I found this interesting article today talking about how cities are embracing public transportation more than ever.

"The American Public Transportation Association reports that Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008 — nearly 85 million more trips than last year for the same time period. In total, 10.3 billion trips were taken on public transportation last year — the highest number in more than 50 years. By far the biggest increase was in the number of trips on light rail, which saw more than a 10 percent jump in ridership."

The article has a pretty large focus on the new Phoenix Light Rail system and of the development along the line. They talk about some of the new light rail lines in other cities as well. For some of you, it will be an interesting read. For others, it might bore you to death. :-)

Leaping in to Light Rail is the name of the article... Their blog post is here as well... Feel free to let us know what you think!

For many Arizona residents, light rail is going to be a new experience. Metro has begun a pretty significant safety campaign and is looking for Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa to help spread the word. Other than safety and common sense, there will be some new rules and expectations that people will be asked to follow. I snapped this pic near the 1st Ave / Jefferson Street stop today in Phoenix and noted a few of the items. I believe the following rules apply to all light rail stops. This is NOT a complete list and some are paraphrased or approximate so if you want the entire scoop, feel free to go read the sign. :-)

1. Ticketed Passengers Only.

2. Stay back from the platforms edge until train comes to a complete stop.

3. No Smoking.

4. No Food or Drink.

5. No Roller blading, Skateboarding or Loitering.

Here are a few links to statutes that may apply...

Don't be a pig... aka... don't litter or pollute.

Don't be an idiot and hang out on the tracks...  aka... criminal trespass. (class 3 misdemeanor)

Keep your Butt out of my face... aka... No Smoking.

Wow.. This past week was action packed for Metro and for people wanting more information about the new light rail cars. Yesterday, the trains made their first trip up Central Avenue. We were lucky to have Joy get some video of this historic trip. I think the video does a great job in giving you a feel for some of the excitement in Phoenix. Joy has been tremendous help and support at Rail Life since the begining.. Thanks Joy!

As we patiently wait for the Rail Life site to be up, we want to start a few new things with the blog and I bet some of you can help.. I am thinking about weekly or bi-weekly stories, maybe even video interviews, with people that live, work, study and or play along the upcoming light rail line. You know, tell us about you, your business, your work, your obsession with the Suns, Diamondbacks or the Devils. What is your favorite restaurant near the line? Where are the coolest spots that will be close to a light rail stop? As a business owner, how do you think the light rail will change things? etc. etc..

In our short time here, we feel fortunate to have met several business owners, employees, students etc. and would like to share some of your thoughts with our readers. We want more people to really "get" what we are all about. RailLife.com is about a new way of life in the valley. We are still kind of kicking around the format and deciding if this would be a good weekend thing or what.?.? Feel free to chime in..