Valley Metro/RPTA has also leveraged the pur- Chandler Anxiously Awaits New Park-and-Ride gers and feature windows that can be removed for an chasing power of the Los Angeles Metropolitan open-air ride. During warmer months, the trolleys are *These numbers represent total number of boardings on an annual basis. Transportation Authority by purchasing 28 forty- he city of Chandler has received fund- The park-and-ride is scheduled to be open by 2008 equipped with air conditioning to keep passengers com- For more information about the Scottsdale Trolley, foot buses and 10 sixty-foot articulated buses ing that allows a land purchase for a new when Express service begins operation. fortable. The vehicles are wheelchair-accessible and call the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau at through its contract. The buses will run on clean- T park-and-ride located near Germann Road Chandler officials see the park-and-ride as adjust to allow easy access for everyone. burning (CNG). and Tumbleweed Park. About $1.9 million in federal being beneficial for carpoolers as well, and will be (480) 421-1004, or www.scottsdaletrolley.com. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement extremely useful at popular city events, such as the Program (CMAQ) funds were provided for the July Fourth celebration. project by way of the Maricopa Association of In total, MAG will provide Chandler with about Governments (MAG). $3 million in CMAQ funding, which includes the wid- Glendale Transit Service Earns High Marks A 2001 MAG regional study showed that a park- ening of the Alma School and Warner roads intersection, A New Look for Buses on Schedule and-ride near loops 202 and 101 would support Express as well as an additional $450,000 to pay for three new recently published ridership survey indicates time (92%). Most GUS riders are satisfied with the bus service between Chandler and downtown Phoenix. street sweepers. that Glendale residents are very satisfied service (96%) as well as the safe driving and courtesy lans are currently underway to change the 13-year old paint scheme on the entire fleet of Valley A with their Dial-a-Ride and GUS the Bus (95%) of the operators. Metro buses, including the buses owned and operated by the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. 79th Ave. Park-and-Ride Construction Nearly Complete (Glendale Urban Shuttle) transit services. Dial-a-Ride is “We are extremely pleased to receive high marks, “The timing of the new look coincides perfectly with arrival of new buses in 2006,” said Scott a transit service available for seniors and persons with particularly in such areas as cleanliness and driver cour- PWisner, Marketing and Customer Service manager. hen shade was needed most last July, shade disabilities. GUS the Bus is a neighborhood tesy,” said Glendale’s Deputy City Manager Horatio In developing the new design, a task force of city representatives and consultants has been assigned to was being added. The city of Phoenix-owned circulator bus service that travels Skeete. “These positive ratings look at all aspects of a new paint scheme. The paint W park-and-ride located at 79th Avenue and in Glendale’s central corridor. demonstrate the pride and devotion design contract was awarded to Thinking Caps in I-10 began construction on new shade canopies for car- Glendale’s survey findings all of our transit employees have in May 2005, the same design consultant that had poolers and express bus riders who drive to the facility show that nearly all Dial-a-Ride providing exceptional customer and typically leave a vehicle parked there during daytime created the current design on Valley Metro buses. passengers are satisfied with the service.” hours. During the construction, park-and-ride users were drivers’ safety and courtesy (97%) Dial-a-Ride provides over A presentation of proposed designs may be presented asked to carpool to the facility because one-third of the and vehicle cleanliness 86,000 rides a year for residents, and to the Valley Metro Board of Directors as early as available parking area was unusable at any one time. (98%). More than nine out of 10 there are more than 80,000 board- October 20, 2005. A bus featuring Valley Metro's current design. The west side park-and-ride was also upgraded are picked up at their scheduled ings annually on GUS the Bus. with additional closed-circuit cameras for safety and security purposes.

~ 2 ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ 4 ~

Destinations fall 2005.indd 1 9/1/2005 12:32:30 PM Valley Metro is a political subdivision of the state of Arizona overseen by a 12- member board of New Buses Roll Into Town Next Year CityCity byby CityCity Scottsdale Trolley Offers Year-Round Service local elected officials. cottsdale city officials are making it easier It was created by rders for new buses have diesel buses that are fueled by an ultra-low sulfur Transit updates from across the Valley Metro service area Each trolley stop features a sign with a map of to get around Scottsdale’s historic Old Town the route and free brochures to assist new riders voters in 1985 been placed by the city diesel and have a special exhaust component that and the nearby shopping and arts district. of Phoenix Public Transit traps soot and particles to keep them from being S and visitors. with the passage O On July 1, the circulator service—Scottsdale Trolley— of Proposition 300. Department and Valley Metro/RPTA emitted into the air. Mesa Bus Shelters Provide Shade and Culture began operating year-round. and are due to arrive in 2006. To maximize its purchasing power, the city of The move was made to support continuing reinvest- Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Increases 39 Percent New bus shelter at the The Phoenix bus purchase is fund- Phoenix is entering into a Cooperative Procurement ment in this well-known part of Scottsdale, as well as The Scottsdale Trolley has gained new ridership For the hearing he wait for a bus in Mesa is more pleasant corner of Broadway ed primarily by federal grants, with a Pilot Program with the Regional Transportation meeting the needs for increased with the increase in downtown and speech impaired, thanks to the artist-designed passenger shelter and Macdonald in Mesa. portion coming from the Transit 2000 Commission of Southern Nevada for the purchase that was recently installed at the southeast cor- residential development. Also residential development. Besides transit, rideshare, and tax in Phoenix and Proposition 400 of 25 forty-foot buses operated by Liquefied T important, city officials want to tourists and local visitors, new ner of Broadway Road and Macdonald. The shelter, titled ADA information is revenues. The Valley Metro bus pur- Natural Gas (LNG), with an anticipated arrival “Desert Oasis,” was designed by artists Damian Charette Tiled mosaic on ensure that visitors can move homeowners in the Old Town available on TTY by chase is being funded by Proposition date of early 2007. The entire contract calls for and Martin Moreno, with the help of the Xicanindio column of the shelter. quickly and easily within district are finding the trolley a the downtown area. viable resource for easily accessing calling (602) 495-0936. 400 dollars and is part of the overall the purchase of 188 forty-foot buses over a five- Cultural Arts and Youth Development Program. The par- expansion of bus service and replace- year period. ticipants helped create the ceramic tile mosaics that are The trolleys operate every stores, restaurants and entertain- ment of older vehicles included in The ALEX (Ahwatukee Local EXplorer) neigh- mounted on the seating and columns. 10 minutes, Monday through ment venues. the 20-year Regional Transportation borhood circulator vehicles, which travel a 40-mile Another artist-designed shelter, located at the north- Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Trolley ridership has increased Plan (RTP). round trip route, will be replaced with new thirty- east corner of Center and 1st Avenue, near the Mesa Arts and travel to the Main Street 39 percent during the past winter foot buses and are expected to arrive in late 2006. Center, is scheduled to be completed later this month. The Arts District, Marshall Way Arts and spring, as compared to the City of Phoenix Bus Purchase Also anticipated for a late 2006 delivery is the first shelter, titled “Memento,” will feature photographs of District, Fifth Avenue Shops, the previous year. City officials are The city has a five-year contract that includes the shipment of modified vans for Phoenix Dial-a-Ride historic downtown Mesa. Galleria and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Service will attributing the increase in ridership to the new residents who now call the Scottsdale downtown area ‘home purchase of up to 50 forty-foot and 45 sixty-foot service. A total of 183 vehicles will arrive over a The City’s newest artist-designed shelter, to be installed in the fall of 2006, will be located at be extended until 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings for the downtown Artwalks. sweet home.’ five-year period. Power Road and Banner Drive, near the Banner Baywood Medical Center. Although they have an antique look, complete with a For information about the shelters, contact the Mesa Public Art Program at (480) 644-6628. Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Since 2002 clanging bell and cow-catcher, the trolleys run on clean- Valley Metro Bus Purchase 2002 2003 2004 2005 burning bio-diesel fuel. They carry up to 22 passen- Passengers* 42,456 49,498 54,504 75,527 Valley Metro/RPTA has also leveraged the pur- Chandler Anxiously Awaits New Park-and-Ride gers and feature windows that can be removed for an chasing power of the Los Angeles Metropolitan open-air ride. During warmer months, the trolleys are *These numbers represent total number of boardings on an annual basis. Transportation Authority by purchasing 28 forty- he city of Chandler has received fund- The park-and-ride is scheduled to be open by 2008 equipped with air conditioning to keep passengers com- For more information about the Scottsdale Trolley, foot buses and 10 sixty-foot articulated buses ing that allows a land purchase for a new when Express service begins operation. fortable. The vehicles are wheelchair-accessible and call the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau at through its contract. The buses will run on clean- T park-and-ride located near Germann Road Chandler officials see the park-and-ride as adjust to allow easy access for everyone. burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). and Tumbleweed Park. About $1.9 million in federal being beneficial for carpoolers as well, and will be (480) 421-1004, or www.scottsdaletrolley.com. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement extremely useful at popular city events, such as the Program (CMAQ) funds were provided for the July Fourth celebration. project by way of the Maricopa Association of In total, MAG will provide Chandler with about Governments (MAG). $3 million in CMAQ funding, which includes the wid- Glendale Transit Service Earns High Marks A 2001 MAG regional study showed that a park- ening of the Alma School and Warner roads intersection, A New Look for Buses on Schedule and-ride near loops 202 and 101 would support Express as well as an additional $450,000 to pay for three new recently published ridership survey indicates time (92%). Most GUS riders are satisfied with the bus service between Chandler and downtown Phoenix. street sweepers. that Glendale residents are very satisfied service (96%) as well as the safe driving and courtesy lans are currently underway to change the 13-year old paint scheme on the entire fleet of Valley A with their Dial-a-Ride and GUS the Bus (95%) of the operators. Metro buses, including the buses owned and operated by the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. 79th Ave. Park-and-Ride Construction Nearly Complete (Glendale Urban Shuttle) transit services. Dial-a-Ride is “We are extremely pleased to receive high marks, “The timing of the new look coincides perfectly with arrival of new buses in 2006,” said Scott a transit service available for seniors and persons with particularly in such areas as cleanliness and driver cour- PWisner, Marketing and Customer Service manager. hen shade was needed most last July, shade disabilities. GUS the Bus is a neighborhood tesy,” said Glendale’s Deputy City Manager Horatio In developing the new design, a task force of city representatives and consultants has been assigned to was being added. The city of Phoenix-owned circulator bus service that travels Skeete. “These positive ratings look at all aspects of a new paint scheme. The paint W park-and-ride located at 79th Avenue and in Glendale’s central corridor. demonstrate the pride and devotion design contract was awarded to Thinking Caps in I-10 began construction on new shade canopies for car- Glendale’s survey findings all of our transit employees have in May 2005, the same design consultant that had poolers and express bus riders who drive to the facility show that nearly all Dial-a-Ride providing exceptional customer and typically leave a vehicle parked there during daytime created the current design on Valley Metro buses. passengers are satisfied with the service.” hours. During the construction, park-and-ride users were drivers’ safety and courtesy (97%) Dial-a-Ride provides over A presentation of proposed designs may be presented asked to carpool to the facility because one-third of the and vehicle cleanliness 86,000 rides a year for residents, and to the Valley Metro Board of Directors as early as available parking area was unusable at any one time. (98%). More than nine out of 10 there are more than 80,000 board- October 20, 2005. A bus featuring Valley Metro's current design. The west side park-and-ride was also upgraded are picked up at their scheduled ings annually on GUS the Bus. with additional closed-circuit cameras for safety and security purposes.

~ 2 ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ 4 ~

Destinations fall 2005.indd 1 9/1/2005 12:32:30 PM Valley Metro is a political subdivision of the state of Arizona overseen by a 12- member board of New Buses Roll Into Town Next Year CityCity byby CityCity Scottsdale Trolley Offers Year-Round Service local elected officials. cottsdale city officials are making it easier It was created by rders for new buses have diesel buses that are fueled by an ultra-low sulfur Transit updates from across the Valley Metro service area Each trolley stop features a sign with a map of to get around Scottsdale’s historic Old Town the route and free brochures to assist new riders voters in 1985 been placed by the city diesel and have a special exhaust component that and the nearby shopping and arts district. of Phoenix Public Transit traps soot and particles to keep them from being S and visitors. with the passage O On July 1, the circulator service—Scottsdale Trolley— of Proposition 300. Department and Valley Metro/RPTA emitted into the air. Mesa Bus Shelters Provide Shade and Culture began operating year-round. and are due to arrive in 2006. To maximize its purchasing power, the city of The move was made to support continuing reinvest- Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Increases 39 Percent New bus shelter at the The Phoenix bus purchase is fund- Phoenix is entering into a Cooperative Procurement ment in this well-known part of Scottsdale, as well as The Scottsdale Trolley has gained new ridership For the hearing he wait for a bus in Mesa is more pleasant corner of Broadway ed primarily by federal grants, with a Pilot Program with the Regional Transportation meeting the needs for increased with the increase in downtown and speech impaired, thanks to the artist-designed passenger shelter and Macdonald in Mesa. portion coming from the Transit 2000 Commission of Southern Nevada for the purchase that was recently installed at the southeast cor- residential development. Also residential development. Besides transit, rideshare, and tax in Phoenix and Proposition 400 of 25 forty-foot buses operated by Liquefied T important, city officials want to tourists and local visitors, new ner of Broadway Road and Macdonald. The shelter, titled ADA information is revenues. The Valley Metro bus pur- Natural Gas (LNG), with an anticipated arrival “Desert Oasis,” was designed by artists Damian Charette Tiled mosaic on ensure that visitors can move homeowners in the Old Town available on TTY by chase is being funded by Proposition date of early 2007. The entire contract calls for and Martin Moreno, with the help of the Xicanindio column of the shelter. quickly and easily within district are finding the trolley a the downtown area. viable resource for easily accessing calling (602) 495-0936. 400 dollars and is part of the overall the purchase of 188 forty-foot buses over a five- Cultural Arts and Youth Development Program. The par- expansion of bus service and replace- year period. ticipants helped create the ceramic tile mosaics that are The trolleys operate every stores, restaurants and entertain- ment of older vehicles included in The ALEX (Ahwatukee Local EXplorer) neigh- mounted on the seating and columns. 10 minutes, Monday through ment venues. the 20-year Regional Transportation borhood circulator vehicles, which travel a 40-mile Another artist-designed shelter, located at the north- Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Trolley ridership has increased Plan (RTP). round trip route, will be replaced with new thirty- east corner of Center and 1st Avenue, near the Mesa Arts and travel to the Main Street 39 percent during the past winter foot buses and are expected to arrive in late 2006. Center, is scheduled to be completed later this month. The Arts District, Marshall Way Arts and spring, as compared to the City of Phoenix Bus Purchase Also anticipated for a late 2006 delivery is the first shelter, titled “Memento,” will feature photographs of District, Fifth Avenue Shops, the previous year. City officials are The city has a five-year contract that includes the shipment of modified vans for Phoenix Dial-a-Ride historic downtown Mesa. Galleria and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Service will attributing the increase in ridership to the new residents who now call the Scottsdale downtown area ‘home purchase of up to 50 forty-foot and 45 sixty-foot service. A total of 183 vehicles will arrive over a The City’s newest artist-designed shelter, to be installed in the fall of 2006, will be located at be extended until 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings for the downtown Artwalks. sweet home.’ five-year period. Power Road and Banner Drive, near the Banner Baywood Medical Center. Although they have an antique look, complete with a For information about the shelters, contact the Mesa Public Art Program at (480) 644-6628. Scottsdale Trolley Ridership Since 2002 clanging bell and cow-catcher, the trolleys run on clean- Valley Metro Bus Purchase 2002 2003 2004 2005 burning bio-diesel fuel. They carry up to 22 passen- Passengers* 42,456 49,498 54,504 75,527 Valley Metro/RPTA has also leveraged the pur- Chandler Anxiously Awaits New Park-and-Ride gers and feature windows that can be removed for an chasing power of the Los Angeles Metropolitan open-air ride. During warmer months, the trolleys are *These numbers represent total number of boardings on an annual basis. Transportation Authority by purchasing 28 forty- he city of Chandler has received fund- The park-and-ride is scheduled to be open by 2008 equipped with air conditioning to keep passengers com- For more information about the Scottsdale Trolley, foot buses and 10 sixty-foot articulated buses ing that allows a land purchase for a new when Express service begins operation. fortable. The vehicles are wheelchair-accessible and call the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau at through its contract. The buses will run on clean- T park-and-ride located near Germann Road Chandler officials see the park-and-ride as adjust to allow easy access for everyone. burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). and Tumbleweed Park. About $1.9 million in federal being beneficial for carpoolers as well, and will be (480) 421-1004, or www.scottsdaletrolley.com. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement extremely useful at popular city events, such as the Program (CMAQ) funds were provided for the July Fourth celebration. project by way of the Maricopa Association of In total, MAG will provide Chandler with about Governments (MAG). $3 million in CMAQ funding, which includes the wid- Glendale Transit Service Earns High Marks A 2001 MAG regional study showed that a park- ening of the Alma School and Warner roads intersection, A New Look for Buses on Schedule and-ride near loops 202 and 101 would support Express as well as an additional $450,000 to pay for three new recently published ridership survey indicates time (92%). Most GUS riders are satisfied with the bus service between Chandler and downtown Phoenix. street sweepers. that Glendale residents are very satisfied service (96%) as well as the safe driving and courtesy lans are currently underway to change the 13-year old paint scheme on the entire fleet of Valley A with their Dial-a-Ride and GUS the Bus (95%) of the operators. Metro buses, including the buses owned and operated by the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. 79th Ave. Park-and-Ride Construction Nearly Complete (Glendale Urban Shuttle) transit services. Dial-a-Ride is “We are extremely pleased to receive high marks, “The timing of the new look coincides perfectly with arrival of new buses in 2006,” said Scott a transit service available for seniors and persons with particularly in such areas as cleanliness and driver cour- PWisner, Marketing and Customer Service manager. hen shade was needed most last July, shade disabilities. GUS the Bus is a neighborhood tesy,” said Glendale’s Deputy City Manager Horatio In developing the new design, a task force of city representatives and consultants has been assigned to was being added. The city of Phoenix-owned circulator bus service that travels Skeete. “These positive ratings look at all aspects of a new paint scheme. The paint W park-and-ride located at 79th Avenue and in Glendale’s central corridor. demonstrate the pride and devotion design contract was awarded to Thinking Caps in I-10 began construction on new shade canopies for car- Glendale’s survey findings all of our transit employees have in May 2005, the same design consultant that had poolers and express bus riders who drive to the facility show that nearly all Dial-a-Ride providing exceptional customer and typically leave a vehicle parked there during daytime created the current design on Valley Metro buses. passengers are satisfied with the service.” hours. During the construction, park-and-ride users were drivers’ safety and courtesy (97%) Dial-a-Ride provides over A presentation of proposed designs may be presented asked to carpool to the facility because one-third of the and vehicle cleanliness 86,000 rides a year for residents, and to the Valley Metro Board of Directors as early as available parking area was unusable at any one time. (98%). More than nine out of 10 there are more than 80,000 board- October 20, 2005. A bus featuring Valley Metro's current design. The west side park-and-ride was also upgraded are picked up at their scheduled ings annually on GUS the Bus. with additional closed-circuit cameras for safety and security purposes.

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Destinations fall 2005.indd 1 9/1/2005 12:32:30 PM — Special Report — First Tracks Laid for Light Rail Vol. VIII, Issue 3 T Fall 2005

he METRO light rail system is literally making Valley Metro Rail’s assistance program includes sev- A New Era for Public Transportation in the Valley tracks, with the first stretch of rail recently laid eral elements, such as business promotions, special busi- Implementing the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Tfor the 20-mile system. ness signage, a 24-hour construction hotline, business Construction crews began installing track this counseling and access to low-interest loans. In addition, summer at the maintenance and storage facility site, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) program was cre- new era in public transportation in • Service Effectiveness and Efficiency Study located south of Washington ated to give community Maricopa County has begun. The Regional Developing performance measures to allow for and 48th streets. More members the opportunity Destinations is the official newsletter of Valley Metro A Transportation Plan (RTP), approved by citi- the objective assessment of current and future bus than 1,000 feet of track has to empower the neighbor- zens last November, will play a key role in transforming service in order to ensure that regional investments in already been installed—one hoods directly affected the face of transit in the region over the next 20 years. transportation achieve their desired effects. of the most significant by construction. CABs Bus Ridership Continues to Rise The extension of the county-wide, half-cent sales tax and exciting milestones to evaluate contractors on will fund new and improved freeways as well as addi- • Regional Safety and Security Plan date for the METRO light how well they minimize aalleylley MMetro’setro’s bbusus rridershipidership nnumbersumbers aarere iin,n, 400 in November 2004. The resulting transportation tional bus transit, rural transit, Dial-a-Ride and light Developing detailed safety and security plans to rail system. impacts to the community rail service. address operational and physical vulnerabilities aandnd aaccordingccording ttoo tthehe 22004-2005004-2005 rridershipidership plan will seek to address the increasing demands on our Work is also progress- and recommend whether rreporteport tthehe nnumberumber ooff bboardingsoardings ccontinuesontinues ttoo transit system. The program will begin by funding In order to implement the of transit vehicles and the ing on other sections of to award quarterly mon- V iincreasencrease bbyy llargearge mmargins,argins, jjumpingumping 44.34.34 ppercentercent tthishis improvements to local and Express bus routes including RTP plan, Valley Metro/ system’s infrastructure. the route—including east etary incentives for RPTA will be undertaking yyear.ear. TThehe nnationalational aaverageverage fforor regionally integrated ‘supergrid’ Washington Street and in construction mitigation. iincreasesncreases iinn ttransitransit ssystemystem rrider-ider- bus service; funding the purchase a series of studies that will • Regional Park-and-Ride downtown Phoenix—where More information define the operational and Planning First METRO tracks being laid south of Washington and 48th streets. sship,hip, bbyy ccomparison,omparison, iiss 2 ppercent.ercent. of new buses and Dial-a-Ride crews are relocating utili- about METRO construc- TThehe ssystemystem eexperiencedxperienced 556.46.4 mmil-il- vehicles as well as new and capital requirements involved Preparing environmental ties and preparing the street for future tracks. At Tempe tion progress and the construction assistance program llionion bboardingsoardings ooverver tthehe llastast 1122 improved bus stops; and by allo- in this 20-year service expan- documents, and in some Beach Park, piers and footings are being installed for can be found on the Valley Metro Rail Web site at mmonths,onths, aass ccomparedompared ttoo aapproxi-pproxi- cating funding for the construction sion. Current fiscal year 2006 cases preliminary designs, the new light rail bridge over the lake. Valley Metro Rail www.valleymetro.org/rail.Valley Metro Rail is a non- mately 54 million at the same time of more regional park-and-rides planning studies include: for new regional park-and- has put in place several comprehensive assistance and profit, public corporation overseeing the design, ride lots to include Loop mitigation programs to minimize construction impacts construction and operation of the METRO light rail last year. and 27 additional miles of • Express Bus and Freeway 101/Scottsdale Road wherever possible. system, which is scheduled to open in December 2008. Since March 2000, when light rail. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) (Scottsdale), Mustang/Loop Phoenix voters passed Transit “Valley Metro provides a valu- Operating Plan 101 (Scottsdale) 2000, ridership has increased by able service to many residents Developing a detailed operating plan to identify and Loop 202/Greenfield Road (Mesa). more than 40 percent through- who rely on the bus to get to specific routes and infrastructure improvements Destinations is the official newsletter Valley Metro Board of Directors Production Team out the entire Valley Metro sys- work, school and shopping,” said needed for future freeway Express and BRT routes, • Park-and-Ride Prioritization of Valley Metro. It is published with Avondale Councilmember Marie Lopez Rogers Managing Editor: Susan Tierney tem. Contributing to the overall Valley Metro/RPTA Executive as well as to coordinate service with planned freeway Evaluating and, where necessary, reprioritizing the a circulation of approximately 6,000 Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn Assistant Editor: Kristy Corbett increase is Express and Phoenix RAPID bus service, Director Dave Boggs. improvement projects. phasing recommendations for regional park-and- copies. We welcome your letters, El Mirage Mayor Fred Waterman which together have risen 23 percent since 2004. “The increase in our total ridership shows that more Gilbert Councilmember Les Presmyk (Vice Chair) Contributing Writer: Greg Roybal ride lots originally identified in the 2001 Maricopa comments, and suggestions. In response to continued population growth in the residents are using the bus because it is a convenient and • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Study – Association of Governments Park-and-Ride Study. Glendale Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs Layout: Mike Smith Destinations is also available on audio- Maricopa County Supervisor Andy Kunasek region and the consequential demand for transportation economical way to travel.” Main Street, Mesa This reprioritization will also address three addi- tape. If you know of anyone who might Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker options, Maricopa County residents passed Proposition Defining what infrastructure investments are needed tional regional park-and-rides identified in the 2003 be interested in receiving Destinations Peoria Vice Mayor Pat Dennis (Chair) For more information, (vehicles, intersection and signal improvements, sta- Regional Transportation Plan. in that format, please call Valley Metro’s Phoenix Councilmember Peggy Bilsten (Treasurer) Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross tion design) in order to establish a BRT corridor on Pat Dillon at (602) 534-1806. visit our Web site at Valley Metro Asks Passengers to Stay Alert Main Street in Mesa, as well as integrating this ser- • Bus Stop Program and Standards Surprise Councilmember Cliff Elkins www.ValleyMetro.org. Tempe Councilmember Len Copple vice with existing and planned fixed-route bus and Developing standards and identifying needs for bus alley Metro is encouraging riders and transit “In today’s light rail transit service in Mesa. stop improvements along current and future regional Valley Metro/RPTA Executive Director David Boggs employees to renew their commitment to secu- world, bus pas- routes, including the preparation of a coordinated Vrity and safety awareness. sengers should • Passenger Satisfaction Surveys implementation program. To receive future issues of Destinations, please write or call Valley Metro: Using the principles of Transit Watch, a federal pro- be everyday safe Monitoring customer opinions about ongoing PRSRT STD gram based on the Neighborhood Watch program, transit by being every- 302 N. First Ave. Suite 700 Phoenix, Arizona 85003 (602) 262-7433 service changes through annual passenger For more information about the Regional US POSTAGE users and employees are asked to work together to create day watchful,” satisfaction surveys. Transportation Plan, and the fiscal year 2006 PAID a safe environment on vehicles and at bus stops. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said in a statement released planning program, contact Stuart Boggs at Phoenix, Arizona Increased interest in safety comes months after the after the security level was heightened. • Wireless Communications Network [email protected] U.S. Department of Homeland Security raised the threat Suspicious activities or persons should be reported Permit No. 386 Performing a study to assess the costs and benefits of level for transit systems to a high alert. Valley Metro immediately to bus operators or transit security officers. moving the current wireless transit communications passengers have been asked to watch what takes place The public can also call (602) 253-5000 to report any network to a newly established government on buses and at bus stops, and to be aware of suspicious concerns or suspicious behavior. radio frequency. behavior or packages aboard transit vehicles.

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Destinations fall 2005.indd 2 9/1/2005 12:32:45 PM — Special Report — First Tracks Laid for Light Rail Vol. VIII, Issue 3 T Fall 2005

he METRO light rail system is literally making Valley Metro Rail’s assistance program includes sev- A New Era for Public Transportation in the Valley tracks, with the first stretch of rail recently laid eral elements, such as business promotions, special busi- Implementing the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Tfor the 20-mile system. ness signage, a 24-hour construction hotline, business Construction crews began installing track this counseling and access to low-interest loans. In addition, summer at the maintenance and storage facility site, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) program was cre- new era in public transportation in • Service Effectiveness and Efficiency Study located south of Washington ated to give community Maricopa County has begun. The Regional Developing performance measures to allow for and 48th streets. More members the opportunity Destinations is the official newsletter of Valley Metro A Transportation Plan (RTP), approved by citi- the objective assessment of current and future bus than 1,000 feet of track has to empower the neighbor- zens last November, will play a key role in transforming service in order to ensure that regional investments in already been installed—one hoods directly affected the face of transit in the region over the next 20 years. transportation achieve their desired effects. of the most significant by construction. CABs Bus Ridership Continues to Rise The extension of the county-wide, half-cent sales tax and exciting milestones to evaluate contractors on will fund new and improved freeways as well as addi- • Regional Safety and Security Plan date for the METRO light how well they minimize aalleylley MMetro’setro’s bbusus rridershipidership nnumbersumbers aarere iin,n, 400 in November 2004. The resulting transportation tional bus transit, rural transit, Dial-a-Ride and light Developing detailed safety and security plans to rail system. impacts to the community rail service. address operational and physical vulnerabilities aandnd aaccordingccording ttoo tthehe 22004-2005004-2005 rridershipidership plan will seek to address the increasing demands on our Work is also progress- and recommend whether rreporteport tthehe nnumberumber ooff bboardingsoardings ccontinuesontinues ttoo transit system. The program will begin by funding In order to implement the of transit vehicles and the ing on other sections of to award quarterly mon- V iincreasencrease bbyy llargearge mmargins,argins, jjumpingumping 44.34.34 ppercentercent tthishis improvements to local and Express bus routes including RTP plan, Valley Metro/ system’s infrastructure. the route—including east etary incentives for RPTA will be undertaking yyear.ear. TThehe nnationalational aaverageverage fforor regionally integrated ‘supergrid’ Washington Street and in construction mitigation. iincreasesncreases iinn ttransitransit ssystemystem rrider-ider- bus service; funding the purchase a series of studies that will • Regional Park-and-Ride downtown Phoenix—where More information define the operational and Planning First METRO tracks being laid south of Washington and 48th streets. sship,hip, bbyy ccomparison,omparison, iiss 2 ppercent.ercent. of new buses and Dial-a-Ride crews are relocating utili- about METRO construc- TThehe ssystemystem eexperiencedxperienced 556.46.4 mmil-il- vehicles as well as new and capital requirements involved Preparing environmental ties and preparing the street for future tracks. At Tempe tion progress and the construction assistance program llionion bboardingsoardings ooverver tthehe llastast 1122 improved bus stops; and by allo- in this 20-year service expan- documents, and in some Beach Park, piers and footings are being installed for can be found on the Valley Metro Rail Web site at mmonths,onths, aass ccomparedompared ttoo aapproxi-pproxi- cating funding for the construction sion. Current fiscal year 2006 cases preliminary designs, the new light rail bridge over the lake. Valley Metro Rail www.valleymetro.org/rail.Valley Metro Rail is a non- mately 54 million at the same time of more regional park-and-rides planning studies include: for new regional park-and- has put in place several comprehensive assistance and profit, public corporation overseeing the design, ride lots to include Loop mitigation programs to minimize construction impacts construction and operation of the METRO light rail last year. and 27 additional miles of • Express Bus and Freeway 101/Scottsdale Road wherever possible. system, which is scheduled to open in December 2008. Since March 2000, when light rail. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) (Scottsdale), Mustang/Loop Phoenix voters passed Transit “Valley Metro provides a valu- Operating Plan 101 (Scottsdale) 2000, ridership has increased by able service to many residents Developing a detailed operating plan to identify and Loop 202/Greenfield Road (Mesa). more than 40 percent through- who rely on the bus to get to specific routes and infrastructure improvements Destinations is the official newsletter Valley Metro Board of Directors Production Team out the entire Valley Metro sys- work, school and shopping,” said needed for future freeway Express and BRT routes, • Park-and-Ride Prioritization of Valley Metro. It is published with Avondale Councilmember Marie Lopez Rogers Managing Editor: Susan Tierney tem. Contributing to the overall Valley Metro/RPTA Executive as well as to coordinate service with planned freeway Evaluating and, where necessary, reprioritizing the a circulation of approximately 6,000 Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn Assistant Editor: Kristy Corbett increase is Express and Phoenix RAPID bus service, Director Dave Boggs. improvement projects. phasing recommendations for regional park-and- copies. We welcome your letters, El Mirage Mayor Fred Waterman which together have risen 23 percent since 2004. “The increase in our total ridership shows that more Gilbert Councilmember Les Presmyk (Vice Chair) Contributing Writer: Greg Roybal ride lots originally identified in the 2001 Maricopa comments, and suggestions. In response to continued population growth in the residents are using the bus because it is a convenient and • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Study – Association of Governments Park-and-Ride Study. Glendale Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs Layout: Mike Smith Destinations is also available on audio- Maricopa County Supervisor Andy Kunasek region and the consequential demand for transportation economical way to travel.” Main Street, Mesa This reprioritization will also address three addi- tape. If you know of anyone who might Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker options, Maricopa County residents passed Proposition Defining what infrastructure investments are needed tional regional park-and-rides identified in the 2003 be interested in receiving Destinations Peoria Vice Mayor Pat Dennis (Chair) For more information, (vehicles, intersection and signal improvements, sta- Regional Transportation Plan. in that format, please call Valley Metro’s Phoenix Councilmember Peggy Bilsten (Treasurer) Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross tion design) in order to establish a BRT corridor on Pat Dillon at (602) 534-1806. visit our Web site at Valley Metro Asks Passengers to Stay Alert Main Street in Mesa, as well as integrating this ser- • Bus Stop Program and Standards Surprise Councilmember Cliff Elkins www.ValleyMetro.org. Tempe Councilmember Len Copple vice with existing and planned fixed-route bus and Developing standards and identifying needs for bus alley Metro is encouraging riders and transit “In today’s light rail transit service in Mesa. stop improvements along current and future regional Valley Metro/RPTA Executive Director David Boggs employees to renew their commitment to secu- world, bus pas- routes, including the preparation of a coordinated Vrity and safety awareness. sengers should • Passenger Satisfaction Surveys implementation program. To receive future issues of Destinations, please write or call Valley Metro: Using the principles of Transit Watch, a federal pro- be everyday safe Monitoring customer opinions about ongoing PRSRT STD gram based on the Neighborhood Watch program, transit by being every- 302 N. First Ave. Suite 700 Phoenix, Arizona 85003 (602) 262-7433 service changes through annual passenger For more information about the Regional US POSTAGE users and employees are asked to work together to create day watchful,” satisfaction surveys. Transportation Plan, and the fiscal year 2006 PAID a safe environment on vehicles and at bus stops. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said in a statement released planning program, contact Stuart Boggs at Phoenix, Arizona Increased interest in safety comes months after the after the security level was heightened. • Wireless Communications Network [email protected] U.S. Department of Homeland Security raised the threat Suspicious activities or persons should be reported Permit No. 386 Performing a study to assess the costs and benefits of level for transit systems to a high alert. Valley Metro immediately to bus operators or transit security officers. moving the current wireless transit communications passengers have been asked to watch what takes place The public can also call (602) 253-5000 to report any network to a newly established government on buses and at bus stops, and to be aware of suspicious concerns or suspicious behavior. radio frequency. behavior or packages aboard transit vehicles.

~ 5 ~

Destinations fall 2005.indd 2 9/1/2005 12:32:45 PM