How does the transit system work? (Phoenix: transfer, option to buy, construction)

[greenpastures2021]

Which is the major transit system? Bus? Train? other? Is it reliable? I'd like to use the most common way but thinking bus will probably be the thing if I cant figure it out. How does it work? Completely new to all things transit related.

Any help appreciated.
Thanks!

[Bondurant]

Depends on where you are.

https://www.valleymetro.org/

[observer53]

Originally Posted by greenpastures2021

Which is the major transit system? Bus? Train? other? Is it reliable? I'd like to use the most common way but thinking bus will probably be the thing if I cant figure it out. How does it work? Completely new to all things transit related.

Any help appreciated.
Thanks!

www.valleymetro.org

Public transit here is primarily bus. The bus and light rail are all operated by Valley Metro. (link above). There are express buses from various suburban areas into downtown and the Capitol. The light rail comes to downtown from the east valley and northwest Phoenix. You can see the route of the train on the map at the above website. If you can use the express buses or light rail to get to work, it is pretty convenient. WHen I was working, I was able to do that. There are park and ride lots on the express and light rail routes. Some employers subsidize bus/rail fare. If you have to use local bus routes, it gets a little more complicated and a bit less reliable. If you know where you will be living and working, happy to help you figure it out.

[greenpastures2021]

Thanks guys. This helps but I should have been more specific. These questions will seem dense but I've only ever ridden a public bus a few times with family so very unfamiliar with it.


I watched the How to Ride video on valleymetro but I didn't see her present the ticket?

1. If I get a pass where do you scan it? Is this something you do upon entry or when getting off?

2. In my hometown, its not uncommon to wait for an hour to get picked up and then you usually have to back to the terminal to get to another bus. This was a 2-3 hour delay. Is this something to expect?

I'll have more questions likely.

I'm still sorting out where to get settled in. But I would love more help on this once I figure it out.

Thanks again!

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by greenpastures2021

Thanks guys. This helps but I should have been more specific. These questions will seem dense but I've only ever ridden a public bus a few times with family so very unfamiliar with it.


I watched the How to Ride video on valleymetro but I didn't see her present the ticket?

1. If I get a pass where do you scan it? Is this something you do upon entry or when getting off?

2. In my hometown, its not uncommon to wait for an hour to get picked up and then you usually have to back to the terminal to get to another bus. This was a 2-3 hour delay. Is this something to expect?

I'll have more questions likely.

I'm still sorting out where to get settled in. But I would love more help on this once I figure it out.

Thanks again!

1) The pandemic has changed things a bit. On Valley Metro buses, fare collection has been temporarily suspended in order to reduce contact between passengers and drivers. Passengers are still expected to buy passes, but there is no need to scan it or present it to anyone. On light rail, the pass should be purchased and activated before boarding the train. Security personnel board selected trains and ask for passengers to show their passes. Keep in mind that Valley Metro sells one-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day passes. Don't buy the express version of these passes unless you are actually taking express buses that travel between various suburban park-and-rides and downtown Phoenix during rush hour. The local passes are less expensive and will cover all regular bus and rail service. These provide unlimited rides on both bus and rail during a set time period. There's also an option to buy a single ride (one-way) ticket, but that applies only to light rail, not buses.

2) Headways on Valley Metro bus routes are every 10 minutes on some of the busiest routes at rush hour, and every 15, 20, or 30 minutes on other routes. Having a bus every half hour is common at night and on weekends on many routes. The system is generally not centralized around a single terminal; however, there are a few transit centers where a few routes converge. I'm not quite sure if that's what you mean by "back to the terminal to get another bus," but usually transfers occur at an intersection where two routes cross each other.

[Valley Native]

A few other points: additional light rail construction is underway in downtown Phoenix. The section of Central Avenue between Washington & Jefferson Streets is closed for construction of the new downtown hub station, and will remain closed for vehicle traffic permanently, as it is supposed to be reserved for pedestrian & transit only. This will eventually lead to light rail tracks along south Central Avenue, and west to the Capitol.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/...l-funding.html

I also found the below thread from a few years ago about the SkyTrain. It can be used for not only airport passengers, but for those who work in the area & don't want to drive. Construction continues on the last leg of SkyTrain, which is expected to be completed next year.

//www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...ight-rail.html

[observer53]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

1) The pandemic has changed things a bit. On Valley Metro buses, fare collection has been temporarily suspended in order to reduce contact between passengers and drivers. Passengers are still expected to buy passes, but there is no need to scan it or present it to anyone. On light rail, the pass should be purchased and activated before boarding the train. Security personnel board selected trains and ask for passengers to show their passes. Keep in mind that Valley Metro sells one-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day passes. Don't buy the express version of these passes unless you are actually taking express buses that travel between various suburban park-and-rides and downtown Phoenix during rush hour. The local passes are less expensive and will cover all regular bus and rail service. These provide unlimited rides on both bus and rail during a set time period. There's also an option to buy a single ride (one-way) ticket, but that applies only to light rail, not buses.

2) Headways on Valley Metro bus routes are every 10 minutes on some of the busiest routes at rush hour, and every 15, 20, or 30 minutes on other routes. Having a bus every half hour is common at night and on weekends on many routes. The system is generally not centralized around a single terminal; however, there are a few transit centers where a few routes converge. I'm not quite sure if that's what you mean by "back to the terminal to get another bus," but usually transfers occur at an intersection where two routes cross each other.

Exit2lef has it right as usual. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[Voebe]

Buses are relatively reliable, but not frequent. Most seem to average once every half-hour, but not late into the evenings. You need to have a bus pass (I know that Fry's sells them). You also need to be wearing a mask.

Valley Metro just came out with their new bus schedule book. Call (602-253-5000) and ask if they'll mail you a copy. When you travel, bring the map from the bus with you, because the drivers are astoundingly ignorant about the routes.

[DAXhound]

Valley Metro is awful. I spent four years there without a car, but was very close to the rail, which is somewhat better. Lead times are tooong on the busses. Oh, and when schools start, they are overwhelmed and act like they are surprised. Called the principal at Central HS once, she was helpful.