Go back to Leaping Into Light Rail

FIGHTING SPRAWL: Like many Sun Belt cities, Phoenix is hoping that it's major investment in a new light-rail system will do a lot more than just reduce traffic congestion. The city is counting on its light-rail line — which opens in December -- to help drive desnder development along certain corridors. The idea is to create more of a sense of place — a departure from Phoenix's sprawl-addicted past.

BRINGING TRANSIT TO THE SUN BELT: Having to stand and wait for a train in the hot desert sun could discourage many Phoenix residents from using the new train. The city is trying to combat that with a few innovative designs. The shape and angle of these sun sails, for example, ensures that at least 40 percent of each train platform is shaded at any given time.

WORKING WITH LOCALS Building a new transit system anywhere would be disruptive to local businesses. But it can be particularly tough in a place like Phoenix, where the lack of a transit tradition can make the years of construction and disruption a tougher sell.To help ease the pain, Phoenix instituted several measures designed to help businesses during light-rail construction. The city organized a program for businesses affected by construction to offer discounts to customers. And the city provided scores of free signage — like this one for Ed the Hotdogger — to aid inconvenienced businesses.

EARLY SUCCESSES: Phoenix's light-rail line doesn't open until December, but it's already driving development — including a large new downtown campus for Arizona State Univeristy. The school expects 8,000 students at its downtown location this fall — and an eventual enrollment of 15,000. University officials say the upcoming light-rail line, which easily connects with ASU's main campus in Tempe, was a huge factor in their decision to open downtown.