September 17, 2008

In the News:
100 days until light rail, officials announce, The Arizona Republic, September 17, 2008

Upcoming Events:
Join Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot for his District 4 Breakfast on September 25, 2008 and learn about light rail safety

Don’t forget to visit Friends of Transit on the web at www.friendsoftransit.org!

 

100 days until light rail, officials announce
by Casey Newton 
Sept. 17, 2008 11:42 AM
The Arizona Republic

Twenty-nine hundred days down. One hundred to go.

Valley leaders gathered in central Phoenix on Wednesday morning to mark a milestone in the construction of the regional $1.2 billion, 20-mile light rail system. Just 100 days remain until Dec. 27, when the system will open with a weekend of free rides for the public.

"It really is a tremendous milestone to get to 100 days," said Rick Simonetta, chairman of Metro light rail.

Testing of the system expanded to downtown Phoenix this week and is expected to reach the northern end of the line, at 19th Avenue and Montebello, by the end of October.

In the meantime, Metro is training 17 train operators and plans to train 50 more.

Elected officials praised the system for having spurred economic development in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

"You already see the transformation," said Kyle Jones, a Mesa city councilman and member of the Metro board.

Mayor Phil Gordon called the train "the greatest economic engine that has come to our Valley in years."

"I'm excited to say to the public, 100 days from now the light rail system will be open," Gordon said.

In fact, some Valley residents are getting ahead of themselves. Shortly after the ceremony ended, a man was spotted at the Central and Roosevelt station. He was waiting for a train.

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Friends:

Trains are coming down the track as METRO Light Rail expands testing in the next few weeks. Safety is of utmost importance as we learn to share the road with light rail.

Please join me at our next breakfast meeting on Thursday, September 25 at 7:30am at the HomeTown Buffet, 1501 W. Bethany Home Road. Breakfast may be purchased at the cost of $5 per person.

Learn how to stay safe along the light rail line from METRO Light Rail representatives as we abide by new street signs, traffic lights and rules. To confirm your attendance, please call 602-262-7447, or respond by email.

Councilman Tom Simplot - District 4

Invites you to the District 4 Breakfast Meeting

Thursday, September 25, 2008 @ 7:30am

HomeTown Buffet Restaurant 1501 W. Bethany Home Road Breakfast may be purchased for $5 per person

The train’s a comin’…and safety is crucial. Learn safety rules as we share the road with Metro Light Rail.

R.S.V.P. to Councilman Simplot’s office at 602-262-7447

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE! 

For more information or reasonable accommodation, please call 602-262-7447 or TTY Relay at 602-534-5500.

Para obtener más información o ayuda especial, favor de llamar al 602-262-7447 ó 602-534-5500 (TTY Relay).

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