Councilmember Barbara Carter and I are in charge of the Council Transportation Committee, which is responsible for a wide variety of transportation projects, including the city’s transit system, our involvement in the METRO light rail project, speed limits, neighborhood traffic management and signal systems. I’d like to highlight a couple of key issues affecting our community right now: free bus passes for youth and light rail construction.

YOUTH BUS PASSES

Following failed attempts to encourage the region to provide free bus service for youth, Tempe is taking the lead with a youth free bus pass program. The program begins Aug. 1 and allows youth ages 6 to 18 who live and attend school in Tempe to ride Valley Metro bus routes free. Included are those who attend public, private and charter schools, as well as those who receive home schooling.

This program is an important step in providing mobility and independence for young people and families, as well as helping to instill a transit culture in our community. A culture in which residents have a multitude of choices in getting where they need to go and one that encourages alternatives to driving a car.

The passes will be available beginning Aug. 1 at the Tempe Transit Store (College Avenue and Veterans Way), open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A parent or guardian must be present. Visit www.tempe.gov/tim for registration information, or call (480) 350-2775.
LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION

METRO light rail is one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects ever undertaken in our region. Like any public works project of this magnitude, construction will be disruptive. Construction is currently under way along Washington Street for Line Segment 4 and around Tempe Town Lake for the light rail bridge over the lake. Construction is scheduled to begin in the downtown area and along Apache Boulevard late this summer as part of Line Segment 5. (To see a map of the alignment, including the construction line segments, visit: www.valleymetro.org.

Perhaps some of the strongest impacts of light rail construction will be felt by the businesses along the alignment. We know it’s not going to be an easy time. Tempe has been working with Valley Metro Rail and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce to help lessen the impacts with programs including business seminars, construction signage and the new METRO MAX discount card.

We encourage residents, visitors and employees in Tempe to support our local businesses during construction. By using the METRO MAX discount shopping card, you can support our neighborhood businesses and save money. The cards can be used for discounts and special offers at more than 300 participating businesses, and are available at participating merchants, METRO kiosk locations (including the Tempe Public Library), and on the Valley Metro Rail Web site at www.valleymetro.org.

For more information, call the Valley Metro Rail hotline at (602) 254-7245 or the Tempe Light Rail Office at (480) 350-8487.