Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues in Phoenix, Arizona
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| HISTORY IS ABOUT TO CHANGE Grassroots Journalism |
Thousands of Valley Riders Pack Metro Light Rail Trains on Opening Day
Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix brought to an end Saturday its long-time
reputation of being the largest U.S. city without a public rail transit
system. With 1.6 million people, Phoenix is the fifth-most populous
U.S. city, concentrating more than 4 million inhabitants in the Phoenix-
Tempe-Mesa area, where the new light rail has stations in a 20-mile
stretch.
It is still uncertain if this shiny new $1.4 billion light-rail system will
make motorists change their commuting habits to hop out of their
cars and ride the new trains.
Light rail critics continue to question if the huge economic investment
in this new transportation system will compensate the number of
people who would actually be willing to substitute the comfort of
their air-conditioned vehicles for the light-rail system.
Average high summertime temperatures in the Phoenix metropolitan
area fluctuate between 100 and 115 degrees. People will have to be
willing to wait and sweat at light rail stations.
Public officials were jubilant and all hopped in trains after the ribbon-
cutting ceremony that took place at the Metro Operations and
Maintenance Center.
As U.S. congressmen, city mayors and members of city councils
inaugurated the system, they also announced plans that project
building 30 plus additional miles of light-rail lines by 2025. The city of
Phoenix had a trolley system but it became inactive about six
decades ago.
Some think that the current economic crisis could persuade motorists
to ride the light rail, since supposedly commuting by train will be
cheaper than travelling using a vehicle. The light rail is also expected
to help reduced traffic congestions, and improve the air quality in
Maricopa County.
Similar train systems have been built in recent years in cities like
Dallas, Denver, Houston, in Texas, as well as in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tens of thousands of riders were attracted to ride the light rail
during the opening day Saturday, and around noontime train cars
were packed with hundreds of passengers. At some stations people
had to wait for several trains before being able to board.
reputation of being the largest U.S. city without a public rail transit
system. With 1.6 million people, Phoenix is the fifth-most populous
U.S. city, concentrating more than 4 million inhabitants in the Phoenix-
Tempe-Mesa area, where the new light rail has stations in a 20-mile
stretch.
It is still uncertain if this shiny new $1.4 billion light-rail system will
make motorists change their commuting habits to hop out of their
cars and ride the new trains.
Light rail critics continue to question if the huge economic investment
in this new transportation system will compensate the number of
people who would actually be willing to substitute the comfort of
their air-conditioned vehicles for the light-rail system.
Average high summertime temperatures in the Phoenix metropolitan
area fluctuate between 100 and 115 degrees. People will have to be
willing to wait and sweat at light rail stations.
Public officials were jubilant and all hopped in trains after the ribbon-
cutting ceremony that took place at the Metro Operations and
Maintenance Center.
As U.S. congressmen, city mayors and members of city councils
inaugurated the system, they also announced plans that project
building 30 plus additional miles of light-rail lines by 2025. The city of
Phoenix had a trolley system but it became inactive about six
decades ago.
Some think that the current economic crisis could persuade motorists
to ride the light rail, since supposedly commuting by train will be
cheaper than travelling using a vehicle. The light rail is also expected
to help reduced traffic congestions, and improve the air quality in
Maricopa County.
Similar train systems have been built in recent years in cities like
Dallas, Denver, Houston, in Texas, as well as in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tens of thousands of riders were attracted to ride the light rail
during the opening day Saturday, and around noontime train cars
were packed with hundreds of passengers. At some stations people
had to wait for several trains before being able to board.
Multimedia by Eduardo Barraza December 27, 2008
In spite of cold weather, long lines
and crowded trains, tens of
thousands of passengers ride the
new transportation system among
celebrations.
Photo: Eduardo Barraza
and crowded trains, tens of
thousands of passengers ride the
new transportation system among
celebrations.
Photo: Eduardo Barraza
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Eduardo Barraza is a journalist and writer,
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
