Latest news with #ValleyMetro
Axios
7 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Light rail service to south Phoenix gets underway
Light rail in the Valley entered a new era over the weekend when the first train traversed the system's south Phoenix expansion. The big picture: A 5.5-mile extension that runs south along Central Avenue from downtown Phoenix opened Saturday. The extension has eight stations, with Central and Baseline Road marking the end of the line. The light rail system now has 35 miles of track. Federal funds covered about half the cost of the $1.3 billion project, with revenue from the Proposition 400 transportation tax and the city paying for much of the rest. Why it matters: About 44% of area residents have limited or no access to cars, according to Valley Metro. Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro, which runs the light rail system, noted the new line is a bridge across the Salt River, making it "a literal" and "symbolic connection" between south Phoenix and the rest of the metro area. Valley Metro expects the extension to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the system, which averages about 32,000 boardings per day. Driving the news: A large crowd gathered Saturday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I believe the expansion will do justice for the people out here. Providing opportunities to get downtown, and also for people downtown to come down here," an attendee named Lindsay told ABC15. Zoom in: The south Phoenix extension was not the only major change to the light rail over the weekend. The system is now separated into A and B lines, with the former running east to west from downtown Mesa to downtown Phoenix, and the latter north to south from Metro Parkway to south Phoenix. Riders can switch lines at the new downtown Phoenix transit hub, which also opened Saturday. There are 14 new trains, which will now arrive at stations every 12 minutes, down from 15. Catch up quick: Construction began in 2019 and was originally expected to be completed in 2023, but the pandemic and other factors meant delays. What they're saying: "This is us really growing up in the world," Mefford-Miller told Axios. The intrigue: When Republican lawmakers referred Proposition 479 — the renewal of the regional transportation tax — to the 2024 ballot, they included a provision prohibiting the money from being used to extend light rail. Yes, but: Cities can still use local and federal funds to lay more tracks. What's next: Valley Metro, which runs the light rail system, has grand expansion plans. The Capitol Extension will run along Washington and Jefferson streets to 15th Avenue next to the Arizona Supreme Court. An environmental review and design processes are underway. The I-10 West Extension will connect to the Capitol area and will largely run along the freeway median, ending at the Desert Sky Transit Center at Thomas Road and 79th Avenue. That project is still in the planning phase. Valley Metro is also looking to expand the Tempe streetcar system into Mesa.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
South Phoenix light rail extension to open soon. Here's when
The long-awaited light rail extension connecting south Phoenix to downtown and other parts of the Valley will open June 7, Mayor Kate Gallego announced. The 5.5-mile South Central Extension has been under construction since 2019. It extends along Central Avenue from Baseline Road in the south to the new downtown hub, which has four platforms on Washington and Jefferson streets and Central and First avenues where riders can transfer trains on different lines. Gallego said the extension "also brings with it new and improved public infrastructure — from great bike lanes and additional shade structures to beautiful artwork along the corridor." "The extension ... is expected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves approximately 35,000 boardings per day," Valley Metro said in a statement. The new line includes: 18 public art installations 8 new stations 14 new trains 110-space park-and-ride facility at Baseline Road and Central Avenue Enhanced bike lanes and pedestrian pathways Over 550 new trees and desert-adapted landscaping for shade 30 miles of underground utility upgrades The extension was supposed to be finished in 2023, but unforeseen challenges from the pandemic — including supply chain issues and workforce shortages — caused delays, said Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro, the regional transit agency. Those delays were criticized by south Phoenix residents, including several business owners along Central Avenue who said their revenues nosedived as customers fled the area. A 15-year owner of a Western-wear shop along the extension announced in January he would be forced to close his doors. But for all its burdens, the light rail has also been celebrated by residents in the area. It connects a historically underinvested part of the city, where people of color were once segregated, to downtown, the former Metrocenter Mall and Mesa. Eventually, it will connect to the state Capitol area and into west Phoenix. At an event in January to celebrate construction progress of the South Central Extension, area resident Becky Ruiz said, "Our favorite saying in our family is, I love you through the good, the bad, and the ugly. So in this process, I love you through the good, the bad and the ugly." Taylor Seely covers Phoenix and Scottsdale for The Arizona Republic / Reach her at tseely@ or by phone at 480-476-6116. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: South Phoenix light rail expansion will open in June
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to get around Tempe this weekend with the Festival of the Arts in town
Tempe has announced street restrictions and bus detours for this weekend's Spring Festival of the Arts in downtown. Held twice a year, in winter and spring, the festival showcases independent artists across various categories. More than 300 artist booths will line the iconic brick-paved Mill Avenue, accompanied by a diverse selection of food vendors and live entertainment. The event attracts nearly 225,000 visitors each year. With an event of this scale, significant road closures are expected. Most notably, Mill Avenue through downtown Tempe will be closed from Third Street to University Drive. The city encourages attendees to use public transportation whenever possible. Valley Metro's light rail system offers a convenient "park-and-ride" option, which may be the best alternative for many Valley residents, especially since some bus routes will also be affected by the closures. Below is a full list of street restrictions and bus detours happening in Tempe this weekend and throughout next week, as provided by the city. Most closures will be focused on a section of Mill Avenue in downtown, where the festival is being held. The city has announced the following street restrictions and closures but notes that additional measures may be implemented if necessary to ensure public safety during the event. Mill Avenue will be closed in both directions between University Drive and Third Street. Seventh Street will be closed in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple Avenue/Tower Drive. Local traffic only will be permitted west of Myrtle Avenue. Maple Avenue will be closed in both directions from Fifth to Sixth streets. Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple/Tower Drive going west, and from Mill to Myrtle avenues going east. Fourth Street will be closed in both directions from Mill to Maple avenues. Fifth Street will be closed in both directions between Ash and Myrtle avenues. Buses traveling through downtown Tempe may experience delays due to increased traffic. The city operates 13 local bus routes, six free Orbit circulators, the Streetcar, and nine light rail stops. To avoid road closures and congestion, officials encourage attendees to use park-and-ride locations, allowing them to drive part of the way and take the light rail for the remainder of their trip. No bike or mutiuse path is expected to be closed during the event. The Tempe streetcar service will be limited to operating between Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard and Ninth Street/Mill Avenue. The following bus service limitations will be in effect until the end of the day on Sunday, March 9. 48 Northbound ― Regular route south on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; continue south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center; resume regular route. 48 Southbound ― Regular route to the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; resume regular route. 62 Northbound ― Regular route south on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; continue south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center; resume regular route. 62 Southbound ― Regular route to the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; resume regular route. 66 Northbound ― Regular route north on Mill Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. 66 Southbound ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Mill Avenue; south on Mill Avenue to resume regular route. Earth East ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street/Veterans Way to Sixth Street; northeast on Sixth Street to Packard Drive; north on Packard Drive to Rio Salado Parkway; east on Rio Salado Parkway to resume regular route. Earth West ― Regular route to Rio Salado Parkway/Packard Drive; south on Packard Drive to Sixth Street; west on Sixth Street to Veterans Way; west on Veterans Way/Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. Jupiter North ― Regular route north on Mill Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. Jupiter South ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Mill Avenue; south on Mill Avenue to resume regular route. Mercury East ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to resume regular route. Venus Back ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to resume regular route. Venus Forward ― Regular route east on Fifth Street to Ash Avenue; south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center to resume regular route. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How to get around Tempe with the Festival of the Arts in town
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to get around Tempe this weekend with the Festival of the Arts in town
Tempe has announced street restrictions and bus detours for this weekend's Spring Festival of the Arts in downtown. Held twice a year, in winter and spring, the festival showcases independent artists across various categories. More than 300 artist booths will line the iconic brick-paved Mill Avenue, accompanied by a diverse selection of food vendors and live entertainment. The event attracts nearly 225,000 visitors each year. With an event of this scale, significant road closures are expected. Most notably, Mill Avenue through downtown Tempe will be closed from Third Street to University Drive. The city encourages attendees to use public transportation whenever possible. Valley Metro's light rail system offers a convenient "park-and-ride" option, which may be the best alternative for many Valley residents, especially since some bus routes will also be affected by the closures. Below is a full list of street restrictions and bus detours happening in Tempe this weekend and throughout next week, as provided by the city. Most closures will be focused on a section of Mill Avenue in downtown, where the festival is being held. The city has announced the following street restrictions and closures but notes that additional measures may be implemented if necessary to ensure public safety during the event. Mill Avenue will be closed in both directions between University Drive and Third Street. Seventh Street will be closed in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple Avenue/Tower Drive. Local traffic only will be permitted west of Myrtle Avenue. Maple Avenue will be closed in both directions from Fifth to Sixth streets. Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple/Tower Drive going west, and from Mill to Myrtle avenues going east. Fourth Street will be closed in both directions from Mill to Maple avenues. Fifth Street will be closed in both directions between Ash and Myrtle avenues. Buses traveling through downtown Tempe may experience delays due to increased traffic. The city operates 13 local bus routes, six free Orbit circulators, the Streetcar, and nine light rail stops. To avoid road closures and congestion, officials encourage attendees to use park-and-ride locations, allowing them to drive part of the way and take the light rail for the remainder of their trip. No bike or mutiuse path is expected to be closed during the event. The Tempe streetcar service will be limited to operating between Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard and Ninth Street/Mill Avenue. The following bus service limitations will be in effect until the end of the day on Sunday, March 9. 48 Northbound ― Regular route south on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; continue south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center; resume regular route. 48 Southbound ― Regular route to the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; resume regular route. 62 Northbound ― Regular route south on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; continue south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center; resume regular route. 62 Southbound ― Regular route to the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; resume regular route. 66 Northbound ― Regular route north on Mill Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. 66 Southbound ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Mill Avenue; south on Mill Avenue to resume regular route. Earth East ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street/Veterans Way to Sixth Street; northeast on Sixth Street to Packard Drive; north on Packard Drive to Rio Salado Parkway; east on Rio Salado Parkway to resume regular route. Earth West ― Regular route to Rio Salado Parkway/Packard Drive; south on Packard Drive to Sixth Street; west on Sixth Street to Veterans Way; west on Veterans Way/Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. Jupiter North ― Regular route north on Mill Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center. Jupiter South ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Mill Avenue; south on Mill Avenue to resume regular route. Mercury East ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to resume regular route. Venus Back ― From the Tempe Transportation Center; east on Fifth Street to College Avenue; south on College Avenue to University Drive; west on University Drive to Ash Avenue; north on Ash Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to resume regular route. Venus Forward ― Regular route east on Fifth Street to Ash Avenue; south on Ash Avenue to University Drive; east on University Drive to College Avenue; north on College Avenue to Fifth Street; west on Fifth Street to the Tempe Transportation Center to resume regular route. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How to get around Tempe with the Festival of the Arts in town
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How can I get discounted Valley Metro bus, light rail passes? Here's what to know
Getting a Valley Metro ticket, and knowing which one is right for you, can be a bit tricky. Until just recently, light rail passengers could only purchase tickets at the stop. This has changed. With the new Valley Metro App, riders can purchase tickets ahead of time, paying the exact amount they need. This also works with bus passes. There are also discounted options for people with disabilities, people older than 65, children ages 6 through 18 and Medicare holders. Free passes may also be available to people experiencing homelessness. Here's everything you need to know about how to purchase public transit tickets in metro Phoenix and how to apply to discounted and free options. A one-way ticket for either the light rail or the bus starts at $2. For a full-day pass, riders can spend $4 for unlimited rides. The full-day pass also includes transfers between light rail stations and bus stations. Some employers located in metro Phoenix may offer discounted daily passes — contact your employer for more information. Get Valley Metro bus route information here. If you are not employed, or if your employer doesn't have passes available, Valley Metro has what is called a 'Reduced Fare Program.' The Reduced Fare Program is available to youth, seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. When asked for proof of eligibility for the program when riding the metro, program participants can provide the following: Persons with disabilities: Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card. Seniors (65 and older): Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card, driver's license or state ID. Youth (6-18): Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID card, driver's license, state ID card or high school student ID with photo and current school year. Medicare cardholders: Upon request, proof of ID is required. What exactly is a Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card, and how do you get one? Phoenix residents wishing to obtain a Reduced Fare ID Card can find and complete the application online ( When applying for a card, keep in mind that it will cost $5. Before you fill out the application, let's run through some of the basics. First, the application does have to be taken in person or sent by mail. To do this, fill out the application and take or mail it to either the downtown Phoenix location (4600 E. Washington St., Suite 101) or to the Tempe location (Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. Fifth St.). Persons with disabilities are required to mail the application to the downtown Phoenix location. Each application will require a copy of one of the required documents: Persons with disabilities: Qualifying letter that proves Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income or a disability recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, plus a photo ID. Youth (6-18): Driver's license or state ID card, current year's student ID with photo, birth certificate. Seniors (65 and older): State or federal ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, birth certificate, etc.). Medicare Cardholders: Medicare card and a photo ID. If you submit your application in person, make sure to bring one of the mentioned documents with you. If you mail the application, make sure to scan and print your documents. This can be done with a PDF app on your mobile phone or with a scanner. Apple and Samsung phones have PDF scanners built into the Notes applications. If you don't have access to one at home, visit your local library. Here, you can also print your documents and likely mail them from the same location. If you aren't currently in a place where you can afford transit passes, the Homeless Service Provider Program from Valley Metro supplies transit passes to local shelters. Reach out to your local shelter or organization and ask them about the possibility of obtaining a Metro Pass. Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda contributed to this article. This reporting was produced in collaboration with The Arizona Republic/La Voz and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism's course on Community Engagement Reporting, an effort to build trust and reach underrepresented and underserved communities of metro Phoenix. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How can I get discounted Valley Metro bus, light rail passes?
