Steve Banta, METRO CEO (photo: METRO), originally uploaded by Light.Rail.Blogger.

The spokesperson for METRO provided the editorial piece below, with permission to publish on LightRailBlogger.com.

Creating a Total Transit Network
Stephen R. Banta, METRO CEO

Sustainability and livability are common terms these days and used in everyday dialogue. This is encouraging for the benefit it will bring, not only to the public transit rider, but our region and future generations.

In my profession of public transportation, sustainability and livability have taken on a new focus. A well-executed public transportation system contributes to how people choose to live, work and play. The 20-mile METRO light rail line is a great example. People are choosing light rail as a means of transportation in greater numbers than projected. Additionally, each month this year has seen higher ridership than the same month last year. Businesses are popping up along the line and residents are making choices for where they live based on accessibility to transit.

Light rail and bus service are just the start of what our region needs to keep pace with growth. It is critical to keep building an effective transit system that provides residents with the options to leave their car behind on occasion or all week. I term this effective system as the “total transit network.” The total transit network is many modes working in concert to support regional growth and provide mobility choices.

I’ve seen and managed total transit networks in my past experiences with some of the largest public transit agencies in the U.S. It is the integration and coordination of local and express bus, light rail, bus rapid transit, streetcar, commuter rail and an overlay of a robust paratransit system that provides accessibility to all. It is an interconnected system that serves the region’s urban core and also provides options to those that live outside the core. It is what we need to support our growing population and enhance our economic viability. And even in this economy, we have to continue building in smaller segments with the total transit network in mind.

The Regional Transportation Plan contains the next steps in the total transit network with the building of 37 additional miles of high-capacity transit. The Central Mesa and Tempe South extensions are on the immediate horizon.

Central Mesa has completed planning to determine that it will be light rail on Main Street to Mesa Drive by 2016. The Federal Transit Administration has approved, with high marks, the project’s entrance into design; construction is scheduled to begin in 2013.

The Tempe South project is nearing a recommendation on the transit option to move forward into design, construction and ultimately operation in 2016. A modern streetcar in a Mill-Ash Avenue loop terminating at Southern Avenue is the highest-performing alternative in this study. If approved, this would be the region’s first introduction to streetcar.

Streetcar has a unique ability of strengthening a downtown core, providing greater neighborhood connectivity and stimulating higher-density, urban development. I’ve seen its success as a public transit option and economic development generator during my time with TriMet, the regional transit agency in Portland, OR. Streetcar working in conjunction with other modes is a next step in developing the total transit network.

The value of streetcar, or any new mode, is what it brings to the regional transit network and the livability of our communities. With each new corridor, we are taking a step towards building a total transit network that enhances regional mobility, supports and creates future growth and, most importantly, makes transit trips easier and more convenient for you, the customer.

For more information on METRO’s extension plan, please visit www.metrolightrail.org. The Regional Transportation Plan is also available online at www.azmag.gov.

Creating a super fun and clever adult Halloween costume is easy-breezy thanks to a variety of stores along the light rail in Phoenix. Whether you want to be a sexy doctor, slutty nurse, or some take on pop culture, you’ll find it on my list of Halloween Costume Shopping Along the Light Rail.

Easley’s Fun Shop (McDowell Rd / Central Ave Station) is the granddaddy of all costume shops. Family owned and operated, the store has everything to complete your ensemble. In fact, most Yelp reviews about Easley’s made the comment you can find almost anything here, even when you think there’s no way they’ll have what you need. Sales associates can even show you how to apply makeup, as Marty F. noted on his review. Easley’s is located at 509 W McDowell Road, which is just a short bike ride or walk from the McDowell at Central Ave Light Rail Station.

Retro Ranch (Campbell at Central Ave Station) is a Melrose District landmark which specializes in vintage styles, funky pieces, and retro looks. Heidi P. reviewed Retro Ranch on Yelp and says RR has a “crazy awesome clothing section!” Heidi also says the store is packed to the gills with great finds at shockingly low prices. Retro Ranch is located at 4303 N 7th Avenue, seven blocks west of the Central at Campbell METRO Light Rail Station. Take your bike or be prepared for a good walk.

Seconds 2 Go (Camelback Rd at Central Ave Station) is a great place to find gently used clothes and feel good knowing your purchase will help victims of domestic violence. S2G is not in the business of costumes: Seconds 2 Go will help complete your look with everyday clothes at thrift store prices. Seconds 2 Go is located at 4747 N Central Avenue in Phoenix, across the street from the light rail station. Find Seconds 2 Go on Yelp.

The following two items on my list are for mature audiences, so please tell the children to leave the room.

Castle Boutique (Camelback Rd at Central Ave Station) will help bring out your inner bad girl or boy. What’s inside? Just take a look at Jetta R‘s Castle Boutique Yelp review to find out. Here’s a quick rundown: Handcuffs, naughty nurse outfits, and blow up dolls. Surely, there’s a costume here! The store is located at 300 E Camelback, which is three blocks from the light rail.

Off Chute Too (Indian School Rd at Central Ave Station) is also for mature audiences. The store caters to the alternative crowd where men and women will find trendy clothing lines, jewelry, leather, shorts (or leather shorts?), and fetish wear. However, that description on their website misses the mark. Judging from these fierce lace gloves mixed with a tough pair of boots,  I see Off Chute Too as the place to go for an 80s punk or glam rock look, no? Off Chute Too is located seven blocks from the Indian School Station, so take your bike or be prepared for a bit of a walk. Store information can be found on the Off Chute Too Yelp page.

I stress out over Halloween because I’m costume challenged. I can come up with a plan, but committing and executing the plan are difficult. This year, I really have to find something good since I’m helping to promote Freaky Tiki – a Halloween costume party at Hula’s Modern Tiki on Sunday night. I’ve got four three days… I better go shopping! See you at Hula’s!

Most of the stores above are local and independently owned. The car-free lifestyle has taught me many things, especially the importance of buying at local. More tax dollars go back into the community when you shift the way you shop. Learn more about the Shift Arizona Campaign here: (http://shiftarizona.com).

Light Rail Map

The facilities folks where I work are happy to include information about the nearby station in our promotional materials and website. And that got me to thinking: what can other establishments do to promote their products or services to light rail riders? Bing… Light Bulb… Top 10 List.

I ran the idea by two of my favorite light rail and downtown advocates, Tony Arranaga and Nick Bastian.  (I could write paragraphs upon paragraphs of all the good that people like Tony and Nick are doing to benefit the community, but I’ll save that for a later day.  Back to this Top 10 thing.)

Returning from some car-free adventure, Tony suggested, “Hey, why don’t you post your list on my blog.”  I replied, “Okay, how do I do that?”  He kindly offered up a lightrailblogger.com username and secret password, along with an enticing, free cuppa joe at Royal Coffee at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, and the rest is history. Well, not quite.  It will be when you finish reading this.  So without further ado, I bring you…

Jim’s Top 10 List of Free/Low-Cost Things Retailers Can Do Now To Promote Their Business to Light Rail Riders

1. Add nearest light rail stop and map on your website.
2. Add light rail stop on your menu or product card.
3. Add light rail stop on your business card.
4. Add light rail stop on any print ads you do.
5. Add light rail stop on any press release you issue.
6. Use social media to communicate to light rail fans and advocates.
7. Create a light rail special menu item, drink, product, or service.
8. Create visually-appealing signage for your business’s exterior.
9. Monitor light rail hours of operation versus your own.
10. Participate in the Metro Max shopping discount program.

Done!  Now for that cup of coffee…