From: "Friends of Transit" To: Subject: Tribune 4.9.04 Trips added on rapid bus route to Phoenix1 Date: Friday, April 09, 2004 3:36 PM Friends, Below is the text of an article in the Tribune about expanding bus rapid transit from the East Valley to Phoenix. Obviously, this is great news for the many riders who are using this service. With rising gas prices, more and more people will begin using these kinds of services. In order to meet these growing transportation needs (both freeways, streets and transit), the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has worked on a comprehensive and balanced regional transportation measure that will be voted on in November. To view a copy of this plan, please visit www.friendsoftransit.org and click on the "Let's Keep Moving" button to view that plan. Thank you, David Schwartz Executive Director Trips added on rapid bus route to Phoenix By GARIN GROFF TRIBUNE - - CONTACT WRITER: (480) 898-6554 or ggroff@aztrib.com The only rapid bus line from the East Valley to downtown Phoenix will expand Monday to meet rising demand that's made for standing-room-only situations on some trips. Transit officials expected their rapid route from Ahwatukee Foothills would grow after it started in July, but they've been surprised by how quickly it's happened. Officials hope to ease crowding by adding an extra trip per rush hour on the route from the northwest corner of Pecos Road and 40th Street to downtown Phoenix. Riders can find less crowding if they take the earliest or latest trips in each rush hour shift, said Marie Chapple, a spokeswoman for Valley Metro. The route, called the I-10 East, has grown about 68 percent since its first full month. The new service on Monday will leave at 7:15 a.m. On the trip home, officials added a bus at 5:12 p.m. To see bus schedules, go to www.phoenix.gov/PUBLICTRANSIT.