Posts Tagged ‘phoenix light rail’

Mass Transit Service Cuts in Downtown Phoenix

Monday, July 26th, 2010

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.

dashIn 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.”

trolleyDowntown 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.

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Surviving Summer in Downtown Phoenix

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Summer is here in Downtown Phoenix!

After an extended spring, we’re finally seeing triple digit temps on a regular basis. While staying indoors during extreme heat is always a good idea, there are ways to protect yourself when venturing out on your bike, bus or light rail during the day.

Wear appropriate warm weather clothing like light colored, loose-fitting cotton shirts and pants. Consider using sunblock for the parts of your body that aren’t covered with clothing. The style of shoe you wear is also important. Tennis shoes are always a good choice for hoofin’ it in the urban core, however you should avoid wearing shoes that will expose your feet to the harsh urban elements (i.e. sandals and flip flops). You might also want to think about wearing a ball cap or other type of hat to shade your face as much as possible.

9_3_Heat_SafetyBring some water along for the ride. Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s especially crucial when you’re commuting by bike, bus or light rail since your body is always active and on the go! If you forget to bring a water bottle, be sure to take advantage of the water fountains on light rail platforms. TIP: let the water run for a couple seconds before taking a sip!

Plan ahead to minimize your exposure to the sun by using Google Transit. No one wants to wait for a bus or train in 115F weather! If you map out your trip indoors, then you won’t have to so long for the bus or train when heading out for your commute. This is especially important on the weekends when the train intervals are 15 minutes. If you do get caught waiting, be sure to take advantage of the design features of the platform shelters to shield you from the sun.
Riding a bike will keep you cool as opposed to walking to your destination. Although it might seem like you’re exerting more energy on a bike, you can actually save energy by coasting or cruising. Plus, you get the added bonus of having a breeze on your face!

Carry an umbrella if you want shade on the spot. Take a tip from our Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors - have you seen how cool they look? You’ll often find them using an umbrella as they walk around assisting visitors (and residents!) navigate our urban core. Our Ambassadors know best!

Don’t let the sun keep you shacked up inside all day! Go out and explore the city, just be sure to follow these simple steps to stay cool during your trip to downtown Phoenix!

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Where to Workout in Downtown Phoenix

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

ymcaOur urban core is bustling with activity these days. Not only does Downtown Phoenix have some great restaurants and entertainment options, but the city also has a growing number of amenities for people who live and work in the heart of the city. Especially when it comes to having options for working out near the light rail. Whether you live Downtown, midtown or uptown…working out is just a quick train ride away!

AmenZone Primal Fitness and Training is located in the warehouse district at 106 E Buchanan (just south of US Airways Center near 2nd Street). According to friend and fellow blogger Seth, think of AmenZone as less gym and more boot camp. “I’ve never worked out so damn hard in my life but you will not find any weights, benches, treadmills, mirrors or walls of TVs.” During the workout, Seth says the class is moving constantly for about an hour with the exception of a few much needed water breaks. Taking the light rail? Deboard at one of the 3rd Street stations.

Core CrossFit is located just south of Roosevelt on 7th Street (825 N 7th Street) and trains members in a group setting. According to the website, Core CrossFit is committed to providing a complete strength and conditioning program. The training consists of constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements using equipment found in gyms but with a boot camp twist. Use the Roosevelt station when taking the light rail.

Gold’s Gym Elite is located on the second floor of the brand spanking new CityScape project, which is right smack in the heart of the city (southeast corner of Central and Washington). I just joined this Gold’s and it’s probably one of the nicest gyms I’ve seen. The facility has all the latest equipment (even treadmills that blow cool air on you while you exercise!), a towel and laundry service for those who need to go to work after working out, and of course, a fantastic view of Downtown Phoenix! Spinning and yoga classes are also included in your dues. Light rail riders can use either Central and Washington (westbound) or the 1st Avenue and Jefferson (eastbound) stations.

Just Breathe is your one-stop training facility if you like a combination of pilates, spinning and yoga classes as part of your workout regimen. After your workout, let your body recover with a deep tissue, sports or Swedish massage. Just Breathe also offers a special Arizona resident rate for first-time guests. The facility is located at 832 N 2nd Street, just south of the Roosevelt station.

Lincoln Family YMCA is directly across the street from Civic Space Park in Downtown Phoenix. One of the original gyms in our urban core, the facility is popular with Downtown and midtown residents. People who workout here love the indoor heated pool, rooftop track and racquetball courts. The Y is located directly across the street from Central station. Find out more information about the Lincoln Family YMCA here.

These days, making sure I stay fit is high on my priority list, especially after I gained 13 pounds riding a bike around Phoenix! Who knew you could get fat riding a bike?! How that happened, I’m not sure. (Well, ok, I know. I’m blaming every single coffee bar for selling delicious baked goods! Arggh!) Read the advice I got from a doctor in my blog post Does This Bike Make Me Look Fat.

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Health Care Comes to Downtown Phoenix

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Downtown Phoenix residents and workers will be happy to know that health care is right around the corner. Cigna Medical Group will soon open their first CMG CareToday clinic in our urban core at the northwest corner of Central and Adams. The facility is just a short walk from the Central and Washington light rail station. The office should be open to the public next week pending an inspections check.

ribbon-cuttingRRMayor Phil Gordon, City of Phoenix District 8 Representative Michael Johnson, Cigna executives, and other Downtown notables attended an on-site ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning [See photo, left].

Until now, people who live Downtown know the area is underserved by physician offices and no-appointment health clinics. The closest clinic to the center of the city is located inside the Walgreen’s at Central and Osborn (approximately three miles). CMG CareToday, according to a release, provides no-appointment “fast” medical care to those with or without insurance.

“We received feedback that, if you work Downtown, there aren’t a lot of options for no appointment care other than the Downtown emergency rooms,” said Henri Cournand, vice president of business development for Cigna Medical Group. The Downtown location is the ninth Cigna CareToday to open in the Valley and the company plans to open more.

“With the significant concentration of employers, coupled with large Downtown hotels, we believe that the CMG CareToday location at Central & Adams is a good alternative for quick and convenient care,” says Cournand.

CareToday is a quick and convenient option, ideal for allergies, asthma, bladder infections, minor burns, colds, ear infections, flu, immunizations, back pain, pregnancy testing, strep throat and other easily diagnosed and treated ailments.

Most visits are $59 plus lab work (approximately $10) but first visits are $29.

Common prescriptions are kept on site so patients can leave with everything they need to start feeling better.

Additional information on CareToday services can be found here.

Get more new business information by texting “DEV” to 25866

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Spotlight Shines on Downtown Warehouse District

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Friend and fellow blogger Yuri Artibise is organizing his second Jane’s Walk this weekend in Downtown Phoenix. The nationwide (free) event, named after urbanist Jane Jacobs, is meant to draw attention to walkable neighborhoods within your city. This year, Artibise is focusing on the warehouse district in our urban core. According to the Jane’s Walk Phoenix website, Artibise points out that our warehouse district has been neglected. Buildings have either been razed or boarded up. In most cities, warehouse districts are epicenters of the arts and culture scene, in addition to being a great place for young entrepreneurs to see their business grow. That’s not the case here in Phoenix, and Artibise quotes Jane Jacobs as to why our city people should change their mindset when it comes to adaptive reuse of buildings in this part of town.

Cities need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous streets and districts to grow without them…. for really new ideas of any kind—no matter how ultimately profitable or otherwise successful some of them might prove to be—there is no leeway for such chancy trial, error and experimentation in the high-overhead economy of new construction. Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings. – Jane Jacobs, “The Death and Life of American Cities”

You can learn more about the Downtown Phoenix warehouse district by joining Yuri and dozens of others this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The walk will start at AmenZone, located at 106 E. Buchanan, which is just a couple of blocks south of the 3rd Street and Jefferson light rail station. Information on the event can be found here and instructions on how to ride the light rail can be found on my website here.

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Get your Groove on at Civic Space Jam

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

An eclectic mix of people and music can be found every third Sunday at Civic Space Park (deboard light rail at Central Station). The event is called Civic Space Jam – a free dance party in the heart of our urban core. The late afternooon/early evening event is a great way to bring the weekend in for a nice soft landing with some cool tunes and fun people. One of the event organizers, Anthony Hart (aka DJ Hartbreaks) is a friend. I’ve been wanting to do a profile on his event ever since it started late last year, but we could never coordinate schedules. Before too much time passed, I figured I would corner Hart for an interview by text message, which just so happens to be my first ever text message interview (I’m not sure if this is a sign of advanced technology or an indication of where my career is headed). Here is our text conversation in its entirety. The text conversation took place April 13th around 10:15 p.m. I was at home on my sofa and in my footie pajamas while DJ Hartbreaks was at Downtown hot spot Lost Leaf.

civic space park_resizedTony Arranaga: Are you working?

Anthony Hart: Nope. Lost Leaf. Why?

TA: Wanted to ask you about Civic Space Jam for a blog post. Anything different happening this weekend compared to previous jams?

AH: It’s gonna be warmer!

TA: Any suggestions on what people should bring?

AH: Squirtguns! Water balloons! Popsicles! Ice cream! Cold Water! We’ll have free ice tea.

TA: Awesome. You know I’m using all this for a post so only answer what you want in print/text. :) Are you happy with the turnout at previous Civic Space Jams?

AH: Absolutely! If you’ve been coming each month since November, it keeps growing and getting bigger/more packed and popular every time.

AH: Everyone needs to spread the word and tell their friends, whether they live/hangout Downtown or not — but ESPECIALLY if you do. We started this from the ground up, little to no flyering (flyers/advertising), totally do it yourself/grassroots and the turnout/support has been amazing.

TA: and it’s FREE!  Is Civic Space Jam family friendly or should people leave their kids at home?

AH: Dude. It’s an all ages event, outdoors in a beautiful park (Civic Space Park) that has a ton of potential. Seeing kids drance, draw (with chalk on the sidewalk) what they want/contribute to a mural, has been awesome. Phoenix needs more fresh, community oriented events like this to bring people together. Hopefully things like CSJ are still going and continue to grow as these kids do. We’re one of the largest cities in the US and need to show it culturally.

TA: I agree. I think there’s alot to do here in Downtown. Phoenix is such a cool city – people should get out and explore!

AH: Alot of the people that come to CSJ I see at bars and downtown, parties, or are DJs/musicians themselves in addition to being parents. For once they can make a family day/night of it and not have to worry about a sitter.

TA: Sounds good. Thanks Anthony!

Civic Space Jam takes place the third Sunday of every month at Civic Space Park, which is just north of Central station (Central and Van Buren). The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. Dress code: casual/day at the park. If you’re interested in finding out more information about Civic Space Jam, check out the Facebook fan page. Click here to read details about the park and the public art display called Her Secret is Patience. Information on how to ride the light rail can be found on my Web site here.

 

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Business Owners See Green Potential in Bike Racks

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

As a carefree resident of our urban core, there are two words I catch myself saying lately as I explore Downtown Phoenix and the surrounding areas: ‘nice rack.’

Bike racks are popping up in front of trendy restaurants and other places along the nearly one-year-old light rail line.

Many business owners are realizing more people are using bicycles in connection with mass transit in an effort to clean our air.

We really wanna support a green lifestyle,” says Cindy Gentry of the Phoenix Public Market about the new rack in front of her store. “Our customers have been asking for one for years.”

The popular Phoenix market recently opened shop in new digs after years of selling locally grown and produced items under tents from a parking lot at the corner of McKinley and Central Avenue.

We really want to support a green lifestyle,” says Gentry about the bike rack.
The public market is light rail convenient (south of the Roosevelt station), however it’s a good idea to have a basket or rack on your bike to haul all the tamales, fresh produce, and containers of hummus you’ll want to take home.

Meanwhile, just north of Downtown on 7th Avenue, America’s Taco Shop is also seeing green in greener living.

“I always see people taking the light rail and using their bikes to get to our restaurant,” says America’s Taco Shop owner Terry Bortin.

Bortin says he installed two racks after seeing so many people parking their stylish cruisers out front, a look and feel Bortin loves.

“America’s has kind of become a place for families and their bikes,” says Bortin about his business, which specializes in serving the best carne asada burritos in Phoenix.
(OK, that last part was author commentary)

Local bike store Sun Cyclery donated Postino’s racks you see in the picture.

Wanna see where else I’m finding bike racks? Log onto my Facebook fan page to find more bike racks in our central corridor…

And be sure to check out my blog to find out how businesses are repurposing vintage items and turning them into racks.

By the way, the light rail line extends through Tempe and ends in Mesa in the East Valley. For information on how to ride click here.

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Come get that new Championship glow!

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

 Mercury

If you haven’t already heard, Game 1 of the WNBA Championship was amazing.  The Phoenix Mercury’s fast paced play broke all kinds of records for scoring, ending 120-116, and was undoubtedly one of the most intense games to watch for any basketball fan.  The crowd was regularly on their feet – and most folks didn’t sit down for the last four minutes of the game.  Our hearts were still pumping hard as we drove home celebrating the first win in the series.

It’s not over yet!  That was Game 1 of 5.  The Indiana Fever will be back on Thursday night at 6 p.m. for Game 2.  Games 3 and 4 will be played in Indiana with game 5, if needed, coming back to Phoenix. This means that Thursday night may be your LAST opportunity to see the championship Mercury Team play!

For those who are able, I absolutely encourage you to get lower level tickets.  For those who can’t – how about some free tickets?  Yes, I said FREE.  For Thursday’s game Alvin Gentry purchased out 7,000 upper level tickets and is giving them away FREE to anyone who goes to the box office on Wednesday or Thursday (while supplies last) and asks for up to eight tickets by mentioning Gentry’s Gallery.

Take the Light Rail in so there’s no need to pay for parking and enjoy your free seats to some of the best entertainment Downtown Phoenix has to offer. After the win (fingers crossed), you can cap off the evening with dinner and/or drinks at any of the amazing spots all within walking distance like Stoudemire’s, Majerle’s Sports Grill or Bar Smith.  Enjoy cheering for the team for hours after the game with friends you haven’t met yet.  That’s what downtown is all about.

I look forward to seeing you, or at least hearing you, at the game!

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First Friday Fun

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

First Friday Art

It’s July 3rd, First Friday night! The boyfriend and I hop on the light rail and start our journey into First Fridays. We wander into a bistro called Carly’s and discover they have a sweet happy hour. I used to think downtown was too expensive, but you just have to know where to find the deals. We try something called a Blushing Belgium, which combines framboise with Guinness—very tasty. We talk and watch the crowds of people pass us by. There are so many different groups. This is why I love Phoenix’s First Friday. There are Goths, followed by a family, then a high school couple, then a street show featuring roller blades and tutus. Watching the crowds go by is better than watching TV.

After our drinks, we head through the galleries and I buy my first piece of art! It’s a print of a phoenix rising with “love” written vertically. First Friday is full of Phoenix pride. We see a graffiti artist painting PHX on canvases in very creative ways. I am excited for next month’s event, and who knows? Maybe I’ll find my second piece of art.

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My Downtown

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

When I first moved to Phoenix, I only came downtown once a quarter. On those visits, I would just do my business and leave the area. Nowadays, I visit the area a couple of times a month and stay for a spell. The addition of the light rail gives the area a little extra oomph, although I’m still trying to navigate my way through the labyrinth of one-way streets and construction zones.

On each visit, I keep finding my way back to Central and Adams. This light rail stop is home to a few of my most frequently visited spots including Hanny’s, Matador, Thai Elephant and Starbucks, which is attached to the Wyndham Hotel. (Wait a minute, did I just list the whole block?)

Hanny’s used to be a men’s clothing store that has been gently restored into a cozy restaurant. The dishes are simply delicious, and the menu prices are pretty inexpensive. It was at Hanny’s that I tried a malbec rosé for the first time.

Matador will always have a special place in my heart because it is where I dined on spinach enchiladas on the second date with my current boyfriend.

And have you tried Thai Elephant? The place is small; the staff is friendly and attentive. My last visit had me regretting the “safe” vegetable dish I ordered. Don’t get me wrong, the vegetable curry dish was delicious, but my dining partner ordered a boneless pork chop dish that tasted as succulent as it looked. I’m totally ordering it on my next visit.

I do have one pet peeve, though: Can somebody tell me why the Starbucks on that corner closes at 6 p.m.? More than once I needed a caffeine fix at 6:17 p.m., only to find the doors locked. When I do get there early enough, I set up my laptop and people watch. (FYI: Not many electrical outlets at this location.) Oftentimes, there’s a street musician posted across the street with an electronic keyboard and microphone singing away. When Starbucks closes, I make my way to the adjacent Wyndham Hotel and sit in one of the huge, comfortable lounge chairs in the lobby and people watch some more.

This is my downtown. Where is your downtown?

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