This edition of the Friends of Transit Weekly Update is sponsored by:

August 4, 2010

In the News:
AARP upset with Phoenix transit cuts, Phoenix Business Journal, July 26, 2010
Tempe Coffee shop, restaurant proposed for Transportation Center, The Arizona Republic, July 29, 2010
Phoenix Dial-A-Ride service cut back, The Arizona Republic, August 2, 2010
Phoenix light-rail construction continues at Butler Drive, The Arizona Republic, August 2, 2010
Transit hub set to offer amenities, The Arizona Republic, August 3, 2010

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

 

AARP upset with Phoenix transit cuts
by Mike Sunnucks
Monday, July 26, 2010
PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL

Seniors groups, advocates for the disabled and fans of mass transit are upset with new cuts in service for the Metro light rail system and bus service in Phoenix and its suburbs.

Valley Metro, which operates the light rail system, is reducing service frequency during certain times of day. Bus routes in Phoenix and suburban locations are also seeing frequency and service reductions as economy-induced budget problems hit transit agencies.

All that worries AARP, the Arizona Public Interest Research Group and disabled advocates. They say the cuts hurt seniors, the disabled and others, and keeps them from getting to jobs and accessing services. They also said transit cuts will hurt businesses along the rail and bus lines.

“Public transit services are a lifeline for many elderly, low-income and disabled Arizonans, providing them mobility and connecting them to their community. Whether it’s Dial-A-Ride, bus or light rail service, it’s an option by which they can get to their doctor, their job, to school, or to shopping. It means independence for many who don’t have a car or are unable to drive,” said Cynthia Fagyas, communications director for AARP Arizona.

back to top

Tempe Coffee shop, restaurant proposed for Transportation Center
by Dianna M. Náñez 
Jul. 29, 2010 11:35 PM
The Arizona Republic

An oasis of urban amenities is on tap for the Tempe Transportation Center.

The scores of Valley residents who pass through the transit hub already have access to the state's first full-service biking center.

Locally grown produce, gourmet coffee, art and wine soon could be among the options available at the public-transportation complex when the Urban Marketplace, the brainchild of twoValley residents, opens, possibly in the fall.

When Tempe built the $26 million three-story building, city officials hoped to fill it with businesses that incorporate environmentally friendly aspects in their operations in keeping with the center's environmentally conscious construction.

Tempe also wanted to create a hub for services geared toward people who take light rail or buses, which are stationed at the Transportation Center.

In keeping with the idea of a public/private partnership, Tempe maintains space at the city-owned building for public meetings and moved its transit-services department to the center.

The Bicycle Cellar, the first business in the building, moved in last year. The shop is equipped with secured storage for bikes as well as showers, lockers, bike rentals and custom-made bicycles for sale. Bike repairs are done by co-owner John Romero.

The bike business has a loyal following of people who had long wanted a service that made it easier to give up their cars, Romero said.

The addition of Urban Marketplace, a gourmet coffee shop and restaurant, would provide creature comforts for public-transportation users.

The marketplace is a co-venture by Virginia Senior and Kim Kristoff, who own Urban Beans, a successful coffee shop near Seventh Street and Osborn Road in Phoenix.They hope to open Urban Marketplace by mid-October.

Expanding to the transit center, where there are ready-made customers who choose public transportation, makes the center the "the perfect spot for us," Senior said.

"Both of us have always longed for this kind of urban living ... where you have more community-minded options, locally grown foods, artists," she said.

"Those are the things that interest us. We're finally starting to see enough critical mass in the Valley that wants those things too. We're seeing more people who want to be engaged in caring about their community."

Senior said she hopes to host a farmers market on Saturdays and offer customers a food cooperative where they could regularly purchase boxed farm-fresh foods.

Romero said the sustainable options would appeal to his clientele.

"Our members know choosing a bike over a car is good for the environment and we make that convenient for them," Romero said. "A place for them to gather, grab a cup of coffee, eat farm-fresh foods . . . that would be a great match."

Tony Nicosia, who recently moved to the Valley from the East Coast, chose a job with a downtown Tempe company over other employment opportunities because he discovered access to the Bicycle Cellar would allow him to continue using only a bike as his means of transportation.

"I love that I can bike 6 miles from Scottsdale, get here, shower and walk to work," he said.

Nicosia said the Urban Marketplace would offer him conveniences that fit his lifestyle.

"I'd join the food co-op. To me, it's just healthier to have farm-fresh fruits and vegetables," he said. "The same with biking, I get my workout in riding to work."

back to top

Phoenix Dial-A-Ride service cut back
Seniors who want to use it will have to be certified as having a disability
by Connie Cone Sexton 
Aug. 2, 2010 12:19 PM
The Arizona Republic

Unless they can be certified as an American with Disabilities passenger, seniors in Phoenix can no longer use the city's Dial-A-Ride service.

And even if they can be certified, the city has eliminated same-day "demand" Dial-A-Ride trips. Trips must be scheduled one to 14 days in advance.

The service cuts, which went into effect Monday, came after elimination of about $9 million in Local Transportation Assistance Funds, a move made to help balance the state budget.

Seniors like 75-year-old Amalia Kay still have the option of Reserve-A-Ride, but that service is only for getting to and from the city's senior centers. On occasion, group trips from the center may be taken to grocery stores or events like a baseball game.

Kay uses Reserve-A-Ride at least twice a week to visit the Shadow Mountain Senior Center, 3546 E. Sweetwater Ave. Not having Dial-A-Ride to get to appointments will hurt many seniors, she said.

As an option, the city has started the Senior Cab program, letting those 65 and older purchase discounted cab fare vouchers. Buying a booklet for $6 will provide $20 worth of cab fare.

"I'll look into that," Kay said. "I think that's great."

She knows how popular Reserve-A-Ride has become and what it means to seniors. The wait times to be picked up some days are longer than before, she said. But not having the program would make life difficult. "I need the program," she said.

So does Evelyn Jacobs, 78. She takes Reserve-A-Ride at least four times a week. She also was intrigued by Senior Cab. "My family can't always take me to the doctor," she said.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Transportation options for seniors

Senior Cab and Reserve-A-Ride are two transportation options provided by Phoenix for seniors. Dial-A-Ride, which previously was available to seniors, now is open only to Americans with Disabilities Act-certified passengers.

SENIOR CAB

A taxi voucher program for Phoenix seniors 65 or older began Dec. 2. The program allows seniors to buy prepaid vouchers at a discount. They can then use the vouchers for short-distance cab rides.

For $6, a senior can buy a coupon book that will give them $20 worth of cab fare. Participants are allowed to pay up to $12 a month for $40 worth of fares. The vouchers can be used for the entire trip or combined with cash to extend travel. They also can be banked for several months for future trips. Riders have the option of paying tips.

Since the program began, the city has sold 3,282 coupon books. Information about Senior Cab is available by calling 602-801-1164.

RESERVE-A-RIDE

The program provides door-to-door transportation for those 60 or older, and certified disabled people 18 or older. Transportation is provided to and from senior centers. On occasion, group trips are made from senior centers for shopping or to attend events.

The cost is a suggested $1.25 donation for each one-way trip. Reserve-A-Ride registration: 602-262-4400. Those who are registered are asked to call two working days in advance of a trip: 602-262-4501.

DIAL-A-RIDE

Seniors who think they may be eligible for ADA certification can call 602-534-3157 for information. The one-way-trip fare is $3.50.

back to top

Phoenix light-rail construction continues at Butler Drive
by Sadie Jo Smokey 
Aug. 2, 2010 01:31 PM
The Arizona Republic

Light-rail-related construction on 19th Avenue continues between Butler Drive and Townley Avenue.

Albert Santana, who is overseeing the project for the city, said Royal Palms neighborhood residents and drivers can expect more of the same.

"We are still in the process of clearing out the area and placing the new utilities on the east side of the future gabion/screen wall," said Santana, adding that two roads into the neighborhood will remain open.

The goal of the six-month project is to relocate the frontage roads.

Santana said construction-message boards will alert drivers in the area about traffic restrictions.

Last summer, the sagging economy spurred Phoenix to indefinitely delay construction of the light-rail's northwest extension.

The city continued acquiring homes and businesses along 19th Avenue, demolishing structures and preparing the land for utility relocation and improvements.

Lane restrictions
For the next few weeks, depending on the scope of the work, Santana said, traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction on the quarter-mile between Butler and Townley.

Crews moving south
In August, construction crews are scheduled to set up and begin construction of the gabion/screen wall. The work, on city property just south of Maryland Road and north to Tuckey Road, will not impact traffic on 19th Avenue.

Gabion walls
Installation of a Phoenix Arts Commission-funded gabion wall continues through October. The two walls, made of stacked steel cages filled with fractured granite, will be 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide.

back to top

Transit hub set to offer amenities
Coffee shop, restaurant may be on tap for Tempe center
by Dianna M. Náñez 
Aug. 3, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

An oasis of urban amenities is on tap for the Tempe Transportation Center.

The scores of residents who pass through the transit hub already have access to the state's first full-service biking center.

Locally grown produce, gourmet coffee, art and wine soon could be among the options available at the public-transportation complex when the Urban Marketplace, the brainchild of twoValley residents, opens, possibly in the fall.

When Tempe built the $26 million three-story building, city officials hoped to fill it with businesses that incorporate environmentally friendly aspects in their operations in keeping with the center's environmentally conscious construction.

Tempe also wanted to create a hub for services geared toward people who take light rail or buses, which are stationed at the Transportation Center.

In keeping with the idea of a public/private partnership, Tempe maintains space at the city-owned building for public meetings and moved its transit-services department to the center.

The Bicycle Cellar, the first business in the building, moved in last year. The shop is equipped with secured storage for bikes as well as showers, lockers, bike rentals and custom-made bicycles for sale. Bike repairs are done by co-owner John Romero.

The bike business has a loyal following of people who had long wanted a service that made it easier to give up their cars, Romero said.

The addition of Urban Marketplace, a gourmet coffee shop and restaurant, would provide creature comforts for public-transportation users.

The marketplace is a co-venture by Virginia Senior and Kim Kristoff, who own Urban Beans, a successful coffee shop near Seventh Street and Osborn Road in Phoenix.They hope to open Urban Marketplace by mid-October.

Expanding to the transit center, where there are ready-made customers who choose public transportation, makes the center the "the perfect spot for us," Senior said.

"Both of us have always longed for this kind of urban living ... where you have more community-minded options, locally grown foods, artists," she said.

"Those are the things that interest us. We're finally starting to see enough critical mass in the Valley that wants those things too. We're seeing more people who want to be engaged in caring about their community."

Senior said she hopes to host a farmers market on Saturdays and offer customers a food cooperative where they could regularly purchase boxed farm-fresh foods.

Romero said the sustainable options would appeal to his clientele.

"Our members know choosing a bike over a car is good for the environment and we make that convenient for them," Romero said. "A place for them to gather, grab a cup of coffee, eat farm-fresh foods . . . that would be a great match."

Tony Nicosia, who recently moved to the Valley from the East Coast, chose a job with a downtown Tempe company over other employment opportunities because he discovered access to the Bicycle Cellar would allow him to continue using only a bike as his means of transportation.

"I love that I can bike 6 miles from Scottsdale, get here, shower and walk to work," he said.

Nicosia said the Urban Marketplace would offer him conveniences that fit his lifestyle.

"I'd join the food co-op," he said. "To me, it's just healthier to have farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The same with biking, I get my workout in riding to work."

back to top

This edition of the Friends of Transit Weekly Update is sponsored by:

RNL is an international architecture, interiors and planning firm specializing in mixed-use and urban design, as well as corporate and public sector work.  With over 30 years of transportation design experience, including some of the most progressive transit facilities in the nation, we believe that sustainable design is just good design.  We are proud board members of Friends of Transit and committed to helping Arizona and the Valley intelligently grow public transportation into the best system in the West for this vibrant community.

Interested in sponsoring the Weekly Update?
The Friends of Transit Weekly Update reaches several thousand inboxes each week and the distribution grows every day. Sponsorships start at just $250 per week, and include logo, link and up to 100 words of text. Email info@friendsoftransit.org for more information or to reserve a space.

back to top