From: "Friends of Transit NEWS" To: "Friends of Transit NEWS" Subject: Friends of Transit NEWS - Saturday, January 4, 2001 Date: Saturday, January 05, 2002 12:40 AM Today I have several things to pass on to you. First a correction from our last e-mail: The address for the American Public Transportation Association is http://www.apta.com. Second and third things are two articles one about Light Rail Project Vehicle Concept the other telling about the new bus books that will be out soon. Both articles have been published in several newspapers; I send it on to you in case you did not see them. Thank you, David Schwartz Executive Director david@friendsoftransit.org http://www.friendsoftransit.org Light Rail Project Vehicle Concept (January 3, 2002 - Phoenix) - The Valley's light rail project is unveiling its brand-new vehicle concept today. Known as "Concept V," for its ties to Valley Metro transit service, the concept is the result of thousands of public comments on the project's four initial vehicle concepts. In addition to a vehicle survey on the project's web site, which generated nearly 2,200 responses, project planners also asked local boards, commissions and councils to weigh in on the concept. A media briefing will be held today at 2:30 p.m. at Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Avenue, meeting room B, to present details of the concept. Patricia Moore, a nationally-recognized industrial designer who developed "Concept V," will share how she developed the concept. "This is truly the people's concept," said Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit Project Director Wulf Grote. "We listened to what people liked and disliked about each of our four initial vehicle design concepts, then blended them into one design that incorporates the best features of each of those concepts," he added. "We think people are really going to be excited when they see how our designer put it all together." The concept will now go through an industry manufacturing review this Spring before bids for the vehicle are requested from vehicle manufacturers in Summer 2002. Based on the comments received from the manufacturers on their ability to produce this custom light rail vehicle design, the design may need to be modified because of cost, engineering or manufacturing constraints. The Light Rail Project is scheduled to seek bids from light rail vehicle manufacturers in Summer 2002, and select the vehicle manufacturer in Spring 2003. Project planners estimate that 40 vehicles will be needed for the initial system. Each of the vehicles is expected to cost about $3 million. Light rail vehicles are approximately 90 feet long and can be linked into trains of up to three cars. Each car can carry up to 150 passengers, for a total capacity of 450 passengers per train. Patricia Moore is an internationally renowned designer, and is recognized as the leading authority on universal design, the concept of adapting design to meet the needs of people with all ranges of ability. The 20.3-mile starter segment of the light rail line is scheduled to begin construction in 2003 and start operations in late 2006. The initial route begins in Phoenix at 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road and travels through downtown Phoenix and Tempe and about a mile into Mesa, ending at Longmore and Main Streets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW BUS BOOKS OUT FOR JANUARY 14 IMPROVED BUS SERVICE A new Valley Metro Bus Book is on its way with details of the January 14 improvements to Valley Metro bus service. Deliveries begin Monday, January 7, to about 1800 locations Valleywide including municipal libraries, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, and the Central Station in downtown Phoenix. The Bus Book is also on line at www.valleymetro.org. On Monday, January 14, Valley Metro bus schedules and routes will change with more frequent service and later hours in Phoenix, including 12 popular bus routes that go until about midnight; Sunday and holiday service in Scottsdale; and eight extended routes in several cities. For more information, the public can call Valley Metro Customer Service at 602-253-5000.'