Metro's fare hikes cheaper before boarding

Valley Metro wants you to get on its buses and then get out of the way.

On July 1, a hike in transit fares takes effect, and in the new pricing is a development that could easily get overlooked. But if you miss out on this news, it'll cost you.

Currently, a fare is a fare, no matter where it is purchased. An all-day pass, the most commonly bought fare, is $2.50, no matter if I put money in the vending machine on a light-rail platform or pay after I board the bus.

Once the fare hike goes into effect, that pass will cost $3.50 - unless you buy it aboard the bus. Wait until then, and the price is $5.25.

Same with express buses: A one-day pass purchased in advance is $5.50; but bought at the fare box, it is $7.25.

Valley Metro officials explain this new fare structure as wanting to make boarding buses go as smoothly as possible - and riders digging through their pockets and purses gums up the works. So, the transit agency decided a good way to cut down on that is by enacting a financial penalty.

But where to buy passes in advance? Valley Metro is offering three ways:

Online, at www.valleymetro.org/bus/bus_fare/fare_purchase. Pay with a credit card, and you'll be mailed your passes.

Light-rail platform fare vending machines. There are 100 of these along Metro's 20-mile corridor.

Selected merchants and other locations across the Valley. Fry's supermarkets will be selling fares, but only of the three-day variety. Other places around the East Valley where tickets can be bought include Mesa City Hall, the Town of Gilbert Municipal Center and the Arizona Public Service offices in Chandler. A map and list of outlets, along with which fares they sell, can be found at www.valleymetro.org/fares_and_passes/fare_outlets.

Safety first

Metro light rail is conducting a children's summer art contest titled "Picture Yourself Safe."

Students, fourth through sixth grade in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, are invited to illustrate ways in which they stay safe around light rail.

One winner will be selected from each city and receive 30 all-day transit passes. The three winning illustrations will be featured on Metro's 2009 back-to-school safety posters and in a light-rail station display case in each city.

Those interested may download an entry form at www.metrolightrail.org/safety or pick up one at the Metro office, 101 N. 1st Ave., 13th Floor, Phoenix. Completed entry forms and illustrations must be returned in person or mailed to Metro before July 31. Only one entry per student is permitted.

For more information on the contest, contact Andrea Libey at (602) 495-8209 or alibey@metrolightrail.org.