Valley Metro Light Rail Grand Opening December 26, 2008

Quoted from the Valley Metro Light Rail website:

"The grand opening of METRO light rail is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, with all train rides free. Station celebrations will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday activities will occur along the entire 20-mile METRO alignment. There will be music, activities and exhibits at many park-n-ride and light rail station locations. Because we expect a lot of Valley residents to join us in marking this piece of Arizona history, we’ll also have shuttle buses to get you back to your car if the trains get crowded. Rides will run from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday will offer a more low-key opportunity to explore the METRO system, its beautiful stations and the Valley’s light rail destinations. Rides are still free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so if you’re not big on parties, plan to explore METRO on Sunday. Then, keep riding free right through 2008 during METRO’s regular service hours.

The Saturday grand opening celebration is a great opportunity to showcase your business, organization or community group. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to stakeholder businesses immediately adjacent to the light rail line. Download the station Celebration Participation Guide to learn more and apply for an exhibitor space.

Keep watching this page. More information will be coming to help you navigate and enjoy the history-making METRO grand opening.

Fares are required on METRO beginning Jan. 1, 2009. Learn how to ride—including how to buy and use a transit pass—on our How to Ride page."

[Posted by a Flickr member and rail enthusiast not affiliated with Valley Metro Light Rail.]

Official Website: http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/grand_opening/