Light rail’s debut eagerly anticipated
Riis Valcho
Times are changing in the city of Mesa as a bright downtown is developing again after years of decline and neglect. The city has new cultural points of interest such as the Mesa Arts Center, playful sculptures which align Main Street and a number of historical and cultural museums.
Now there is something else to add to Mesa’s up-and-coming central district, the light rail.
On Nov. 5, a question and answer session was put on by Valley Metro to help Mesa residents concerning the new line running through their city.
The meeting, held at the MCC/NAU downtown Mesa complex in conjunction with the Mesa Life Options organization, was full of curious residents and concerned citizens.
Valley Metro’s Public Involvement Coordinator, Erin Seibel presented the benefits and general information about the new rail system.
With a variety of questions ranging from frustration with recent construction zones to where the actual trains are built, the information session seemed to answer all questions.
Seibel is very excited about a possible future extension of the system in to the downtown area.
“Downtown Mesa is very unique,” Seibel said.
“There is so much for people around the Valley to see right here in the Downtown Mesa and we want to help be a part of that influx into this area,” he added
Seibel remains confident that the new system will be on par with other cities like Dallas or Denver.
“We love our cars here in the Valley; once people see how easy it is to ride people will want to utilize it,” Seibel said.
Mesa is wanting, if not asking, for public and private support to bring the light rail line directly into the city’s center to further uplift its long-term goals for a vibrant downtown.
The city’s only light rail stop is currently located a few miles to the west of downtown at Main and Sycamore streets.
That’s the eastern terminus of a 20-mile system that opens in the Valley in late December.
The line extends from Mesa through downtown Phoenix and then northward to Phoenix Spectrum Mall.
The station area includes a bus transfer center with six internal bus bays, pedestrian amenities, opportunities for transit-oriented development, as well as, a major 800 car park-and-ride facility.
The entire light rail system is scheduled to open for passenger service on Dec. 27.
Passengers will be able to ride for free on Dec. 27 and 28 for the grand opening of the light rail.
Free rides will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be music and activities on those dates as well for the opening.
