Phoenix Opens Light Rail System

Phoenix christened the first 20-mile stretch of its new light rail system on Saturday, the culmination of decades of planning, four years of construction, and $1.4 billion in investment. The opening attracted 150,000 riders in its first two days of operation.

Phoenix is the nation’s fifth most populous metropolis and the biggest U.S. city without a public rail transit system (the city shut down it’s original trolley system 60 years ago). The sprawling metropolitan area has been characterized as “car crazy” and critics suggest ridership will be limited by the areas urban sprawl and grueling summer heat.

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Thousands pack in for a ride

That didn’t stop thousands of eager riders from getting a look at the new train stations and light rail cars, while taking advantage of the free rides (which last through New Years Eve).

The system currently wends its way north-south through downtown Phoenix and then east through suburban Tempe and Mesa. An additional 30+ miles of track are planned for Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Glendale, but the extension isn’t expected to open until 2025.

It’s built - will they come?

Light rail officials say they expect about 20,000 daily riders to use the system at $1.25 for a one-way ticket.

While naysayers question whether people are willing give up their cars to wait for trains in the summer heat, that regularly reaches over 100 degress in the middle of summer, many are ready to give it a try.

“People use mass transit in other cities. You know, gas is not going to stay cheap forever”, said Sam Mazzeo, a Phoenix mortgage broker waiting for a train at a downtown station.

Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon scoffed at critics at a ribbon-cutting ceremony: “Today, you don’t hear or see very many of those individuals.”

Regular service and fares begin on Thursday, and time will tell how much Phoenix residents take to their new light rail.

Update - Phoenix Light Rail Records it’s First Crash!

Just in from PhoenixNewTimes.com is a report of a minor collision between a motorist and the train on Tuesday afternoon. The car fled the scene and passengers were held up for a short time until police arrived. No one was reported hurt. It does bring up some safety issues of the on-street rail system. Safety was the issue of previous EcoLocalizer post,  some of those humorous safety slogans are suddenly appropo.

Image Credit: kjzz.org

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