| Federal and Local Leaders Celebrate Light Rail Funding | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2150 | Public Transit | | 11/23/2021 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2150/Public_Transit_Newsroom_46.jpg | | Federal and Local Leaders Celebrate Light Rail Funding | <div class="ExternalClass54FA082EDE2441AFA7BB1609B7863679"><html>
<p>Federal and local dignitaries gathered Friday, Nov. 19 to celebrate the signing of a $158 million full funding grant agreement for the Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWEII). <br></p><p>The extension adds 1.6 miles of track, three stations and a multimodal transit center to the existing 28-mile light rail system. The event culminated an exciting week for transportation with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law on Monday. <br></p><p>“This extension is going to enable more people to enjoy safe, fast, frequent and reliable public transportation, and it’s an environmentally-friendly project,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “This connection will tie people to downtown, to Arizona State University and Sky Harbor International Airport—high-activity areas where there is job generation.”<br></p><p>Connecting from the existing end-of-line at 19th Avenue and Dunlap, the extension will provide greater transit access to Phoenix residents west of the I-17 thanks to a new rail-only bridge that will be built over the freeway and the first elevated station. It is expected to serve 5,700 riders each day.<br></p><p>“With the Northwest Extension Phase II, we see a community identifying transportation needs, developing smart solutions, standing up for its values and investing local dollars in these projects.” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to this project, communities will now have better and more affordable access to jobs, healthcare, services, downtown and everywhere that Valley Metro reaches.” <br></p><p>“The construction of this light rail connection will serve thousands of daily riders, opening up opportunities for folks to access education and good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. “That’s how we continue to make the Valley a great place to live and to work. Like the other infrastructure projects we will see in our state, it’s going to put folks back to work.”<br></p><p>“One of the things I’m most proud of from my time as mayor is asking voters to grow our economy with an expansion of light rail into new neighborhoods throughout the city,” said U.S. Representative Greg Stanton. “But even with voter approval, it cannot happen without federal investment. Making this extension a reality is a catalyst for economic and social transformation, connecting the Northwest Valley to economic opportunities, jobs, education, health care, social services and more––in this region and beyond.”<br></p><p>“This extension will power our economy, connecting new parts of the city to educational institutions, employment centers, and a vibrant offering of arts, culture, and sports,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Combined with support coming from President Biden’s new infrastructure plan, we will strengthen our multi-modal transit system, reduce greenhouse gasses, and speed towards our climate goals.”<br></p><p>“Transit plays a major role in serving our diverse community and the fastest-growing county in the United States,” said Valley Metro Board Chair and Mesa Councilmember Francisco Heredia. “We will need all transit and transportation solutions on the table as we expect over a million more people to be coming to the Phoenix area in the next 10 years.”<br></p><p>“Our system is relatively young—only 13 years old—but in that time, has changed our communities for the better,” said Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith. “We have seen unprecedented mobility, development and change for the good. Northwest Extension Phase II has a huge impact because of where it is, crossing a boundary between central and west Phoenix, and ending at one of the most exciting and unique redevelopment efforts in the entire country.” <br></p><p>The project’s total cost is $401 million, paid for by the federal Capital Investment Grant, Proposition 400 regional funds and city of Phoenix Transportation 2050 funds. Construction began in September 2020 and the extension is scheduled to begin operating in 2024.</p><p>For more photos of the event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/valleymetro/albums/72157720177583457">visit the Valley Metro Flickr site</a>.<br></p><p>For more information on Phoenix light rail projects <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project">valleymetro.org/project</a>.<br><br></p><p><br><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Light Rail Progress is on Track | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2140 | Public Transit | | 11/16/2021 6:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2140/Public_Transit_Newsroom_45.jpg | https://youtu.be/43z7lhdD1J0 | Light Rail Progress is on Track | <div class="ExternalClass59594261C4CD4BEBB453B2DF002C9517"><html>
<p>Check out this month's Phoenix City Update episode to learn more about the light rail expansion in Phoenix. The episode takes us from northwest to south central Phoenix where light rail projects are making progress. <br><br></p>
<p>Phoenix light rail administrator, Markus Coleman, chats with PHXTV's Deborah Sedillo Dugan about light rail construction, connections and community firsts. </p>
<p>And remember to stay update to date with everything light rail by downloading the Construct VM app. For the latest details on Phoenix light rail projects visit valleymetro.org/project.</p>
<div>
<br><br></div>
<p></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | Video | public-transit |
| Phoenix Distributing Free Transit Passes to Those Most in Need | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/2120 | Public Transit | | 10/28/2021 7:10:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2120/Public_Transit_Newsroom_44.jpg | | Phoenix Distributing Free Transit Passes to Those Most in Need | <div class="ExternalClass7A40E570AD234DBD92111F8B2A40FC3D"><html>
<p></p><p>Many Phoenix residents now have help with the cost of riding public transit - for both bus and light rail. Earlier this year, the Phoenix city council developed a strategic plan for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be received by the city of Phoenix. A component of that plan is to utilize $1 million for the purchase and distribution of transit passes to Phoenix residents to ensure that transit-dependent passengers can continue riding transit during these challenging times. </p><p>The Public Transit Department is working with other city of Phoenix departments as well as partner organizations to distribute the passes to communities that can benefit from use of these passes. <br></p><p>City staff, with the help of the Phoenix city council, identified more than <a href="/publictransitsite/Documents/ARPA_bus_passes_agencies_2021.pdf" target="_blank">30 organizations</a> that can assist with the distribution of these passes including (but not limited to) Phoenix Arizona@Work, Equality AZ, the Human Services Campus and others. <br></p><p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>Members of the public can visit the list of <a href="/publictransitsite/Documents/ARPA_bus_passes_agencies_2021.pdf" target="_blank">participating organizations</a> and connect with them to get a pass. Pass recipients are asked to fill out a <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F2GZKRY" target="_blank">short survey</a> about how they will utilize this assistance. <span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p><p>These organizations have existing programs in place to provide various types of assistance to those in need. And transit passes add to the benefits such programs already provide.<br></p><p>Assisting with transportation costs will be beneficial for those individuals that may need temporary help to get back on their feet, go to work, school, medical appointments, and continue moving their life forward. This can make a positive impact across Phoenix communities who rely on public transit in their daily lives. See the <a href="/publictransitsite/Documents/ARPA_bus_passes_agencies_2021.pdf" target="_blank">attached list of agencies and programs</a> the Public Transit Department has partnered with for the distribution of these passes. <br></p><p><strong>About the Phoenix Public Transit Departmen</strong><strong>t</strong>: </p><p>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 transit, and other transportation improvements, through <a href="/t2050" target="_blank">Transportation 2050 (T2050)</a> – 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://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for the latest news. </p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
