February 9, 2010

Friends,

If you haven't already signed up for the 8th Annual Conference, please do so now.  This year's event could very well be the best one yet thanks to a great line-up of speakers and with the help of our VERY GENEROUS sponsors.

Last week we told you about the first panel discussion, titled Moving Forward, that will explore future modes of transit. This week, we want to give you a preview of the second panel discussion, titled Moving Beyond the Tracks.  The light rail has been in operation for more than a year, beating travel projections and is moving thousands of commuters to and from work each day.  In addition to proving a great way to move commuters, the system has become more than just a "way to get there," but now is a "place to be."  

Steve Banta, the CEO for METRO, will kick-off the panel and present his vision going forward and then will moderate a panel of speakers who discuss their observations and perspectives of how the light rail system has been transforming the community.  

Rick Welts, President and CEO for the Phoenix Suns, will talk about how a large number of their fans have integrated using the light rail to get them to and from the games and how they are marketing its use as a benefit.

Kimber Lanning from Local First Arizona will give a local business perspective about how many small businesses have embraced light rail and are using it in their niche marketing.  There are many small, one-of-a-kind businesses along the route that are true local gems for our community and nobody embodies that home-grown pride like Ms. Lanning.

David Appleby from Artlink will demonstrate how the Arts and Cultural Community has really embraced light rail because of its proximity to several arts and cultural amenities along the 20-mile route.  Each month, Artlink hosts "First Fridays," which brings hundreds of local artists to Downtown Phoenix and thousands of people come to the festivities/events - and many of them use light rail to attend this popular monthly event.

Sean Holstege, from the Arizona Republic has been providing in-depth coverage about all modes of transit and about transportation in general.  In addition to writing about the policies, procedures, planning and operations of the Region's transportation system, he is a frequent rider of the light rail system and often blogs about the growing subculture and nuances related to the transformation that is taking place because of the light rail system.

This panel will leave plenty of time for questions and answers from the audience.  It is sure to be enlightening and lively.  You won't want to miss it! Register online today at www.friendsoftransit.org.  Hurry! Registration deadline is Friday, February 12!

In the News:
Phoenix on-line survey for transit cuts, City of Phoenix Public Transit, February 8, 2010
Memo: Metro cuts on the table, The Arizona Republic, February 8, 2010

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

 

Phoenix on-line survey for transit cuts
February 8, 2010
City of Phoenix Public Transit Department

The public can now go on-line to express their opinions on the transit service cuts -   http://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit.

We've launched the survey in addition to gathering input at the city's Trial Budget Hearings. There's quite a bit of information on the web page, including the proposed and the potential transit cuts, background information, and route maps; and dates of the public hearings

In addition, we have other outreach efforts to inform the public:
Newspaper ads
Bus announcements both text and voice
Information posters at the transit centers
Information flyers at the transit centers

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Memo: Metro cuts on the table
Sean Holstege Light Rail Blog
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 01:29 PM 
The Arizona Republic

The range of potential cost-cutting moves at Metro is coming into focus, courtesy of memos from the agency’s new CEO, Steve Banta.

On the table are shorter trains, days and rush hours, eliminating late-night weekend service, running less frequent trains and adding a number of days to the holiday service schedule. Details emerge in Banta’s latest memo to the transit board.

These are the options that Metro, Phoenix and Tempe officials will present to the public over a series of hearings in the next two months. Phoenix will hold 15 meetings in February as part of its overall budget balancing effort, while Tempe will hold four meetings in March focused on transit cuts. Metro plans two meetings in early March. Because of inflation, Metro says it will need to trim service to keep its current $33.7 million budget flat. It may need to cut deeper depending on the extent member cities like Phoenix and Tempe choose to hold back money from Metro.

At its meeting two weeks ago, most Metro board members said they opposed eliminating late-night weekend service, which was introduced in July, midway through the system’s first year. The cities and Metro can act on budget cuts only after public hearings. Service changes will take effect in July.

People interested in submitting their views for the public record can do so by emailing info@metrolightrail.com. 
 

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