Light-rail to Chase Field for Diamondbacks Game. (Mesa, Tempe: sales, credit card)

[homlish560]

It's the D-Backs and the Braves tomorrow afternoon and I have tickets. Chase Field is probalby 1 of the most awesome Baseball field in the country and I can't wait to be part of the experience!!!!!!!

Anybody taken the light-rail to Chase Field, and how is the commute?

Please, let's hear from the people that have used light-rail and can provide some experience with transfers, times, crowds, and whatever else. This is not a thread meant for debates and flame wars between the pro-rail people and the anti-rail side.

Thx. !

[exit2lef]

The trains are typically crowded with D-backs fans on game days. Of course, the crowd can be part of the experience, with a lot of camaraderie among fans. The length of commute depends on where you board. From the western terminus at Christown, the ride should be about 30 minutes. From the eastern terminus in Mesa, the ride is probably more like 40 minutes. Of course, you should add 15-20 minutes to park, buy tickets, and wait for the next inbound train.

If you're arriving on an eastbound train, get off at 3rd St. / Jefferson. If you're on a westbound train, get off at 3rd. St. / Washington. Use the opposite station to board for your journey home after the game. In terms of tickets, buy an all-day pass for $2.50. It's usually easiest to make the purchase with a debit or credit card. Make sure to select "full fare local" and when asked if you want to activate your pass, say yes.

[pbenjamin]

I have season tickets and usually use the Metro. I get on at Encanto, it is usuallly standing room at that point, but can always get on.

[observer53]

Hope you had fun, even though it was a bad game for the D'Backs!

[MaxPower123]

The metro gets a lot more crowded after the game. Last time I went I left during the 7th inning and there were big crowds forming at the station. We had the ride standing up.

[Valley Native]

I have to say that I'm quite impressed at the ridership on the light rail. Here it is early summer (unofficially), the hotter weather has arrived, and the trains are still packed whenever I see them. The Tempe portion of the route has a large quantity of riders. Guess people don't seem to mind standing outside waiting since the trains run every 10 to 15 minutes.

One of these days, I'm going to have to try the light rail into downtown and Chase Field to catch a DBacks game. I haven't been able to attend any sporting events lately due to various reasons ... but the time has arrived for me to really give the light rail a try. It has to be a lot better than driving, searching all over for a parking space, and walking in the heat.

[joninaz]

Word is that Sunday cuts are coming due to lower than expected fare revenues... trains will stop about 3 times an hour per station during the day. They are also looking to reduce trains to one vehicle/car at certain times throughout the week. Not debating here... just making folks aware of possible changes.

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by joninaz

Word is that Sunday cuts are coming due to lower than expected fare revenues... trains will stop about 3 times an hour per station during the day. They are also looking to reduce trains to one vehicle/car at certain times throughout the week. Not debating here... just making folks aware of possible changes.

These are not the changes that are occurring, you may have confused the changes that will be taking place:

1. Friday and Saturday services will extend until after 2 a.m. to accommodate bar/club goers. The last trains will leave the end of line stations at 2 a.m.
2. Fares will increase as follows, one way ticket $1.75 and was $1.25; All day pass will cost $3.50 and was $2.50 (this is due to a decrease in transportation revenue from lower sales tax collection...due to the economy)
3. One vehicle cars have been running, usually during game days to accommodate heavy traffic...what happens is that trains on game days are up to three cars long, a "follow up" train moves in to a stop where a three car train just left in order to handle the over flow. Some of these "follow up" trains are one or two cars long.

http://www.valleymetro.org/press_releases/detail/new_fares_for_bus_and_rail_transit_riders_on_july_ 1/ (broken link)
http://www.valleymetro.org/press_releases/detail/metro_extends_weekend_service/ (broken link)
http://www.valleymetro.org/bus/fare_increases
http://www.valleymetro.org/bus/rider....htm?alert=314

[homlish560]

Awesome game, even though D-Backs lost to the Braves.

Light-rail trains were convenient, crowded but at least I found a seat!!!!!!!

[homlish560]

http://www.azcapitoltimes.com/_images/lightrail01.jpg (broken link)