| Phoenix Public Transit Department to Restore Pre-COVID Bus Services | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1585 | Public Transit | | 10/23/2020 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1585/Public_Transit_Newsroom_031.jpg | | Phoenix Public Transit Department to Restore Pre-COVID Bus Services | <div class="ExternalClassA2CB5587B2BC40A3AF8AFEA2EE1D9C36"><html>
<p>The Phoenix City Council approved the partial restoration of public transit services beginning Oct. 26. The following service changes will be implemented:</p><p><strong>Hours</strong></p><p>Morning bus service on Phoenix-operated routes will return to a start time of approximately 4 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends. </p><p><strong>Added Trips</strong></p><p>RAPID service will begin with the restoration to the I-17 route, with one inbound trip in the morning and one afternoon outbound trip. Public Transit staff will continue monitoring ridership closely to determine if additional trips are needed for additional RAPID routes in the future. </p><p><strong>On-board Adjustments</strong></p><p>Designated seats will now be marked as ‘unavailable’ to facilitate social distancing, rather than a specific limit of riders on each bus.</p><p>These changes will be implemented as part of the regularly scheduled biannual transit service changes on Oct. 26. Phoenix will work with Valley Metro to coordinate these changes.</p><p>Other safety measures and cleaning protocols implemented throughout the pandemic will continue. Face covering are also still required on all public transit services, including bus, light rail, paratransit, Dial-a-Ride, and vanpoools. The Public Transit Department continues working jointly with the riding public to ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable ride. For complete information visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/">www.valleymetro.org</a>.</p><p><strong>About the Phoenix Public Transit Department: </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 target="_blank" href="https://www.t2050.org/">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 target="_blank" href="/publictransit">phoenix.gov/publictransit</a> or follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus">Twitter</a> for the latest news.</p>
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| Major Construction Projects Bring Bus Service Detours, Road Closure | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1540 | Public Transit | | 10/1/2020 10:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1540/Public_Transit_Newsroom_30.jpg | | Major Construction Projects Bring Bus Service Detours, Road Closure | <div class="ExternalClass361CF749D02A465F8EA2C40131978F07"><html>
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Construction on two major projects in downtown Phoenix will lead to changes for commuters and residents beginning in October. The redevelopment of Central Station and construction on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project will result in modifications for 28 bus routes and the closure of part of Central Avenue to vehicular traffic. <br><br>
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<p>• Due to construction on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project, beginning October 5, 2020 through the duration of the project construction, Central Avenue will be closed to motorists between Washington and Jefferson Streets. </p>
<p> o With this road closure, bus riders will use the northeast corner of Washington St/Central Ave to board and deboard.<br></p>
<p>• Beginning October 26, 2020, the Central Station Transit Center will be closed while the center is being redeveloped. </p><p> o All local, Express/RAPID and DASH routes that travel through this center will be on detour for approximately three years. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/pardon-our-progress">View all detoured routes here</a>.</p>
<p> o Light rail riders will be able to board and alight from the Van Buren/Central Ave and Van Buren/1st Ave stations for the duration of construction.</p>
<p> o Central Station Pass Sales and Customer Service will be closed from Oct. 19-25. Beginning October 26 through the duration of redevelopment, the office will be moved to the north entrance of the Phoenix Public Transit Department building, 302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 120. </p>
<p>These projects will transform the landscape of downtown Phoenix, enhancing the lives of Valley residents by providing greater access and connections. </p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.medistarcorp.com/in-development/">new Central Station</a> will be a mixed-use, walkable project that will include retail, workforce housing, and public open spaces. The new development will continue to include a transit center offering connections to light rail and bus routes in the area. </p>
<p>For detailed information on the service detours happening in October, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://valleymetro.org/pardon-our-progress">valleymetro.org/pop</a>. </p>
<p>For more information about the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extensiondowntown-hub">valleymetro.org/southcentral</a>.<br><br></p>
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<strong>About Transportation 2050</strong>: In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. For more information, visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.t2050.org/">T2050 page</a> or follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus">Phoenix Public Transit</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX">Phoenix Street Transportation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">Valley Metro</a> on Twitter.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p>
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<strong>About Valley Metro</strong>: Valley Metro exists to connect communities and enhance lives each day by providing eco-friendly public transit options in metro Phoenix. In Fiscal Year 2020, total ridership for the regional bus and 28-mile light rail system was 53 million passengers. Five high capacity transit extensions are in planning or under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/system-accessibility">paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities</a>, commuter vanpools,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sharetheride.com/"> online carpool matching</a>, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/boards-directors">Boards of Directors</a> from 18 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. Stay up-to-date by following us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/valleymetro">Facebook</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/valleymetro/">Instagram</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ValleyMetro">YouTube</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">Twitter</a> or by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://valleymetro.org/">valleymetro.org</a>.<br></p><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Construction Begins on Northwest Extension Phase II Rail Project | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1528 | Public Transit | | 9/24/2020 6:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1528/Public_Transit_Newsroom_029.jpg | | Construction Begins on Northwest Extension Phase II Rail Project | <div class="ExternalClass48AE22FA18034215A416CC7036F23BFB"><html>
<p>Construction on a new 1.6-mile extension of light rail, which will include the system’s first elevated station, is now underway. Crews have begun utility relocation, the first phase of construction, on the north side of Dunlap Avenue just west of the existing 19th Ave/Dunlap station.<br></p>
<p>“This project takes connectivity in the greater Phoenix area a step further,” said Valley Metro Rail Board Vice Chair, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Public transit, particularly light rail, keeps our region vibrant and progressive. It facilitates development and connects residents and future generations to jobs, education and entertainment options.”<br></p>
<p>In addition to a new transit center for light rail and bus service at Metrocenter, the extension also includes a rail-only bridge over the I-17 and two new stations. The community will also enjoy seven public art installations along the extension and updated landscaping, including more than 200 new trees.</p>
<p>“Light rail is an important component of our transportation infrastructure as it connects residents across the Valley and attracts new businesses and employment opportunities. Residents and businesses in the Metrocenter area are ready and excited for construction on the Northwest Extension Phase II to begin as the area is primed for quality development driven in part by light rail,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, whose district includes the Metrocenter area and is chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee.<br></p>
<p>The extension recently received a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/us-transportation-secretary-elaine-l-chao-announces-400-million-federal-funding">$50 million allocation of grant funding</a> from the Federal Transit Administration, as part of the Capital Investment Grants Program. In addition to this project, Valley Metro currently has two other projects now under construction: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extensiondowntown-hub">South Central Extension/Downtown Hub</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/tempe-streetcar">Tempe Streetcar</a>.<br></p>
<p>“With this extension of light rail, we’re building a north/south light rail line and new connections for our riders to offer greater flexibility and opportunity for travel,” said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “From the northwest to downtown and soon, south central Phoenix, we’re improving regional access for residents and visitors alike.”</p>
<p><strong>About Transportation 2050</strong>: In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. For more information, visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.t2050.org/">T2050 page</a> or follow<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus"> Phoenix Public Transit</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX">Phoenix Street Transportation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">Valley Metro</a> on Twitter.</p>
<p><strong>About Valley Metro</strong>: Valley Metro exists to connect communities and enhance lives each day by providing eco-friendly public transit options in metro Phoenix. In Fiscal Year 2020, total ridership for the regional bus and 28-mile light rail system was 53 million passengers. Five high capacity transit extensions are in planning or under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/system-accessibility">paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities</a>, commuter vanpools, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sharetheride.com/">online carpool matching</a>, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/boards-directors">Boards of Directors</a> from 18 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. Stay up-to-date by following us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/valleymetro">Facebook</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/valleymetro/">Instagram</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ValleyMetro">YouTube</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">Twitter</a> or by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.valleymetro.org/">valleymetro.org</a>.<br><br></p><div><br></div>
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