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METRO Light Rail (Phoenix)
Encyclopedia
Metro Light Rail is a 32 km (20 mi.) light rail
line operating in the U.S. state of Arizona
. Part of the Valley Metro
public transit system, it serves the cities of Phoenix
, Tempe
, and Mesa
. Construction began in March 2005; operation started December 27, 2008. The line has 2011 estimated daily ridership of 38,700, making it the 13th busiest light rail system in the country.
Trains operate on city streets in a "center reservation," similar to the Red Line of the METRO
light rail system in Houston, the surface sections of the Green Line
in Boston
, and some surface sections of the Muni Metro
in San Francisco
. Some parts of the line, such as the bridge over Tempe Town Lake (near State Route 202
), have no contact with other traffic. The vehicles used are rated for a maximum speed of 55 mph, and have complete the 20 mile route in 65 minutes, including station stops. An equivalent section of the Red Line bus route that the rail line replaced was scheduled for 80 minutes, and was subject to traffic delays during rush hour. The system is powered by an overhead catenary that supplies power at 750V (page 5)
, with Car #116 celebrating her 80th birthday on 25 December 2008, just days before the opening of modern rail service. In 1989, the ValTrans elevated rail proposal, was turned down by voters in a referendum due to cost and feasibility concerns. Other subsequent initiatives during the 1990s failed over similar reasons.
Metro was created by the Transit 2000 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which involved a 0.5 per cent sales tax and was approved by voters in Phoenix in 2000. Transit 2000 aimed at improving the local bus service (considered unacceptably inadequate compared to other major US cities) and the formation of bus rapid transit and light rail, among other things, which was seen as a more affordable approach. It used the route placing and color designations from the 1989 plan.
In March 2008, cracks in the system's rails were discovered. The cause of the cracks was determined to be improper use of plasma cutting torches by contractors. The affected track was repaired by May at a cost of $600,000 with still no word on which parties will be held financially responsible. The last of the concrete and rail for the system was installed in the end of April, with CEO declaring the system to be on time and on budget.
There are 28 stations on the initial twenty-mile starter segment. The line celebrated its grand opening December 27, 2008, with official ribbon-cutting ceremonies and community celebrations spread throughout Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. The event was produced by Arizona's Entertainment Solutions, Inc. and was attended by thousands of local residents who waited as long as an hour or more to ride the vehicles. The stations have been designed to complement their immediate surroundings. Station platform areas are approximately 16 feet (4.9 m) wide by 300 feet (91.4 m) long.
As of early March 2010, with ridership far exceeding first-year projections, income was close to meeting Metro's stated goal of 25% farebox recovery. With sales tax and other revenue decreasing, Metro is contemplating a variety of service changes, including shorter hours and slightly longer headways, to close the budget gap.
Valley Metro had its busiest month in September 2011, with a weekday ridership of 47,818. On the 9th of September, 2011, they saw 60,437 board the light rail thanks to fans attending games to see the Arizona State University
Sun Devils and the Arizona Diamondbacks
.
system. Tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines at the entrance to all stations and must be validated before boarding the train. Effective , the fares are as follows:
Children younger than 5 years of age ride free. Weekly and monthly passes are also available in addition to the fares listed above.
The Valley Metro Rail Northwest Extension is one of the first extensions planned. Engineering has already begun on this 4 miles (6.4 km) route from the current terminus at Bethany Home Road (METRO calls the station, "Montebello Avenue and 19th Avenue") north on 19th Avenue to Dunlap Road, and eventually west to Metrocenter Mall. Utility relocation, right-of-way
acquisition, and construction will be from Spring 2009-2011. The project should be ready by late 2012.
(MAG) and the Arizona Department of Transportation
are studying suburban commuter rail as a complement to light rail. The MAG Commuter Rail Strategic Plan was released in March 2008. In April 2008, a coalition of Arizona business and political leaders, including Governor Janet Napolitano
, proposed a $42 billion state transit plan which would include commuter rail. Commuter rail generally uses upgraded existing freight rail lines, with stations every three to five miles (8 km). In Phoenix, as in other areas that have implemented commuter rail, track speeds would be increased, signals updated, and additional sidings and double-track added. Proposals for constructing entirely new rail rights-of-way in the middle of urban highways have largely been eliminated due to their expense and their location far beyond walking distance from downtowns and activity centers.
Contemporary discussion of commuter rail in Phoenix began with the "Hattie B." flood relief train of 1980, and was first widely promoted in 1991 by the Arizona Rail Passenger Association.
Daily rail service had existed until the 1960s between Phoenix, Glendale, and Wickenburg
as well as Tempe and Mesa. A single short commuter rail line was also part of the ValTrans proposal.
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
line operating in the U.S. state of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. Part of the Valley Metro
Valley Metro (Phoenix)
Valley Metro is the unified public brand of the regional transit system in and around the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area, responsible for public transit.-About Valley Metro:...
public transit system, it serves the cities of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
, and Mesa
Mesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
. Construction began in March 2005; operation started December 27, 2008. The line has 2011 estimated daily ridership of 38,700, making it the 13th busiest light rail system in the country.
Overview
The expected construction cost for the initial 20 miles is $1.4 billion, or $70 million per mile. Metro estimates the train will cost the city $184 million to operate over the next five years with fares covering $44 million of the operation costs and tax subsidies covering the remaining costs.Trains operate on city streets in a "center reservation," similar to the Red Line of the METRO
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is a major public transportation agency based in Houston . It operates bus, light rail, future commuter rail, and paratransit service in the city as well as most of Harris County...
light rail system in Houston, the surface sections of the Green Line
Green Line (MBTA)
The Green Line is a streetcar system run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in the Boston, Massachusetts area of the United States. It is the oldest line of Boston's subway, which is known locally as the 'T'. The Green Line runs underground downtown and on the surface in outlying...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, and some surface sections of the Muni Metro
Muni Metro
Muni Metro is a light rail system serving San Francisco, California, operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway , a division of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency...
in San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
. Some parts of the line, such as the bridge over Tempe Town Lake (near State Route 202
Arizona State Route 202
State Route 202, or Loop 202, is the beltway encompassing the eastern Phoenix, Arizona, United States Metropolitan area. It navigates and surrounds the cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert, making it very vital to the area freeway system...
), have no contact with other traffic. The vehicles used are rated for a maximum speed of 55 mph, and have complete the 20 mile route in 65 minutes, including station stops. An equivalent section of the Red Line bus route that the rail line replaced was scheduled for 80 minutes, and was subject to traffic delays during rush hour. The system is powered by an overhead catenary that supplies power at 750V (page 5)
History
Various plans preceded the current implementation of light rail. The Phoenix Street Railway provided streetcar service from 1887 to 1948. Historic vehicles may be seen at the Arizona Street Railway MuseumArizona Street Railway Museum
The Arizona Street Railway Museum has since 1975 been working toward the preservation and operation of street cars in Phoenix as a living example of a traditional trolley service.-Museum features:* Restored Phoenix Streetcar #116 may be seen in the carbarn...
, with Car #116 celebrating her 80th birthday on 25 December 2008, just days before the opening of modern rail service. In 1989, the ValTrans elevated rail proposal, was turned down by voters in a referendum due to cost and feasibility concerns. Other subsequent initiatives during the 1990s failed over similar reasons.
Metro was created by the Transit 2000 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which involved a 0.5 per cent sales tax and was approved by voters in Phoenix in 2000. Transit 2000 aimed at improving the local bus service (considered unacceptably inadequate compared to other major US cities) and the formation of bus rapid transit and light rail, among other things, which was seen as a more affordable approach. It used the route placing and color designations from the 1989 plan.
In March 2008, cracks in the system's rails were discovered. The cause of the cracks was determined to be improper use of plasma cutting torches by contractors. The affected track was repaired by May at a cost of $600,000 with still no word on which parties will be held financially responsible. The last of the concrete and rail for the system was installed in the end of April, with CEO declaring the system to be on time and on budget.
There are 28 stations on the initial twenty-mile starter segment. The line celebrated its grand opening December 27, 2008, with official ribbon-cutting ceremonies and community celebrations spread throughout Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. The event was produced by Arizona's Entertainment Solutions, Inc. and was attended by thousands of local residents who waited as long as an hour or more to ride the vehicles. The stations have been designed to complement their immediate surroundings. Station platform areas are approximately 16 feet (4.9 m) wide by 300 feet (91.4 m) long.
As of early March 2010, with ridership far exceeding first-year projections, income was close to meeting Metro's stated goal of 25% farebox recovery. With sales tax and other revenue decreasing, Metro is contemplating a variety of service changes, including shorter hours and slightly longer headways, to close the budget gap.
Valley Metro had its busiest month in September 2011, with a weekday ridership of 47,818. On the 9th of September, 2011, they saw 60,437 board the light rail thanks to fans attending games to see the Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
Sun Devils and the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
.
Fares
Metro Light Rail uses a proof-of-paymentProof-of-payment
Proof-of-payment or POP is an honor-based fare collection approach used on many public transportation systems. Instead of checking each passenger as they enter a fare control zone, proof-of-payment requires that each passenger carry a ticket or pass proving that they have paid the fare. Ticket...
system. Tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines at the entrance to all stations and must be validated before boarding the train. Effective , the fares are as follows:
- One-Ride Ticket - $1.75
- All-Day Pass - $3.50 (purchased at retail outlet or ticket vending machine)
- All-Day Pass - $5.25 (purchased on board a bus)
Children younger than 5 years of age ride free. Weekly and monthly passes are also available in addition to the fares listed above.
Future extensions and improvements
Easement
An easement is a certain right to use the real property of another without possessing it.Easements are helpful for providing pathways across two or more pieces of property or allowing an individual to fish in a privately owned pond...
acquisition, and construction will be from Spring 2009-2011. The project should be ready by late 2012.
Proposed commuter rail
The Maricopa Association of GovernmentsMaricopa Association of Governments
The Maricopa Association of Governments is an association of governments that represents the bulk of the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona. It was formed as a result of the guidelines of the 1973 Federal Transportation Act...
(MAG) and the Arizona Department of Transportation
Arizona Department of Transportation
The Arizona Department of Transportation is an Arizona state government agency charged with facilitating mobility within the state. In addition to managing the state's highway system, the agency is also involved with public transportation and municipal airports...
are studying suburban commuter rail as a complement to light rail. The MAG Commuter Rail Strategic Plan was released in March 2008. In April 2008, a coalition of Arizona business and political leaders, including Governor Janet Napolitano
Janet Napolitano
Janet Napolitano is the third and current United States Secretary of Homeland Security, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She is the fourth person to hold the position, which was created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the 21st...
, proposed a $42 billion state transit plan which would include commuter rail. Commuter rail generally uses upgraded existing freight rail lines, with stations every three to five miles (8 km). In Phoenix, as in other areas that have implemented commuter rail, track speeds would be increased, signals updated, and additional sidings and double-track added. Proposals for constructing entirely new rail rights-of-way in the middle of urban highways have largely been eliminated due to their expense and their location far beyond walking distance from downtowns and activity centers.
Contemporary discussion of commuter rail in Phoenix began with the "Hattie B." flood relief train of 1980, and was first widely promoted in 1991 by the Arizona Rail Passenger Association.
Daily rail service had existed until the 1960s between Phoenix, Glendale, and Wickenburg
Wickenburg, Arizona
Wickenburg is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town is 6,423.-Geography:Wickenburg is located at ....
as well as Tempe and Mesa. A single short commuter rail line was also part of the ValTrans proposal.
See also
- PHX Sky TrainPHX Sky TrainThe PHX Sky Train is a people mover under construction at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona...
- List of tram and light-rail transit systems
- List of rail transit systems in the United States
- Light rail in North AmericaLight rail in North AmericaLight rail is a commonly used mode of rapid transit in North America. The term light rail was coined in 1972 by the U.S. Urban Mass Transportation Administration to describe new streetcar transformations which were taking place in Europe and the United States...