Light Rail Opens: Tempe Town Lake, 26 December 2008

Extra video from Media Day, 26 December 2008:


if you cannot see the video, then stop by my blog to see it!

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Light Rail Opens: Pictures from the festivities

To great fanfare, Valley METRO Light Rail opened today after a decade in the making. Here are some highlights from the day's events from the Encanto/Central Ave station:


if you cannot see the slideshow, stop by my blog to see it!


if you cannot see the video, stop by my blog to see it!

With METRO now open, some of the fixed-bus service in Phoenix will change on Monday December 29. The major change is that bus trips that begin within the city of Phoenix before 5am and after 10pm on weekdays will be eliminated. Saturday service will mirror Sunday service.

Since free rides on METRO continue through 2am January 1 2009, I'll see you on the trains!

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Happy Last Weekend in Phoenix without METRO!

I know you're all sad that this is the last weekend in Phoenix without METRO Light Rail. I am, too. [end sarcasm]

The thing that is extremely hard to believe is that it seems like yesterday when Central Avenue was still 3 lanes with the fancy bricks running down the center. Or when construction started in front of my house. Or even when we hit the 100-days-to-go plateau. But it's here, and the grand opening celebrations are in ONE WEEK!

I'm probably going to be helping out that day at the Heard Museum (Encanto/Central Ave station) promoting the Midtown Museum District Neighborhood Association. I work with them as a community engagement partner for businesses, residents, and METRO Light Rail. So, if you're going to be riding the rails that day (so to speak), stop by and say hello. (I'm the tall one.)



Cheers-
Edward Jensen

METRO update: Heard Museum sign unveiling

On 20 November 2008, METRO Light Rail, in conjunction with the Heard Museum, held a unveiling of the landmark sign for the Central/Encanto METRO station. Local dignitaries and media were there to cover the event.

Here are some photos and videos to share! If you cannot see the pictures and/or videos, then stop by my blog to see them!

First up, some pictures from the day


Next, a video of Phoenix councilman Tom Simplot's remarks and the actual unveiling
.

Finally, a video of a two-car trainset departing the station heading southbound


37 days to go!

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Isn't she beautiful?

As of tonight, we're 64 days out to METRO's grand opening festivals and things down here are getting exciting. Tonight's the first night where my station, Central/Encanto, has been lit up.

Naturally, this calls for a picture, right?


Isn't she beautiful?

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Remember this?

Remember this? Central Avenue without METRO? This picture (from 11 December 2006) should refresh your memory:



11 December 2006 was 747 days before METRO opens up. We're only 73 days out today, and if only the time could go by faster!

Remember now?

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

75 days to METRO!

Today marks 75 days to the opening of Phoenix's METRO Light Rail! Are you excited?

As part of the grand opening weekend (27-28 December), METRO is planning festivities along the entire 20-mile route.

Anyway, in 75 days, we'll be riding this:


Cheers-
Edward Jensen

This is the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Today was a big day in downtown Phoenix history. Downtown Phoenix's first new hotel in over 30 years opened. This is the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, located along 3rd Street between Taylor and Van Buren Streets.

I went inside and had a look around to see what was on the inside (after a couple of years of seeing construction on the outside!).


if you cannot see the slideshow, click here for the album

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Monsoon weather photo

I seem to be on a bit of a photos kick.

On Sunday 13 July, downtown Phoenix was hit with yet another Monsoon thunderstorm. This picture shows how low the clouds were and also a bit of green hue in the sky.


If you cannot see the image, click here

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

METRO enters Downtown Phoenix, part II

As promised, here are still images from today's historic METRO test in downtown Phoenix.


The images are presented in a Google Pictures slideshow. To see larger versions of these images, click here.

Isn't this exciting?

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

METRO enters Downtown Phoenix, part I

Earlier today, METRO made its grand march into Downtown Phoenix and turned north onto Central Avenue. I'm working on getting the pictures uploaded, but I have a couple of videos that share the exhilaration of the moment:


if you cannot see the video of METRO turning onto Central Avenue, click here


if you cannot see the video of METRO departing the Central/Washington station, click here


if you cannot see the video of METRO departing the Central/Van Buren station, click here

I'm working on a slideshow of the pictures I took. That is to come later today!

Cheers-
Edward Jensen

Central at Encanto LRT station photo

I thought that I'd juxtapose the present against the future in this picture of the Central at Encanto METRO Light Rail station:


Opened in November 2005 (and where I have called home since August 2006), Tapestry on Central is Central Avenue's newest development to open. Across the street from the Heard Museum and directly in front of the Central at Encanto LRT station, it is an ideal location for those who live, work, learn, and play along the line. This picture (from tonight's sunset, 6 June 2008) shows the present meeting the future.

Photo is copyright (c) 2008 Edward Jensen, all rights reserved.

Cheers - EJ

Central at Encanto LRT station construction photos

It's been a while since I've posted some pictures from the Central at Encanto LRT station. Every day, progress is made on the station so it looks like something functional. Here are some photos from May 2008:


This was how the station looked on 2 May 2008. As can be seen, the architectural artwork is complete but no sails have been installed. They're coming; hang on...


The bricks and catenary supports are ready to go in this 15 May 2008 photo. This is the south entrance of the station from Encanto. It did rain that day, in case you were wondering...


This is how those piles of bricks and stones look when installed, as shown in this 20 May 2008 north approach photo


Sails! Installation began of the sails on 18 May; however, this photo is from 20 May.


The far two south assemblies are proudly showing off their sails in this 20 May 2008 photo.

Photos are (c) 2008 Edward Jensen, all rights reserved.

Cheers - EJ

The All-StAR team picture comparison

 
No, they're not short. I'm just too tall.

Cheers! - EJ

I am here. (Sort of.)

On 30 April 2008, I went to the Arizona Club for the ASU School of Public Affairs awards luncheon. I took the opportunity to take some pictures of Phoenix from the 37th story of Phoenix.


To see the descriptions of what you're seeing, click on the bubble above.

(If the slideshow doesn't work, go here.)

Cheers! - EJ