| Phoenix Celebrates Five Years of Transportation 2050 Accomplishments | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1873 | Public Transit | | 4/26/2021 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1873/Public_Transit_Newsroom_40.jpg | | Phoenix Celebrates Five Years of Transportation 2050 Accomplishments | <div class="ExternalClassA1F368A7D1F245E7933AC4687343B9E6"><html>
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<p>Street improvements, new bus shelters, extended bus service hours, a new light rail station and more milestones were made possible in the last five years thanks to forward-thinking Phoenicians who voted for Proposition 104 (<a target="_blank" href="/T2050">Transportation 2050</a>) in August 2015. </p>
<p>A seven-tenths (7/10) of a cent sales tax went into effect in January 2016, funding the Transportation 2050 (T2050) program. T2050 is a 35-year multimodal transportation plan to dramatically expand investment in bus service, light rail construction and operation, and overall mobility and street improvements across Phoenix. </p>
<p>To celebrate these accomplishments, the city has planned a <a target="_blank" href="/T2050/FiveYears">socially distant scavenger hunt </a>that can be completed virtually or in person. The city has also released two videos celebrating T2050 achievements.<br></p>
<p> “This year marks five years of progress under Phoenix’s T2050 plan, and we have a lot to celebrate,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and it is critical that we have a multimodal transit system that meets the needs of our residents and helps them thrive. While 2020 was a different year than we expected, the city forged ahead to meet more goals than ever before. We will continue to do so, to ensure robust, inclusive transportation options become a reality in Phoenix.” </p>
<p>Mayor Gallego adds that T2050 also helped position Phoenix for the growth and economic prosperity the city has experienced over the last five years.</p>
<p> “Major employers, site selectors and investors look at factors like transportation and infrastructure when choosing where to locate,” Mayor Gallego said. “We have a long-range vision for mobility and transportation that is supported by our voters and that’s why the Phoenix economy is rebounding faster than other cities.”</p>
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<strong>Public Participation and Multimedia Content </strong>
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<p>• Participate in the T2050 scavenger hunt to experience progress made to date. The scavenger hunt can be completed at home or in person at various sites that were made possible through T2050 funding. Visit<a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/T2050/FiveYears"> phoenix.gov/T2050/FiveYears</a> to learn more and complete the T2050 scavenger hunt. Successful participants in the contest are eligible to win a $150, $100 or $50 donated gift card to the <a target="_blank" href="https://shop.localfirstaz.com/">Shop Arizona Marketplace</a>.</p>
<p>• Listen to Mayor Kate Gallego’s comments on the <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/pk-4OszomYM">city’s YouTube channel</a>. </p>
<p>• Watch a brief summary of the T2050 key milestones in this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMrL7Sl-KoI">two-minute video</a>.</p>
<p>• To be transparent to voters and the traveling public, the city of Phoenix publishes<a target="_blank" href="/T2050/Progress"> annual progress reports</a> detailing how T2050 funds are used to advance transportation and mobility across the city. The reports highlight various taxpayer-funded projects showing that the city is on track to meet its goals. Check out the <a href="/streetssite/Documents/T2050AnnualProgressReport%20_FY2020_EnglishInteractive.pdf" target="_blank">latest 2020 progress report card on p. 9</a> to see the evolution of improvements. <br><br></p>
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<strong>Select Five-Year Bus and Dial-A-Ride Achievements</strong>
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<p>• Bus and Dial-A-Ride service hours extended to match light rail hours</p>
<p>• Increased frequency on five major bus routes and extended bus routes on five major arterial roads</p>
<p>• Purchased 319 new local buses, 37 RAPID buses, 97 Dial-A-Ride vehicles and three circulator buses</p>
<p>• Installed 321 bus shelter shade structures, 49 bus stops and six bus bays </p>
<p>• Continued providing transportation for essential workers every day throughout the pandemic<br><br></p>
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<strong>Select Five-Year High-Capacity Transit Achievements</strong>
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<p>• 50th Street Light Rail Station opened in 2019<br></p>
<p>• Planning underway for high capacity transit between the state capitol and Desert Sky Mall (Capitol Extension/I-10 West Extension)<br><br></p>
<p>• Construction underway for the second phase of the Northwest Extension to the Metrocenter region</p>
<p>• Construction underway on the South Central Extension and Downtown Hub</p>
<p>• Public outreach on potential corridors and networks for the Bus Rapid Transit System<br><br></p>
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<strong>Select Five-Year Street Maintenance Achievements</strong>
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<p>• Added 189 miles of new pavement and applied pavement preservation treatments to 441 additional miles of arterial or major collector roads </p>
<p>• Added 552 miles of new pavement and applied pavement preservation treatment to 1,544 additional miles of minor collector or local streets</p>
<p>• Improved or installed 12,003 ADA-compliant curb ramps</p>
<p>• Replaced 3,331 illuminated street signs</p>
<p>• Installed 2,318 new energy-efficient LED street lights</p>
<p>• Installed 182 miles of new bike lanes</p>
<p>• Installed 166 left-turn arrows<br><br></p>
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<strong>About Transportation 2050</strong>: In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved 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 from federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources. <br></p><p>For the latest, follow us on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus">@PhoenixMetroBus</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/StreetsPHX">@StreetsPHX</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro">@ValleyMetro.<br></a><br></p><p><strong>Media Contacts</strong></p><p>Phoenix Public Transit, Brenda Yanez, 602-571-5895<br></p><p>Phoenix Street Transportation, Ashley Patton, 602-292-3704<br></p>
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| Metro Phoenix Transit Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccines | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1801 | Public Transit | | 3/11/2021 6:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1801/Public_Transit_Newsroom_39.jpg | | Metro Phoenix Transit Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccines | <div class="ExternalClass5B74F536FA9B4EC28DB27E3829D7157A"><html>
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The Valley’s essential transit workers are now prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
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<p>“I have advocated for quite some time for these essential workers to move up on the priority list, and am pleased to see the county take action,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Since the pandemic began, these are the people who show up every day, and work in close contact with other people – sometimes helping them board a bus or even buckle a seatbelt. They do it despite the risk to their own health. There is no question they are the backbone of our local economy.”<br></p>
<p>The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) will give the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine during an event that occurs March 12-14. There are approximately 4,000 frontline transit workers who serve metro Phoenix communities. <br></p>
<p>The event is open only to public transit personnel including bus, light rail and paratransit workers and is being shared with another sector of essential workers, United States Postal Service employees. Special thanks to MCDPH and the other event hosts—Phoenix Union High School District and Albertson’s/Safeway—for their commitment to frontline essential workers and protecting our community.<br></p>
<p>“There are thousands of transit workers in the Valley who, from day one of the pandemic, have shown up to keep our region moving," said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “I am awed by our team and their commitment to serving the public and other essential workers, including our grocery store and healthcare workers. They are truly heroes moving heroes.”<br></p>
<p>Transit workers are employed by Valley Metro, city of Phoenix and a dozen contracted firms, including First Transit, Transdev, Alternate Concepts, Inc., Allied Universal and DMS Facility Services, to name a few.<br></p>
<p>“Having several agencies working together as a team has allowed us to protect our frontline employees,” said Lynn McLean, General Manager, First Transit East Valley. “I want to thank those who have continued through this pandemic year to provide service to the public. I also want to thank the agencies that have provided this opportunity for transit workers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and our passengers.”<br></p>
<p>About a year ago, Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix began implementing more stringent cleaning protocols and safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline staff and passengers. Enhanced cleaning and boarding limitations were put in place, face coverings were mandated, and temporary barriers were installed in the driver area to create a safe distance between operators and passengers. Permanent barriers are being installed on the entire bus fleet now. <br></p>
<p>For more information on how Valley Metro maintains a safe environment for transit workers and riders, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/covid-19">valleymetro.org/covid19</a>.<br></p>
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<strong>About Phoenix Public Transit</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 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.<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 paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors 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 href="https://www.facebook.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valleymetro/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ValleyMetro" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or by visiting <a href="http://www.valleymetro.org/" target="_blank">valleymetro.org</a>.</p><p><br></p>
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| Face Coverings on Public Transit Now a Federal Mandate | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1740 | Public Transit | | 2/2/2021 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1740/Public_Transit_Newsroom_38.jpg | | Face Coverings on Public Transit Now a Federal Mandate | <div class="ExternalClass0BA87A8CC8594369B5E5B06241B18FA1"><html>
<p>On Jan. 21, 2021, President Biden issued an <strong>executive order requiring mask wearing on all modes of public transportation</strong> including intercity buses and trains. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order which requires people to wear masks while on all public transportation and conveyances (trains, airplanes, ferries, etc.) and at transportation hubs. <br></p>
<p>On Jan. 31, the <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/01/31/tsa-implement-executive-order-regarding-face-masks-airport-security" target="_blank">Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a security directive</a> to implement President Biden’s Executive Order and support enforcement of the CDC’s Order with an effective start date of Feb. 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST.</p>
<p>Since June 20, 2020, Phoenix Public Transit passengers have been required to wear face coverings in conjunction with local and regional declarations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This federal mandate takes precedence over previously enacted local actions.</p>
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<strong>Riders are urged to plan ahead</strong> and bring their own face coverings before boarding any public transit. Riders also are required to properly wear the face covering according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">CDC guidelines </a>for their entire trip, including covering the face and nose. </p>
<p>To assist transit passengers that do not have a face mask, Phoenix Public Transit will continue to provide<strong> free face coverings</strong> (as supplies allow) for riders at the following transit centers and libraries:<br></p>
<p>• Transit Centers: Central Station, Ed Pastor, Metrocenter and Sunnyslope</p>
<p>• Libraries: Burton Barr, Cesar Chavez, Desert Sage, Harmon, Palo Verde, Saguaro, Yucca</p>
<p>The face-covering requirement applies to all people two years of age and older, on any public transit vehicle or at any public transit facility, including waiting areas and bus and light rail stops. Guidance from the CDC instructs public transit personnel to use best efforts to ensure that every person wears a mask when boarding, disembarking and for the duration of travel. Best efforts include:</p>
<p>• Boarding only those persons who wear masks;</p>
<p>• Instructing people that federal law requires wearing a mask on public transit and failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law;</p>
<p>• Monitoring persons onboard for anyone who is not wearing a mask;</p>
<p>• At the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply; and </p>
<p>• Providing people with adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of the order to wear a mask.</p>
<p>Read the detailed information on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/21/executive-order-promoting-covid-19-safety-in-domestic-and-international-travel/" target="_blank">President’s Order</a> and the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDC’s Order</a>, including definitions and instructions on wearing masks. </p>
<p>For the latest service information and COVID-19 public transit preventative measures, visit <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/news/service-impacts-due-covid-19" target="_blank">valleymetro.org</a> and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">@PhoenixMetroBus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">@valleymetro</a> on Twitter. </p>
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<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 href="https://www.t2050.org/" 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>
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