Starting this week, there will be numerous changes to public transportation schedules in Phoenix. Besides changes to the bus schedule, light rail will run at 12 minute intervals from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 20 minute intervals at all other times (source). The service cuts are the result of an ongoing decline of sales tax revenue, as well as the state legislature using lottery funds earmarked for public transportation in order to balance the budget.
In addition to the bus and light rail changes, the Downtown Area Shuttle Bus (DASH) will also see a significant decrease in service. Terry Madeksza, Director of Operations for the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, explains what’s happening with the service and what are some other transportation options in our urban core.
DASH service is actually provided by the City of Phoenix and operated by the Public Transit Department as a business circulator connecting workers to businesses during the day. Madeksza says for the last few years, the Partnership contributed only a small amount towards the operation of DASH – about $22,500 per year out of an annual operating budget of over $850,000.
DASH had two loops: The Downtown Loop and the Government Loop. The Downtown Loop, which had a north/south orientation, has been eliminated. The Government Loop that connects Central Station and the State Capitol, continues to run as it always has, as a business circulator with the same route and schedule.
“Since the route no longer serves the broader Downtown core, the Partnership decided to discontinue our contribution, and instead apply it towards the free evening trolley service currently in operation and provided by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership,” said Madeksza.
Even with DASH cuts there are still plenty of other transportation options to help you get around Downtown Phoenix.
“Light Rail is, of course, an affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around Central Phoenix,” says Madeksza. “There are plenty of Park and Ride lots located along the route, and wonderful, unique businesses and restaurants for riders to experience.”
Downtown Phoenix is also very walkable. Visitors to the Downtown core will find more than 100 restaurants and bars to try, plenty of public art displays to see and architectural landmarks to visit.
Medeksza points out that If you would rather ride in style, there are other options like pedicabs and a FREE evening trolley funded by the Partnership. You can catch the trolley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The trolley stops at most sports venues, theaters, restaurants and bars. For more information on light rail, pedicabs or the free trolley, contact the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors at 602-495-1500 or www.downtownphoenix.com.
For a supplement to the Valley Metro Transit Book, click here.
Editor’s Note: Marie Chapple, Public Information Officer for the Phoenix Public Transit Department, was a source for this blog post.
Tags: DASH, Light.Rail.Blogger, METRO light rail, phoenix light rail, public transportation, service cuts, Tony Arranaga
The Phoenix light rail and a carfree experiment is Tony's elevator pitch for his website lightrailblogger.com. Tony's passion for alternative transportation grows stronger each month as he attempts - and succeeds - at living carfree in the desert. How does Tony do it? That's what he explains on his blog - which talks about life's adventures when you step out from behind the wheel. Of course, getting around Downtown Phoenix on the light rail is a big part of his story.
