This week we’re staying in Phoenix and picking up where we left off last week. Paul talks with current Valley Metro (https://www.valleymetro.org/) CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller about the light rail expansion, but more than that, Jessica talks about how Valley Metro keeps its cool in the scorching summer heat.

You would not believe the amount of air conditioning needed for each light rail train. Small hint, it’s more than a house or two.

While riding the LRT and streetcars Paul and Jessica talk about how Valley Metro is helping businesses deal with construction and how Artsline brings art to the community while taking transit.

As a special feature, Paul talks with Ryan Johnson, CEO of Culdesac, about this car-free planned community outside of Tempe—with its own light rail stop!

Valley Metro and Phoenix will be the stars of the show on Transit Unplugged TV in January. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube you so don’t miss this smokin’ hot episode. https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged

Next week on the show we have Marco D’Angelo President and CEO of CUTA (Canadian Urban Transit Association) and regular contributor Mike Bismeyer with interviews recorded at the recent CUTA conference held in Edmonton, AB.

Question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

0:00 Beating the heat at Valley Metro

01:26 Introduction to Valley Metro Light Rail

02:01 Addressing Construction Impact on Local Businesses

03:00 Exploring the Valley Metro System and its Expansion

04:15 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Ridership Patterns and Heat Challenges

11:57 Exploring Culdesac: A Car-Free Neighborhood

18:03 New LRT trains at Valley Metro and the growth of LRT

18:51 Artsline: community art across Valley Metro stops and stations

20:29 The Future of Valley Metro and Transit in Phoenix

22:22 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged