The first weekend of extended light rail hours in Phoenix
Posted on 05. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in News
People in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa had their first chance this weekend to enjoy late light rail service, but how many people took advantage of the extended hours? (More information on extended light rail hours here)
I went to an event at the Clarendon Hotel and Gallo Blanco Cafe (Steele Indian School station) and the place was packed. However I went to another restaurant closer to downtown in the heart of the arts district (and First Friday activities) and things did not appear as busy. I’m going to chalk it up to bad weather or maybe people were out of town for the long holiday weekend.
On Saturday night, ABC15.com is reporting 75,000 people attended the fireworks display at Steele Indian School park. Simultaneously, an event took place at Tempe Beach Park, which is located next to the Mill Avenue light rail station. No official word from METRO on how those people utilized the train to get to either events.
What was the crowd like where you went on Friday and Saturday night? Do you think the weather and holiday weekend made the trains less crowded?
4 Responses to “The first weekend of extended light rail hours in Phoenix”
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Rail Life
07. Jul, 2009
I had a different experience while checking out First Friday last week. The train I arrived on was packed to the gills and the train I took near midnight was very crowded from Roosevelt to Mill Ave. I am glad a lot of people were riding at midnight because I believe Metro will be watching the numbers very closely during this trial period.
I didn’t ride on the 4th. Stayed home with the kids.
Tony
09. Jul, 2009
Hey Nick! Thanks for your response! i guess maybe I should clarify… My train was packed, however the area of Downtown Phoenix I went to on my second outing was not as packed. Having said that, the trains did appear to be full in both directions, which is a good thing.
Ben Bethel
07. Jul, 2009
We were PACKED at The Clarendon – 97.4% occupancy for the weekend…. so I think people just know that if they’re going to stay local, The Clarendon’s the place. We try to be chill and relaxed and family friendly without the attitude or thump-thump-thump of other hotel pools.
If anyone else is reading this blog, we’re really looking for more weekday business travelers until the fall season arrives…. spread the word, we’d really appreciate it!
Ben
Owner/GM
The Clarendon Hotel
Tony
09. Jul, 2009
Hey Ben! Thanks for your comment. I hope other people are reading this blog!
I’m a huge fan of the Clarendon and Gallo Blanco – I know many of you have been over to the midtown boutique hotel to check out the pool and the new cafe. But just in case you haven’t… you should!!! The Clarendon is truly a Phoenix gem!!