Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Need to set up your free e-Newspaper all-access account? click here.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
Emerging Trends
A streetcar named Valley Metro begins testing along route in Tempe
Posted
Making Investment a Tempe Reality
As many residents, visitors and employees see, there is a lot of construction in downtown Tempe, and this is another important project to keep investing in the future infrastructure of our city”
--- Robin Arredondo-Savage
Independent Newsmedia
On June 28, streetcar vehicles will begin to make their way across Tempe as testing begins.
Over the next weeks and months, residents can expect to see vehicles out on the alignment completing a variety of systems, signals and safety tests, according to a press release.
“Our first priority is operating a safe and reliable system,” said Adrian Ruiz, Valley Metro director of safety, security and quality assurance. “It’s not quite time to get on board, but we want the public to be aware that they will observe and travel near the streetcars more frequently in the coming weeks. As opposed to light rail, streetcars share lanes with vehicle traffic, so be cautious when driving on or near the route.”
Testing the new system includes checking the vehicle clearance at stations, as well as integration with the traffic signals and the overhead electrification system, the release states.
“We are excited for these final steps in the Tempe Streetcar project,” said Valley Metro Rail Board Member and Tempe Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage. “As many residents, visitors and employees see, there is a lot of construction in downtown Tempe, and this is another important project to keep investing in the future infrastructure of our city.”
With the opening of streetcar, Valley residents will be seeing a new mode of transit for the first time whereas officials say they encourage Tempe residents and visitors to “Be Streetcar Smart” and keep the following safety tips in mind when they see streetcars in Tempe:
Cars and streetcars share the road and often travel in the same traffic lane. When driving, treat streetcars like you would any other vehicle, leaving a safe space between your car and the streetcar.
Bicyclists and scooter riders should avoid traveling between the streetcar’s rails where it can be difficult to maneuver in the tight space. Track grooves are slightly wider than bike or scooter tires, so tires could become stuck in the trackway.
Pedestrians should only cross streetcar tracks at designated crosswalks. Remember, streetcars are quiet, so look and listen before crossing with the appropriate signal.
