The long-awaited and much-needed Phoenix Light Rail System debuts on Saturday, December 27. The twenty-mile line runs from downtown Phoenix to downtown Tempe and east to extreme-west Mesa. “The METRO,” as the light rail service will be known, is offering free rides through 2008. Granted, that’s only five days of free rides but there’s a lot happening in the Valley of the Sun in the last few days of the year - including the Insight Bowl and Fiesta Bowl festivities.
- View and download maps of the entire line.
Valley Metro, the Phoenix Valley’s mass-transit authority, is also throwing a weekend celebration on Saturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28. Valley Metro put out a fantastic virtual booklet for the event, which can be viewed online. Mini-parties will be held at each loading station across the rail line.
- View about.com’s guide to the celebration which details what bands will be performing at each station.
Starting January 1, the METRO will be a paid-for service. Fare is purchased at kiosks located at each station and is on an honor-system - meaning there are no “ticket takers” at the stations to verify you’ve paid for your fare. Instead, Valley Metro says that there will be random checks to ensure riders have paid their fare. Those who can’t show proof will be ticketed. Below is the fare schedule for the METRO (which is the same as normal bus fare):
Some other facts on the METRO:
- The twenty-mile line will take sixty minutes to ride from end-to-end and has 31 stops/loading stations.
- There are eight park-and-ride locations (totaling 3,513 parking spots) where riders can park and then take the METRO into downtown Phoenix and Tempe.
- The METRO will arrive at each stop every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during late hours.
- METRO cars are air-conditioned and can carry 200 passengers per rail car, 66 of which can sit.
- Up to eight bikes can be stored in each rail car.
- Light rail cars will travel the posted speed limit. Future extensions along freeways will allow trains to travel up to 55 miles per hour.
- While there is not a light rail stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor, there is a shuttle bus connection at the 44th Street and Washington stop. In 2013, an automated People Mover is scheduled to open and be operated by Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
The 20 mile starter line is just that - the beginning of a light rail system throughout the Phoenix Valley. Many people who visit Phoenix are amazed at the lack of mass transit options for a city that can claim to be America’s 5th largest metropolis. The METRO is a good start to solving this issue. 37 additional miles of light rail will open in the coming years connecting outer areas like Chandler, south Tempe, east Mesa, Scottsdale and Glendale to the valley’s core.
Light rail is also a great way to continue the revitalization of downtown Phoenix. It helps to solve the question of “Why Should I Live In Downtown Phoenix or Tempe?” Currently, Phoenix in particular, is pretty much dead at night. With the convenience of light rail allowing downtown dwellers easy access to all part of the valley without having to jump in a car - we should see continued interest in downtown Phoenix and Tempe.
Real estatewise, the METRO offers many living options. There are many single-family homes along the METRO line in addition to a growing assortment of brand spanking new condos and townhomes. If you’re interested in purchasing a home within walking distance to the METRO, we can set up a fusionpower search - a personal internet gateway that’s created just for you. If you’d like to set up a search that incorporates single-family homes and/or condos within a quarter mile of a METRO stop it can be done. New homes will automatically be emailed to you as they come on the market.
As always, Arizona Fusion gives buyers 20% of our earned commission back at closing while also donating 5% of our earned commission to the charity, non-profit or university of our buyers’ choice.
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