Hello, blog!

Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in News

Dear faithful readers,

I’m so sorry for neglecting you in recent days.  I hate excuses, but there’s a GREAT reason behind my absence.  A new and exciting opportunity opened up for me professionally.  Not to worry,  Light Rail Blogger is not going anywhere.

I wanted to keep you updated with some news and information I’m hearing on my end.  First, METRO and Valley Metro, the agencies responsible for moving people around Phoenix, are giving away FREE stuff!  All you have you to is sign up for a new program called Share the Ride – and log your daily commute either by sharing a ride or taking a bike to work.

“We know some people may want to change their commuting habits to save money or help the environment,” says David Boggs, executive director of Valley Metro RPTA. “By offering a ride-matching and mapping system, those who are on-the-fence or unsure about how to use public transportation may find the assistance they need to try.”

Prizes include gift cards to Safeway and even a free stay at a Double Tree.  I just signed up and it was fairly easy, however I’m still trying to figure out how to log your ride.  Let me phone a friend and I’ll get back to you.  Meanwhile, click here for more deets.

UPDATE: When you get to the part on Share the Ride where you log your commute, scroll down to the calendar and click on a day.

Also, remember to buy your passes for the fourth of July BEFORE the cost goes up.  You may recall the price for a day pass goes up a buck (from $2.50 to $3.50) on July 1st.  METRO anticipates long lines on Independence Day since there are two popular events (one in Phoenix and one in Tempe) along the light rail line.  Click here for more information.

And don’t forget to look for my fan page on Facebook where the light rail coversation continues.

Hope everyone is having a great week – get ready for extended weekend hours in July!!

Tags: EXTREME HEAT AND YOUR CARFREE COMMUTE, Share the Ride, Valley Metro