Light rail is party train
Vickie Rodriguez
The Metro Light Rail is the newest form of transportation in the Phoenix metro area attracting a wide range of passengers across the valley. Ridership has increased every month since opening in Dec. 2008.
September’s ridership has been the highest so far, with over 40,000 riders on an average weekday.
Hillary Foose, a public information officer for The Metro Light Rail, said that a short study was conducted in April 2009 to get a glimpse on how riders are using the system.
“We did find a high percentage of riders for professional services, however it’s a higher than normal amount of people who are riding for leisure,” Foose said.
An estimated 40 percent of riders use the light rail to go to games or bar hop to avoid drinking and driving.
Since July 1 of this year, the Metro Light Rail stays open past 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights because of an overwhelming amount of public input from riders going to bars and restaurants.
“We are a safe and affordable way to get around late at night and we hope people use the system this way,” Foose said.
According to Foose, most riders are known as “Choice Riders” since 70 percent of them own one or more vehicles.
“I think our popularity speaks to people that are looking for different options to travel.I think people are just looking for more convenient and affordable ways to move,” she said.
The Metro Light Rail has also teamed up with U.S. Airways center and the Phoenix Suns to provide free ridership to consumers attending an event there, starting four hours before games and extending through the rest of the day.
Amanda Pizzolanti, a Phoenix Suns fan, said that she is excited to hear about the complimentary fare because she hates the current parking situation when she attends a game.
“I’m super excited to hear about the free fare to and from the Phoenix Suns games. Since I’ve already been on the light rail I know how convenient it is. I can’t wait for the next game so I can ride it,” she said.
