Super Bowl contributes to record Valley Metro ridership
Transit service to events included multiple layers of strategic activity to ensure success, including five days of enhanced light rail service to support rider demand and special bus service to and from outlying park-and-rides to provide added transit options.
After Super Sunday, history has been made for both Super Bowl XLIX and Phoenix-based Valley Metro. On Saturday, Jan. 31, light rail ridership nearly doubled compared to its former highest ridership day previously set on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. On that day, there were 65,800 riders who traveled to events including an Arizona State University football game, arts festival in Tempe and a concert in Phoenix. On an average Saturday, ridership is at 35,000 boardings.
Transit service to Super Bowl XLIX events included multiple layers of strategic activity to ensure success:
Offered five days of enhanced light rail service to support rider demand.
Provided special bus service to and from outlying park-and-rides to provide added transit options.
Developed extensive operational planning that included staging of buses and maintenance technicians in the field to provide on-call support.
Partnered with multiple levels of law enforcement agencies including the Transportation Security Administration and numerous police departments to ensure a strong security presence.
Provided more than 100 Valley Metro and 120 Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee volunteers who gave more than 1,660 hours of volunteer service to assist riders at light rail stations and park-and-rides.
“Our goal in serving Super Bowl XLIX was to exceed all expectations and provide a high level of service that would help showcase metro Phoenix,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “Valley Metro staff, across all ends of the organization, worked incredibly hard to deliver a positive transit experience that would draw people back to this region and the Valley Metro system.”
RELATED:Passenger Rail Service for Business Events
Light rail and special bus service provided a seamless connection to Verizon Super Bowl Central and the NFL Experience in downtown Phoenix.
“Verizon Super Bowl Central was the largest event ever held in Phoenix, capturing worldwide attention during its four-day run up to Super Bowl XLIX,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. “Public transit was key to the event's success and was essential in getting tens of thousands of fans to Phoenix's biggest party ever.”
The partnership and significant support from the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee contributed to the system’s enhanced ridership during this high-profile time for Phoenix and the region, according to the agency.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →