The Valley Metro Rail (Metro) board of directors recently voted to extend Boston-based Alternate Concepts Inc.’s (ACI) contract to manage light rail service in metro Phoenix through Dec. 31, 2016.

Valley Metro Rail is one of the busiest light rail systems in the country, transporting approximately 44,000 passengers each day.

ACI has provided transportation services to Metro since 2008. ACI initially won a five-year contract, which has been extended on three occasions since 2012. The 20-mile light rail system with 28 stations provides public transportation that connects downtown Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, home of Arizona State University.

In recommending ACI to the board, CEO Steve Banta noted that Valley Metro has seen significant growth and ridership as a result of the excellent on time performance and safety record of the light rail system.

During its years of service in Arizona, ACI has continuously delivered strong on-time performance (OTP) for VMR, including 99% OTP during the first nine months of 2014. ACI also has helped to achieve high levels of rider satisfaction as reflected by a rate of less than one passenger concern reported for every 100,000 passenger trips.

Over the next two years, ACI will work with Metro to expand and enhance light rail service. Plans include opening the Central Mesa light rail system extension in 2015 and commencing service on the Northwest Phoenix light rail extension in 2016. ACI will also have a vital role in servicing activities leading up to the Super Bowl that are scheduled to take place in downtown Phoenix in February 2015.