Subject: Light Rail Construction Updates Date: Monday, March 06, 2006 5:37 PM Light Rail Construction Updates March 6, 2006 The topic this issue: Bus Stops This publication by Valley Metro addresses issues related to light- rail construction and how it affects bus riders. It will be published as needed. Why is my bus stop being moved? Bus stops are moved to assure passenger safety during construction periods. Some temporary bus stops are located close to the regular bus stop; others may be located farther away. It seems the bus stops are moved without warning. Why can't we be told ahead of time? It is difficult to inform passengers when a bus stop is moved unexpectedly or for a short time. There are 222 bus stops along the 20-mile route of the light-rail construction; some stops can be affected for less than a day or affected for months. On-site signage displayed by the construction crews is one of the best ways to alert passengers of the move. For long-term or permanent moves, passenger notices are placed aboard buses or made available on a Web site or via an e-mail list. To find out how to get light-rail construction information, please see the bottom of this message. The temporary bus stop is far from my usual one; can't the driver let me off where I want? The construction areas are unsafe if they are not marked with "temporary bus stop" signs. Bus operators will not guess at the safety of unmarked areas and will stop only at those locations marked with a "bus stop" sign. Can the bus operator make undesignated stops near regular stops? Bus drivers will not make courtesy stops along routes affected by construction. My usual boarding spot still has a regular route sign. Will it be removed or covered up to let me know if it has moved to a temporary location? Assume if your bus stop is blocked by construction that it has been temporarily moved. Although the sign may remain visible, a temporary stop should be in place. Bus operators are directed not to board passengers in an unsafe area. They will continue to the next regular stop or a temporary stop. What types of signs will tell me where the temporary bus stop is located? These signs are 4 feet high and typically have a blue background with white lettering. If a shelter is removed, does that mean there isn't a bus stop? Shelters along streets under construction are being removed to avoid damage. It does not necessarily mean your stop has been moved, but check for a couple of things: If there is a "temporary bus stop" sign you can continue to use the location, but if construction is blocking the sidewalk access then assume it has moved to a temporary stop. When this occurs, a "bus stop moved" sign will be posted. I am a passenger with a disability and having great trouble boarding and disembarking at bus stops. Why can't the bus doors align with temporary bus stops? The operator makes every effort to disembark all passengers in a safe manner. There are times the operator will encounter variables or obstacles that prevent the bus from being maneuvered into the best possible position. While we know this may be a slight inconvenience, please be patient while we notify transit staff to correct the situation. Please be safe at your bus stops! Open ditches, pipes, equipment, and other things associated with the construction are to be avoided while you, your children and fellow passengers wait for the bus. For your safety, do not enter these areas. What stops are most affected now? Many bus stops in the downtown Phoenix area are being temporarily closed or relocated due to construction through April. Go to www.ValleyMetro.org and follow the "Rider Alerts" link to see a list of detours and a map showing affected bus stops in downtown Phoenix. For information or trip planning assistance, call Valley Metro at (602) 253-5000, TTY at (602) 261-8208, or visit www.ValleyMetro.org . To sign up for an e-mail list to receive construction information, go to: . www.tempe.gov/lists and select "Bus Detours" for Tempe information . phoenix.gov/MAILLIST/PUBTRANS/subscrbe.html for Phoenix information Construction Events Look for: . Phoenix - Some downtown bus stops have been temporarily closed and moved to other locations through April. . Tempe - A major water project will restrict University Drive in downtown Tempe until November. Go to the bus section of www.ValleyMetro.org and click on "Rider Alerts" for these and all passenger updates.