| Phoenix and Valley Metro Extending Small Business Financial Assistance Program | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/3322 | Public Transit | | 1/10/2025 6:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3322/DJI_0100.JPG | | Phoenix and Valley Metro Extending Small Business Financial Assistance Program | <div class="ExternalClassE8D149B07D91488D83C316FDE6FF58D0"><html>
<p><a target="_blank" href="/publictransitsite/Documents/SBAP_release_SPA_VM.pdf">Leer en Español</a></p><p><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">T</span><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">he Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) has been extended through March 31, 2025, providing eligible businesses along the <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub" target="_blank">South Central Extension/Downtown Hub</a> light rail route to apply for up to $9,000 in grant funding.</span><br></p><p></p><div></div><div></div><div>New applicants and those who received funding previously are encouraged to apply. Eligible businesses must:</div>
<div><ul><li>Be located on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail extension</li><li>Have 15 or fewer employees and annual revenue less than $750,000 </li><li>Have been in operation prior to the start of construction (June 2019)</li><li>Demonstrate loss in revenue as compared to before construction</li></ul></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>It is important to note that Tier I grant funding (providing $4,500 per grant) has been fully dispensed to local businesses and is no longer available.</div>
<div>To view all eligibility requirements and apply, visit<a href="https://prestamoscdfi.org/vm2025/" target="_blank"> https://prestamoscdfi.org/vm2025</a>. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>Since launching in 2021, SBFAP has distributed more than $1.58 million in grant funding to over 270 small and micro businesses immediately adjacent to light rail construction in Phoenix. Last year alone, the program granted more than $400,000 to 65 businesses located along the SCE/DH construction corridor. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>The SBFAP is a first-of-its-kind program Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix created, with significant community feedback and financial backing from Phoenix <a href="https://t2050.org/" target="_blank">Transportation 2050 (T2050)</a> and the <a href="https://pcdic.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation (PCDIC)</a>. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>In addition to the SBFAP, Valley Metro offers a number of free <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub/scedh-business-assistance-program" target="_blank">business assistance programs</a> including business consulting, hosting community events, marketing assistance and signage. To date, 362 businesses along the SCE/DH corridor have participated in one or more elements of these programs. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub:</strong> The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub will extend the existing light rail system from downtown Phoenix south along Central Avenue to Baseline Road, connecting historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. The project includes a new light rail transit hub in downtown Phoenix, featuring new stations and public art throughout the corridor. Now at 95% completion and entering the final phases of construction, the project marks an important milestone for Valley Metro Rail as we prepare to introduce a two-line light rail system with the opening of the SCE/DH. Train and system testing are underway along the northern portion of the alignment as the project progresses toward opening in mid-2025. Learn more at <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub/opening" target="_blank">valleymetro.org/southcentral/opening.</a><br></div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| City of Phoenix Secures $12.9 Million Congestion Relief Grant | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/3257 | Public Transit | | 10/29/2024 6:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3257/Via_On-Demand_App-2 copy.png | | City of Phoenix Secures $12.9 Million Congestion Relief Grant | <div class="ExternalClass4DD323FFEB1342AA82787CFB8CB729A0"><html>
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Phoenix Public Transit Department with a <a target="_blank" href="https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/congestion-relief/fy2022-fy2024/awards/index.htm">$12.9 million congestion relief grant</a>. The award will fund Project EASE (Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion) in Phoenix. In partnership with <a target="_blank" href="https://ridewithvia.com/">Via Transportation, Inc.</a>, this project will implement microtransit service (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/microtransit">a flexible, on-demand transit option</a>) and evaluate its effectiveness with the city’s commuter bus program, known as RAPID bus service. The project also aims to discover new ways to decrease congestion within specific zones. <br><br>Project EASE is a three-pronged congestion mitigation initiative designed to provide greater options for passengers to utilize public transit. This includes:<br><div></div><div><ul><li>Implementing three strategically placed microtransit zones in Phoenix over a three-year period,</li><li>augmenting existing RAPID commuter bus service that will complement the new microtransit zones,</li><li>and integrating new and existing microtransit services into the regional transit software application (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/online-tools/app">Valley Metro app</a>) for trip planning, real-time vehicle tracking, and fare payments. </li></ul></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>“Today marks an exciting day for Phoenix with the award of a new $12.9 million grant to our Public Transit Department for Project EASE,” Mayor Gallego said. “The project won’t just help relieve congestion, it will also enable us to advance innovative transportation solutions that will improve our commuter bus program as well as explore new strategies to keep our city moving efficiently.”</div><div><br></div><div>The total project cost is estimated at $16.2 million, with Phoenix providing a local match of $3.2 million. The City of Phoenix plans to undertake community engagement and outreach efforts in 2025 to gather public feedback and opinions on implementing and refining the services.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:</strong> The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The City of Phoenix funds public transit, and other transportation improvements, through <a target="_blank" href="/T2050">Transportation 2050</a> (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at <a target="_blank" href="/publictransit">phoenix.gov/publictransit</a> or follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PhoenixMetroBus">X</a> for the latest news.<br></div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Community is Invited to Attend Plaza19 Family Festival Truck-and-Treat at 19th Ave/Dunlap Park-and-Ride | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/3247 | Public Transit | | 10/22/2024 3:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3247/53879228584_3727d3a9aa_k.jpg | | Community is Invited to Attend Plaza19 Family Festival Truck-and-Treat at 19th Ave/Dunlap Park-and-Ride | <div class="ExternalClass54FFF87187C84A519AE3B9AB0C4005A8"><html>
<div>With a theme of partnership and renewal, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/">Valley Metro</a> and the City of Phoenix invite the community to attend the Plaza19 Family Festival Truck-and-Treat event. This free, family-friendly celebration will also announce Plaza19 as a revitalized vibrant community space. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Who: </strong>Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego </div><div>Phoenix Councilmember Ann O'Brien<br></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>Valley Metro representatives</div>
<div>Community representatives</div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<strong>When:</strong> Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024</div>
<div>10 a.m. - 1 p.m.</div>
<div>*Remarks begin at 10:30 a.m.</div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Where: </strong> 19th Ave & Dunlap Park-and-Ride</div>
<div>1927 W. Dunlap Ave</div>
<div>Phoenix, AZ 85021</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<strong>What:</strong> Celebration of the new Plaza19</div>
<div>See vehicles on display</div>
<div>Giveaways and raffles </div>
<div>Visit community booths </div>
<div>Enjoy family activities, entertainment, snacks<br><br></div>
<div>
<strong>About Plaza19:</strong> Originally introduced as part of the Northwest Extension Phase I light rail project in 2016, this space has undergone significant enhancements to better serve transit users and the surrounding community.</div>
<div>In partnership with the city of Phoenix and <a href="https://www.19north.org/" target="_blank">19NORTH</a>, Valley Metro is excited to breathe new life into Plaza19. This unique space offers a blend of transit functionality and community engagement opportunities within the framework of a paid fare zone. To learn more visit <a href="https://valleymetro.org/plaza19" target="_blank">valleymetro.org/plaza19</a>.<br></div>
<div><strong><br></strong></div><div>
<strong>About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:</strong> The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The City of Phoenix funds public transit, and other transportation improvements, through <a href="/T2050" target="_blank">Transportation 2050</a> (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at <a href="/publictransit" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/publictransit</a> or follow us on <a href="https://x.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">X</a> for the latest news.<br>
</div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
