RAPID bus service begins in Phoenix

Phoenix introduced is RAPID express bus service this week with two new routes, an expanded number of trips and upgraded and newly built park-and-rides. The buses operate on two of the region's busiest commuter corridors: I-10 from Ahwatukee, and State Route 51 beginning at Bell Road. Service will be expanded to three other routes in the fall. The RAPID routes also include new downtown stops that have such things as a steel route map and an artist-designed bench. Electronic signboards announcing arrivals and departures will eventually be added. The new service launched without its full fleet of RAPID buses, manufactured by North American Bus Industries, which are expected to be delivered in August. Phoenix's Public Transit Department decided not to wait until all new buses were in because the service was ready to go, with routes planned, schedules arranged and park-and-rides done. For more on the RAPID service, visit Valley Metro's Website at www.ValleyMetro.org.