by bryan | May 21, 2010 | News & Information
LightRailConnect has set up the Twitter account “lightrailconn”. We now have 320 followers, and have posted 202 tweets. The update we post are informational and directed at live, work and play near the tracks. Check out our tweets @...
by bryan | May 21, 2010 | News & Information, Valley Metro
My first experience on a light rail, with the tracks cutting through city traffic and people waiting under tiny awnings was in the cold, industrial city of Milan, Italy. Although the city has a subway, the light rail was my preferred method of travel, above ground and speedy, the light rail allowed me to hop on and off while still feeling connected to the architecture and the beauty of the city. That was more than 7,000 miles and three pairs of shoes ago, however, when I look at the newly built Phoenix Light Rail, I cannot help but be reminded of that gorgeous city and the amazing public transportation that connected shopping with museums and people with restaurants. It is a welcomed sense of comfort and luxury to step into a quietly humming streetcar filled with air conditioning after trudging through steamy hot Phoenix. Stop after stop more people clamor on while others trickle away, each person coming and going, getting exactly where they need to go. And as I people watch, a symphony of doors opening and closing and feet shuffling and buildings whirring past takes place before my eyes; I am stunned. I have lived in Phoenix my entire life, born and raised, and I have never witnessed our dusty city come alive like this. We are a large, busting at the seams, modern kind of place and yet now, only now after this light rail have we moved into the 21<sup>st</sup> century. I am proud that our city, like so many other great cities, now has reliable, contemporary, public transportation so that we as citizens can...
by bryan | May 21, 2010 | News & Information
For years the valley has been in dire need of reliable public transportation and with the addition of Phoenix’s Metro Light Rail system cutting through much of the metropolitan area, this need has finally been met. While cities like New York and Washington D.C. have grown quite accustomed to mass transit and the subtleties of proper etiquette for riding the subways, we Phoenicians might need a bit of coaching. For example, in the sweltering summer heat is it acceptable to cling to the railing above your head exposing your armpit to the nearest rider? Is that 16-year-old kid really allowed to use the seat cushion as a personal gum receptacle? And perhaps most importantly you might be asking yourself how long you’ll be exposed to the blaring German death metal from that man’s inappropriately loud headphones? With music preferences and strange smells aside, Metro Light Rail has identified some important rules for proper conduct and safety while utilizing the light rail system as outlined below. Firstly alcohol, tobacco and flammable, explosive and hazardous materials are strictly forbidden as is the consumption of food. Non-service animals must be secured in a cage or case on the individual’s lap while groceries and liquids must also be stored safely away. Vandalism, skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes are strictly forbidden inside the cars and on or near platforms. Secondly proper riding etiquette details that respect for disabled passenger seating be adhered to as well as patience and order in the aisles. Lastly responsible riders should stay clear of the edge of the platform and be mindful of all small children near the tracks....
