Has paid event parking been affected by the Valley Metro Light-Rail? (Phoenix: home, gated)

[pbenjamin]

As I waited for the train to the game yesterday I watched people crossing Central and then walking towards the platform. Most if not all stopped at the ticket machine.

[nickw252]

When I used it last time after a Suns game there were police officers checking to make sure people had them.

I don't understand why they don't do their ticket system like other cities where there is a turnstile that you have to go through and swipe your card before getting into the loading area. That would, however, require a retooling of the whole area since it appears as if the ticket machines are in the center of the loading area.

[pbenjamin]

This honor system using fare inspectors is fairly common. Berlin and Portland are examples of similar systems.

The way that the rail lines in front of the platforms are just separated from the roadway by a curb would make it too easy to avoid a turnstile and encourage people to cross the tracks at a dangerous spot.

[exit2lef]

Most light rail systems around the country are based on proof-of-payment (aka "honor system"). Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Jersey City/Hoboken and many other cities all use this approach on their light rail lines.Turnstiles are common only with heavy rail systems in which the more elaborate station infrastructure allows for a high level of access control.

[HX_Guy]

I don't think I've ever seen a street level train with turnstile, I don't think it's even possible. You would have to fence the whole system in, which it itself isn't possible because you have to leave gaps at intersections.

Turnstiles only work for subway and elevated track where there is only one entry/exit point.

[nickw252]

That makes sense, I am used to Chicago with turnstiles and more infrastructure.

[joninaz]

The City of Phoenix owns or manages most of the big parking garages downtown, which are publicly financed and bought with debt, so the city loses money when people don't park there. The smaller, private lots are also supposed to pay fees to the city, so any reductions to their revenue is a negative. Lest we forget that the rail line itself is heavily subsidized to the tune of $12-17 per rider per trip (from what I've read), so for the guy who parks at 28th & Washington and only pays $2.50 to go downtown, be sure to thank the rest of the city for covering the $10-15 difference.

Meanwhile the downtown bars/restaurants that fight to stay open all week in order to make a profit on game days are getting shafted by customers who are now avoiding the need to visit the central area. Why head to Cooper's place when you can meet, eat and drink in Mesa or Tempe, then get dropped off in front of the ballpark?

[Uhuh]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I've been asked to show my pass about half a dozen times since service started, and every time it has occured, nearly everyone on the train has had valid tickets or passes on them. The rate of fare evasion is actually pretty low, I'd guess, based on what I've seen.

Of course, it's not realistic to expect ticket checks on jam-packed trains during special events. To check everyone on a sardine-can-crowded train would take too long and cause unacceptable service delays. If there's a little fare evasion during special events, it's a small price to pay for smooth operation of light rail.

Don't get used to low fares. July first they are getting raised. I never once gotten asked to show my ticket on the train btw.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by joninaz

Meanwhile the downtown bars/restaurants that fight to stay open all week in order to make a profit on game days are getting shafted by customers who are now avoiding the need to visit the central area. Why head to Cooper's place when you can meet, eat and drink in Mesa or Tempe, then get dropped off in front of the ballpark?

That's a new one -- claiming that Downtown businesses are experiencing less business due to light rail being in operation. From what I've seen, it's exactly the opposite. I can't go a week without hearing about another light rail pub crawl, often with several stops Downtown, and some restaurants not previously open during weekends are now adding hours because of increased foot traffic in front of their doors. People from the suburbs are discovering places they didn't know about and rediscovering old favorites they'd forgotten.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Uhuh

Don't get used to low fares. July first they are getting raised. I never once gotten asked to show my ticket on the train btw.

Current fares are well below national norms. The July increase will bring them up some, but they'll still be no higher than in most other cities.