Thanks Dad for keeping me dry

Posted on 07. Dec, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

I’m loving the weather in Phoenix over the last few days.  Cold was on tap for most of the weekend, however today there was the addition of a steady drizzle which kept the streets along the lightrail pretty wet.  I’m so ready for this change after spending my first summer living carfree in the intense [...]

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You don’t need to own a car to have fun in Phoenix

Posted on 06. Nov, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

I had two goals Thursday night.  Goal number one: get to the Celebrity Chef Tour at the Phoenician Resort without spending alot of money on a Zipcar. Goal number two: take a picture with headlining Celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
I realize these two goals together may seem odd, so here’s the backstory…
You may have seen in [...]

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Preserving history in Downtown Phoenix

Posted on 17. Oct, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Downtown Phoenix reminds me of a puzzle.  Over the last several weeks, and in various parts of the city, I’ve noticed a new piece being added to the bigger picture of a vibrant urban core.  I told you about the Phoenix Public Market opening soon, and earlier tonight there was a dedication of the A.E. [...]

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Discover carfree savings by tracking expenses

Posted on 15. Oct, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Transportation experts and carfree advocates point to an online tool which helps a person figure out how much a person can save living carfree,  Many people might forget that while you’re saving money by not having a car payment, insurance and fuel expenses, you’re still spending money on alternative modes of transportation.  This month, I’m [...]

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The cost of living carfree

Posted on 08. Oct, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

How much do people really save living carfree?  You might want to consider how much you’re spending using alternative modes of transportation.  This way you can compare the amount you spent owning a car and the amount you spend using alternative modes of transportation.

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Car sharing in Phoenix

Posted on 07. Oct, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

I love my Discount cabbies, however I’ve recently discovered a service in Phoenix that can be more convenient and less expensive than a taxi.
A car-sharing program called Zipcar parks two fuel efficient vehicles in the parking lot next to the Cronkite School in Downtown Phoenix.  The lot is located at 1st St and Fillmore, which [...]

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Passing the test

Posted on 05. Oct, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Cooler temperatures are finally back in Phoenix. Earlier today we hit a high of 80 degrees and overnight temperatures are expected to dip down into the mid 60’s. Arizona’s fall weather is a welcome relief. I spent the summer living carfree in the desert and passed my biggest test by surviving the hottest July on [...]

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Phoenix First Friday things to do

Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Looking for things to do in Downtown Phoenix tonight?  People heading out this First Friday will have another stop to add to their list of must see places and things to do throughout the urban core.
First Friday expands to Heritage Square The home of the Arizona Science Center and Pizzeria Bianco will now have a [...]

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Have you seen me?

Posted on 29. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

The man experimenting with living carfree in Phoenix is now bike-free as well.
I can’t believe someone stole my bike!  This happened the other night and, in retrospect, I only have myself to blame on many levels.
1. I parked my bike in a high theft area
2. at night
3. with a sucky lock
Exactly where this happened is [...]

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Random acts of kindness and the blogger living carfree in Phoenix

Posted on 25. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

My carfree adventures almost came to a screeching halt the other day.  How does one live carfree in Phoenix – walking to light rail stations or using his bike to get around town – with an injured foot?
This all started early Thursday morning.  I woke up and let the dogs out for a second when [...]

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Surviving the heat

Posted on 18. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE EXTREME HEAT WHILE RIDING MASS TRANSIT

I survived our first test week of extreme temperatures in Phoenix.

I’ll admit, there were days when I was dripping in sweat when I returned home from a day full of meetings.  I know, SO not attractive, but this past week I proved you [...]

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Cruising on the light rail in style

Posted on 14. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

A post by my friends over at MuniManners.com made me think of this picture I took while riding the Phoenix light-rail the other day.
Look past the pink nylon and black mesh – there’s a dog riding in that baby carriage!  Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell has nothin’ on this chihuahua!
While not every dog needs to ride in [...]

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Sharing a ride to the Rhythm Room

Posted on 10. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Kim Lenz and the Jaguars rocked the Rhythm Room last night in central Phoenix.  The rockabilly band is busy promoting their new CD It’s All True which drops today.  (source)
I’ll talk about the band in a moment, but first, this was my first time to the venue and I loved it!  It’s the perfect space [...]

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The unitrain and the bike

Posted on 08. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

Trains in Phoenix have been packed recently, mainly because the economy has forced our transit agency to reduce the two car trains to a unitrain.
Our light rail vehicles in Phoenix are different from those in other cities.  Our trains are built with a section especially for passengers with bikes.
As you can imagine, the unitrain has [...]

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The first weekend of extended light rail hours in Phoenix

Posted on 05. Jul, 2009 by Tony Arranaga.

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 [...]

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