About Light Rail
Light rail operates along a set pathway on steel rails. The METRO system will operate at street level in a lane separated from traffic. This dedicated guideway, along with a traffic prioritization system, will allow METRO to travel faster than local buses even though it will travel at the same posted speeds as cars.
The system will be powered by electricity from overhead wires, and will generate about as much noise as a new-model passenger truck.
METRO light rail vehicles have a capacity of 200, and can be linked together in sets of three. Light rail trains will operate 18 to 20 hours per day, seven days a week. Trains will arrive at stations every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak.
Initially, the system will carry 3,000-5,000 passengers per hour. The system will ultimately have the capacity to transport the same number of people as a six-lane freeway, up to 15,000 people per hour.
What Does Light Rail Look Like?
The METRO system’s track is embedded into the pavement and trains will travel primarily in the street median, with the stations placed in the median between the tracks.
Light rail vehicles are low-floor vehicles, so passengers will not have to step up or down to board. Each vehicle accomodates four wheelchairs and has four bicycle racks.
Power Substations
METRO’s power substations are small buildings containing electrical equipment that distribute electricity to the overhead wires that supply power to the vehicles. They are placed at one-mile intervals along the line and are located in parking lots, garages or landscaped areas to minimize the impact to the community.
Operations and Maintenance Center
The light rail Operations and Maintenance Center is located in Phoenix near the junction of Loop 202 and Highway 143.
The facility is where vehicles are cleaned, inspected and repaired. About 150 people will be employed at the site, including maintenance staff and light rail operators.
METRO Construction
Construction of the 20-mile initial light rail line will continue through the grand opening month of December 2008 but is expected to be considerably less disruptive to traffic by the end of 2007.
During construction, METRO is committed to minimizing impacts on businesses and to providing current information to residents about restrictions that may affect their commute.
Visit the links on this page for the latest information and for photos that show construction progress.
During light rail construction, we ask that you take the time and make the effort to visit businesses along the alignment route. Owners of neighborhood businesses need and appreciate your patronage so they can stay healthy through the construction process and be able to enjoy the benefits of light rail once the system opens.
Businesses along the route receive free access and courtesy signs to let the public know they’re open and to help guide visitors to their entrances.
source: ValleyMetro.org |