Phoenix METRO cuts deal with US Airways Center, Suns

[desertdog]

I received the following press release at my office today.  There has also been some encouraging ridership figures lately, especially on weekends.

 

John Timm

 

 

PHOENIX – METRO light rail, US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns announced today the launch of a unique program entitled, “Rail Ride Event.” The program, a first in the U.S. between an entertainment venue and public transportation entity, will allow consumers who purchase a ticket to an event at US Airways Center to ride METRO light rail at no additional cost, on the day of the event.  Through Rail Ride Event, METRO will recognize US Airways Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.  The program will begin October 1, 2009 and run through September 30, 2010.  In addition to Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury games, US Airways Center hosts nearly 200 events each year, including concerts and family shows, with the venue’s longstanding partners Live Nation and Feld Entertainment. Tickets for every event at US Airways Center, which attracts over two million visitors annually, will be valid for the Rail Ride Event program. METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot, METRO CEO Rick Simonetta, Suns President and CEO Rick Welts, and US Airways General Manager Ralph Marchetta made the announcement.   "This program will encourage use of the system as a great way to get to and from events at US Airways Center," said Simplot.  "The Rail Ride Event program will encourage new riders who will soon discover how convenient, efficient and safe the system is." “Suns fans who used light rail to travel to games last year told us that being able to avoid traffic and parking issues, as well as the ease and convenience of the trip, resulted in an experience that enhanced their enjoyment of attending a game,” said Welts.  “We appreciate the willingness and creativity the leadership at METRO light rail demonstrated in developing this program for all US Airways Center events.” Simonetta called it a “perfect fit.”          “Special event and recreation-oriented trips are already a significant portion of our ridership,” said Simonetta. Teaming up with the Suns and a great venue like US Airways Center just takes it to the next level.”   “Whether attending a Suns or Mercury game, a concert, the Ringling Brothers Circus or a Disney on Ice Show, we believe having a ticket that includes round-trip transportation on METRO light rail will actually result in more people attending events at US Airways Center,” said Marchetta.

[daveklepper]

Hope this starts a Transit Industry trend!

[daveklepper]

Hope this starts an industry trend!

[Cricketer]

Petty common as I understand it in Germany, but not yet over in Britain. Seems a great idea to me.

[desertdog]

As a follow up to the original posting, here is an announcement of the launch of the Rail Ride Event Program tomorrow (9/30), complete with dancers and hip hop performers.

John Timm

 

 

RAIL RIDE EVENT PROGRAM TO LAUNCH TOMORROW

Rail Ride Event to officially begin with Game 2 of the WNBA Finals Thursday night WHAT:           METRO light rail, US Airways Center, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury will officially launch the Rail Ride Event program during an announcement tomorrow (Wednesday, September 30) at 6:30 a.m. The announcement will take place at the Park and Ride location on 19^th Avenue and Montebello Avenue, across from the light rail station platform.                         The unique program will be activated for the first time when the Phoenix Mercury take on the Indiana Fever on Thursday, October 1 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center.  Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.  Through Rail Ride Event, METRO will recognize any US Airways Center event ticket as valid light rail fare on the day of the event, for four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.  The program will begin tomorrow and run through September 30, 2010.  WHO:             METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot                        Rick Simonetta, METRO CEORalph Marchetta, US Airways Center General Manager Jay Parry, Phoenix Mercury President and Chief Operating OfficerSuns DancersMembers of the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop SquadScorch, Phoenix Mercury mascot                         WHEN:           Wednesday, September 30                         6:30 a.m. WHERE:         19^th Avenue and Montebello Avenue Park and Ride location (Across from the light rail station) NOTE:            Media parking will be available at the Park and Ride location.