Phoenix Metro 2010 light rail ridership up

Phoenix Metro light rail served more than 12.6 million riders in 2010, 11 percent more than in 2009. On average, 39,335 riders traveled using light rail on weekdays; 29,329 on Saturdays; and 19,170 on Sundays/holidays.

"It's been another incredible year for Metro," said CEO Steve Banta. "Riders continue to use our service in record numbers despite the difficult economy and service reductions in July. 2011 is likely to bring similar financial challenges and they will be met by keeping a customer focus and an eye for where efficiencies can be gained."

Metro's has carried nearly 24 million riders over its first two years of operation. Other notable highlights of 2010:

• Reduced number of collisions by more than 50 percent vs. 2009.

• Generated $335,000 in system advertising revenue since program inception in Oct. 2009.

• Installed shade canopies at the 19th Ave. and Central/Camelback park-and-rides.

• Renewed the partnership with US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns to allow event tickets to serve as light rail pass.

• Entered the design phase on the Central Mesa light rail extension to downtown Mesa.

• Received local and regional approval of 2.6-miles of streetcar in the Mill Ave. corridor in Tempe.

• Moved forward with the South Central Feasibility Study in Phoenix.

To view Metro's annual ridership report, click here.