Grand Opening Day for Metro Light Rail
After my boyfriend finished his 8-mile run this morning, I had a surprise for him. Instead of going to our usual spot for Saturday morning breakfast, I told him I wanted to ride the light rail. It’s the grand opening day celebration, and I thought we could try to find a spot somewhere on the rail line.
At first he resisted–it was pretty cold outside this morning, 50 degrees, probably less, and he was still in his running clothes. But he relented, and we headed off to what used to be called the Christown Mall at Montebello and 19th Avenue. It’s now known as Spectrum Mall and is home to Stop #1 of the new Metro Light Rail in Phoenix.
My boyfriend predicted crowds, but I didn’t think it would be that bad. He was right. It was too cold to wait in line for too long, and the parking lot was packed–with people, portapotties and even ATM machines.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were already there by 10 a.m., waiting for their turn to get a free ride on the first day. Luckily for us, all Metro rides are free till the end of 2009, so we opted not to ride today after all.
I did, however, snap several photos so you can get a taste of what we experienced on grand opening day, even without a ride on the rail car…
We first picked up the handouts. The city of Phoenix handed out free posters, a ride guide, the program, and a Passport booklet to discounts and savings at restaurants, shops and businesses located on the rail line.
The Passport includes offers from 144 Downtown Phoenix destinations, so you might want to pick a copy up at one of the venues listed. You can save on the cost of theater seats, meals, museum admission, and other purchases from participating vendors, including Chez Nous, Melrose Pharmacy and Curves.
The APS volunteer clown troupe was on hand to entertain the kids and distribute literature about environmental programs and new technologies being used by the utility company.
Live music entertained the adults.
The city of Phoenix had the bike patrol in place on their Cannondales to police the area and help keep everyone safe.
The food booths were a hit. Apparently, cheese steak tastes good even way before noon.
This was part of the line–You can see the rail cars behind the people–but I couldn’t tell which way it was going. We opted, as I said, not to get in it. There will be less crowded days ahead, and the ride won’t be any less exciting that first time out.
Each of the stops that I’ve seen so far in Phoenix are shaded with these triangular shaped canopies. All 28 stations include some kind of art installation, including sculpture, mosaics, photographs, tiles and paintings created by 31 artists from all over the country.
And here’s what all the fuss is about–the rail car. It takes an hour for each of the cars to travel the 20-mile route, from Phoenix to Mesa.
If you want to brave the excitement yourself, there’s still time today. Festivities, centering around different themes, take place not only at Station #1 but also at these stops as well:
Thomas & Central Avenue (Station #8)–Just outside Park Central Mall, north of the light rail stop, entertainment and venues highlight health and wellness.
Encanto & Central Avenue (Station #9)–The arts help celebrate grand opening day at this location near the Heard Museum.
Third Street between Jefferson & Washington (Station #14)–Find out what’s new in Downtown Phoenix at the various booths, listen to live bands, watch street performers and celebrate the grand opening also of the new convention center at this location.
44th Street & Washington (Station #18)–Take a shuttle ride to the airport and learn how Metro Rail can connect you easily with Sky Harbor.
Priest & Washington (Station #19)–SRP hosts the celebration here where you’ll learn about water and electric safety via interesting and fun exhibits.
Mill Avenue & Third Street (Station #21)–This is the gateway to Hayden Ferry and the Mill Avenue District where you’ll find theaters, restaurants and the urban shopping experience.
Veteran’s Way & College Avenue (Station #22)–Fireworks, festival booths, a farmer’s market, eco-minded education, archaeology displays and live music make this one of the more diverse places to celebrate light rail today.
Sycamore & Main Street (Station #28)–The last stop on the rail line includes a full day of music, food and fun for the whole family in Mesa, which includes a classic car show and live music from the 70s rock band, Grand Funk Railroad.
Several communities also have planned celebrations, including Central Avenue & Campbell in Phoenix, Dorsey & Apache boulevards in Tempe.
If you get a chance to go to any of these celebrations, be sure to come back and leave a comment about your experience.
For more information about Phoenix Metro Light Rail:
Visit the web site: www.MetroLightRail.org. Or call 602-254-RAIL.
(Photos used with permission by Jackie Dishner.)
3 Comments
Thank you for posting about the light rail. I definitely want to check this out. And I didn’t realize it’s free until the end of the year.
Debbie,
The free days were initially scheduled only for this weekend. I think Metro was wise to extend the dates to the end of the year. It really gives people a chance to test ride the new system, especially those who may not have thought to do so.
I’m already making plans to gather big groups of friends together to ride the rails. How fun!
Jackie
[...] already posted about Day 1. Scroll down a bit to watch the YouTube video from his Saturday Grand Opening Day ride. I think the music in the background is from a band I wrote about a few months back. [...]