Comments on: How Phoenix Made Light Rail A Big Deal http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/ Transit in the Greater Seattle Area Fri, 25 May 2012 04:27:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: phoenix area attractions http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-54918 phoenix area attractions Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:58:12 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-54918 Unfortunately the one thing Phoenix is missing is good public transportation. Unless you live right near ASU in Tempe, you will need a car.
Unfortunately the one thing Phoenix is missing is good public transportation. Unless you live right near ASU in Tempe, you will need a car.

]]> By: Saturday Open Thread - Seattle Transit Blog http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-50842 Saturday Open Thread - Seattle Transit Blog Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:09:42 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-50842 [...] covered the Phoenix opening [...]
[...] covered the Phoenix opening [...]

]]> By: Rail Life http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31524 Rail Life Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:02:31 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31524 David makes some excellent points (as usual) about the planning of the grand opening celebrations in Arizona. The curiosity factor continues to bring out and introduce tens of thousands of people to the new system. People continue to use the light rail line to explore some of the great attractions / destinations along the line. Restaurants are extending hours, shuttle services to the line are being implemented and others are being examined. The sprawl mentality is alive and well but is now sharing space with people excited to use the new system for work and for play. Our arts community has seen a benefit, baseball fans are excited to use light rail instead of fighting traffic / parking problems and employers are on board in promoting convenience and cost savings to their employees. The first week of light rail was free to ride for everyone and the crowds were insane. Introducing people to the system and allowing them to see some of the areas served looks to have been a good decision by Metro. Some of the mistakes in the works are the doubling of the current day pass already. The $5.00 proposed fee isn't really the worst thing in the world, it just has "poor timing" written all over it.
David makes some excellent points (as usual) about the planning of the grand opening celebrations in Arizona.
The curiosity factor continues to bring out and introduce tens of thousands of people to the new system. People continue to use the light rail line to explore some of the great attractions / destinations along the line. Restaurants are extending hours, shuttle services to the line are being implemented and others are being examined. The sprawl mentality is alive and well but is now sharing space with people excited to use the new system for work and for play.
Our arts community has seen a benefit, baseball fans are excited to use light rail instead of fighting traffic / parking problems and employers are on board in promoting convenience and cost savings to their employees.
The first week of light rail was free to ride for everyone and the crowds were insane. Introducing people to the system and allowing them to see some of the areas served looks to have been a good decision by Metro. Some of the mistakes in the works are the doubling of the current day pass already. The $5.00 proposed fee isn’t really the worst thing in the world, it just has “poor timing” written all over it.

]]> By: David SB http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31512 David SB Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:05:12 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31512 The celebrations were deliberately planned by the transit agency in conjunction with city governments and community groups. That's hardly a coincidence.
The celebrations were deliberately planned by the transit agency in conjunction with city governments and community groups. That’s hardly a coincidence.

]]> By: DJStroky http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31487 DJStroky Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:41:48 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31487 Well hey, the Zoobombers were also <a href="http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=28528&category=22107" rel="nofollow">profiled as terrorists</a>!
Well hey, the Zoobombers were also profiled as terrorists!

]]> By: Mike Skehan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31446 Mike Skehan Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:21:26 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31446 I headed up the Commuter Rail Section of the Washington Assoc. of Rail Passengers at the time. We met with ST and asked if we could help out around opening day. It turned out to be for 3 days, but I suspect the STB folks have the inside track (no pun intended) on Link Rail.
I headed up the Commuter Rail Section of the Washington Assoc. of Rail Passengers at the time. We met with ST and asked if we could help out around opening day. It turned out to be for 3 days, but I suspect the STB folks have the inside track (no pun intended) on Link Rail.

]]> By: justin http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31442 justin Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:59:43 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31442 How about a free Orca cards with 4 free rides sent to everyone that pays tax for the project? Also I would make it 1.00 or free for rides on Sundays for life.
How about a free Orca cards with 4 free rides sent to everyone that pays tax for the project?

Also I would make it 1.00 or free for rides on Sundays for life.

]]> By: North Phoenix Blogger http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31441 North Phoenix Blogger Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:43:26 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31441 The celebrations at the light rail stops in Phoenix were just a coincidence. In fact, everyone was celebrating the fact that Central Avenue is now driveable after three years of constant construction. ;) LOL I rode the Phoenix light rail on opening weekend because it was free and I wanted to try it out. I will not be using it regularly because it is too far south from my neighborhood and does not go anywhere that I would want to go. I imagine other people are happy to have it though.
The celebrations at the light rail stops in Phoenix were just a coincidence. In fact, everyone was celebrating the fact that Central Avenue is now driveable after three years of constant construction. ;) LOL

I rode the Phoenix light rail on opening weekend because it was free and I wanted to try it out. I will not be using it regularly because it is too far south from my neighborhood and does not go anywhere that I would want to go. I imagine other people are happy to have it though.

]]> By: L. Smith http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31432 L. Smith Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:41:17 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31432 How did you get to work at Sounder opening? I'm interested in volunteering in this sort of capacity for Link opening.
How did you get to work at Sounder opening? I’m interested in volunteering in this sort of capacity for Link opening.

]]> By: L. Smith http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31430 L. Smith Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:37:28 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31430 How abput little giveaway pins at the stations with the pictogram on it?
How abput little giveaway pins at the stations with the pictogram on it?

]]> By: Mike Skehan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31404 Mike Skehan Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:27:42 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31404 Small world. The transit manager of Scottdale got her start as a planner for the RTA, in the early 90's.
Small world. The transit manager of Scottdale got her start as a planner for the RTA, in the early 90′s.

]]> By: Mike Skehan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31401 Mike Skehan Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:22:11 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31401 One of the things I set up for the opening of Sounder, was to have several volunteers at each station to help folks with TVM's, transfering to/from buses, general info, and just being a smiling face. Link will have lots of staff out too, and maybe some dignitaries sprinkled around (just look for the camera lights). Anyway, it was a good experience for our organization, good for ST, and we all got a Sounder long sleeve shirt out of the deal. That seemed like a fair trade. The training ST did was very breif, and took place at one of our meet-ups in the ID district.
One of the things I set up for the opening of Sounder, was to have several volunteers at each station to help folks with TVM’s, transfering to/from buses, general info, and just being a smiling face.
Link will have lots of staff out too, and maybe some dignitaries sprinkled around (just look for the camera lights).
Anyway, it was a good experience for our organization, good for ST, and we all got a Sounder long sleeve shirt out of the deal.
That seemed like a fair trade.
The training ST did was very breif, and took place at one of our meet-ups in the ID district.

]]> By: Mike B http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31399 Mike B Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:10:55 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31399 Maybe a t-shirt with the Link LRV on in and say "Opening the Link" or some catchy phrase w/ the word Link in it.
Maybe a t-shirt with the Link LRV on in and say “Opening the Link” or some catchy phrase w/ the word Link in it.

]]> By: Mike B http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31398 Mike B Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:08:07 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31398 Not screw it up.
Not screw it up.

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31383 Andrew Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:50:50 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31383 That's like the Bellevue Art Museum setting up a table at SAM or soemthing.
That’s like the Bellevue Art Museum setting up a table at SAM or soemthing.

]]> By: David SB http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31379 David SB Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:38:50 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31379 One of the things done right here in Phoenix was that the transit agency and city governments worked with community groups and institutions in neighborhoods along the line to host parties at almost every station on opening day. These parties accomplished quite a few goals: -Reminded riders from the suburbs of interesting places to visit along the line. -Built pride and a sense of ownership in neighborhoods near stations. -Create a general sense of excitement about the light rail. -Made long waits for rides on opening day seem worth the effort. -Made it easy to recruit volunteers to help passengers find their way on opening day. -Provided most attendees with some sort of souvenir to take home and remind them of light rail. It's amazing how these parties attracted enthusiasm even from organizations far removed from the light rail line. I attended a party at the Heard Museum in Midtown and was astonished to see that the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art had set up a table there. Keep in mind that Scottsdale is the most egregious omission from the light rail system in Phoenix. It's a major employment center and tourist destination, but it has chosen to sit out light rail due to the usual suburban fears and naysaying about transit. A Scottsdale institution's decision to align with a light rail party says something about the success of Phoenix's grand opening.
One of the things done right here in Phoenix was that the transit agency and city governments worked with community groups and institutions in neighborhoods along the line to host parties at almost every station on opening day. These parties accomplished quite a few goals:

-Reminded riders from the suburbs of interesting places to visit along the line.
-Built pride and a sense of ownership in neighborhoods near stations.
-Create a general sense of excitement about the light rail.
-Made long waits for rides on opening day seem worth the effort.
-Made it easy to recruit volunteers to help passengers find their way on opening day.
-Provided most attendees with some sort of souvenir to take home and remind them of light rail.

It’s amazing how these parties attracted enthusiasm even from organizations far removed from the light rail line. I attended a party at the Heard Museum in Midtown and was astonished to see that the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art had set up a table there. Keep in mind that Scottsdale is the most egregious omission from the light rail system in Phoenix. It’s a major employment center and tourist destination, but it has chosen to sit out light rail due to the usual suburban fears and naysaying about transit. A Scottsdale institution’s decision to align with a light rail party says something about the success of Phoenix’s grand opening.

]]> By: rex http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31373 rex Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:15:44 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31373 If one looks at most major infrastructure projects that have been built, most of them had to cut back on the initial size of the project due to cost or increase the budget and finish the project beyond original timeframe. But hardly anyone now remembers or cares about the costs and they are all glad to use it or have it at their disposal. Despite the early set back in the cost of Link, the important thing is Sound Transit was able to learn from the mistakes and come up with a new plan. I think one can safely say that now Sound Transit is in a better position and will be able to deliver the project on time and on budget. If we keep comparing to the original plan, then all those transit projects around could also be considered a failure.
If one looks at most major infrastructure projects that have been built, most of them had to cut back on the initial size of the project due to cost or increase the budget and finish the project beyond original timeframe. But hardly anyone now remembers or cares about the costs and they are all glad to use it or have it at their disposal.

Despite the early set back in the cost of Link, the important thing is Sound Transit was able to learn from the mistakes and come up with a new plan. I think one can safely say that now Sound Transit is in a better position and will be able to deliver the project on time and on budget. If we keep comparing to the original plan, then all those transit projects around could also be considered a failure.

]]> By: Matt the Engineer http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31367 Matt the Engineer Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:40:08 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31367 From the station icons they've come up with it looks like ST has quite an imaginative team. I could imagine these icons working well as t-shirts, if done well.
From the station icons they’ve come up with it looks like ST has quite an imaginative team. I could imagine these icons working well as t-shirts, if done well.

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31355 Andrew Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:17:20 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31355 Bacon bomb sounds delicious, though not very healthy.
Bacon bomb sounds delicious, though not very healthy.

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/02/25/how-phoenix-made-light-rail-a-big-deal/#comment-31354 Andrew Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:16:43 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2498#comment-31354 they have a lot of positive and ridiculous things to say about real estate.
they have a lot of positive and ridiculous things to say about real estate.

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