Recently, I was allowed to take a tour of the Operations and Maintenance Facility for the upcoming Light Rail system in Phoenix and I got to actually ride in one of the cars! I also met with the Project Manager for the maintenance facility and was able to discuss some of the technology, our opinions on future ridership, demographics, expansion etc.

During my meetings and research of the new rail line, here are some "facts" as I remember them, as I was told or as I have read.


1. Arizona Light Rail cars will be among the most technologically advanced in the world.

2. 16 cameras on each train. ie: security, monitors etc.

3. Cars are 90 feet long, 12 feet high, 8.5 feet wide.

4. No-step boarding. This is really cool. Un-like most other systems where the "working parts" are underneath the train, these trains have a lot of the parts on the roof! This allows for a street height entrance/exit that is controlled by air pressure regulating the height.

5. Seats are Kevlar and will be able to withstand much of the low life's attempts at vandalism.

6. GPS units monitor where the trains are at any given time.

7. There are four wheelchair positions and four bike racks on each car.

8. Three vehicles can be linked together. (usually for special events etc.)

9.Seats that are in the front and rear, located above the "wheels," do not face forward. Instead, they face the inside of the car. This helps the above mentioned "low life's" think twice before attempting to take someones belongings on their way out. ie: If a person is facing "forward" with their back to the doors, they might not notice someone attempting to take their bag on the way off of the train. (interesting concept)

10.The light rail cars are assembled in "pieces" so they won't be down for maintenance. ie: a part goes out, it goes in to the facility where the piece OR an entire section of car is removed, a new one is slapped on and they will be on their way. They are saying we will have very little "down time." I thought this was really cool to see..


These Light Rail trains, at first glance, did not seem any different to me than any I had seen before. After looking closer and talking to some of the people that work with and on the trains, I was pretty impressed. Of course, right after I was so impressed, a story came out about finding breaks in the line.. We will have to stay tuned to see how this one plays out. I'm pretty sure all will be good by December when the trains are scheduled to begin carrying passengers.