First METRO passenger numbers questioned

Posted on 19. Feb, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in News

30K a day?? Is that all??

I would have to say the numbers were greater on some days.  Like the day when KinkySharyo’s doors closed just as I managed to squeeze in, the train pulled away with the side of my face planted in Kinky’s windows.
(btw, how is the guy in the blue jacket below TOTALLY relaxed??  It’s like he’s practicing Pranayama.
Oh, and I guess I should mention there was a day in January, when a train pulled up, the doors slid open, and I felt like I was looking inside a jam-packed suitcase.  Everyone was all smiles because they were going somewhere.  Except me! I had to wait for the next train.  ON A WEEKEND. (weekday=10 minute intervals, weekend=20 minute)
METRO released January numbers and the figures left me with a question:  If an average day for METRO is 36,000 and an average Saturday is about 31,000 then what’s this:

According to my iPhoto, this is Thursday, December 31st, 2008.
I go to work on the train about 8 a.m. and go home about 7 p.m.  I know both those times are considered rush hour, and I realize the passenger numbers are averages, but I also take the train at various other times.  On many days the train is packed, some days more than others.  Maybe not quite like the day in this picture, but on any given day there are usually plenty of people on board going somewhere.

After the jump, check out my picture.

The fact that people are using the train in Phoenix is FANTASTIC.  When people hear about my blog, they always ask me ‘Do you like taking the train?’ and I do! I always have an interesting story to tell, some funny, some not so funny.  And although living carfree has been a challenge, the process has really made me stop and think about what I use on a daily basis.  Pre-light rail debut=OMG I so want that!  Post light rail debut=Hmm, do I really need to buy this?? and then schlep it home??

You always hear people say how riding mass transit helps you connect with your community.   It sounds kinda dumb ‘connect with your community‘.  But it’s true.  While riding the light rail (and mass transit in general) you hear what’s going on in peoples lives. (OK, I eavesdrop)

You see what’s happening around the heart of the city where you live.  (When I’m not checking my phone/email/twitter/facebook/social media blaaaah)

Hmm.  I may have to coin a new phrase.  Connect with your community is so yesterday. 

Yo, I’m down with the masses! OK, that’s dumber than the first.

Watch your back…no…

I’m exploring Phoenix…

I’m exploring Phoenix.  I kinda like that.  I think my Dad would like that too.  He loved taking the train living in California.  I never took him up on his offer, but if you talk to my nephew (my sister’s son) the time he spent going places on a train were some of the most memorable times with ‘Poppy’.  My Dad died in 2007, but I think his love for trains lives on right here.  The lil’ tyke in the picture is yours truly.