Greater Phoenix Area

The Greater Phoenix area is a fast-growing region with an increasing population attracted by its sunny, pleasant climate. Coordinating together, multiple member communities and transit authorities are committed to providing convenient, accessible and integrated transportation throughout the region. As part of the regional plan, a new commuter light rail system will be launched in December and fully integrated with existing transit services.

• Over the long term, deliver on key transit projects, including 28 miles of extensions to the new 30-mile light rail system; more frequent bus service across the region; and new regional transit capital projects including park-and-rides, transit centers, maintenance facilities and improved transit technologies.
• In 2008 and 2009, support a seamless multimode transit system throughout the Valley by integrating the new commuter rail system into fixed route schedules.
• Revise policies and procedures to ensure compatibility with the new integrated system.
• Increase transit visibility through marketing and enhanced customer satisfaction.

• Transition 50 bus drivers from Veolia Transportation's human resource pool to Valley Metro, to be trained as operators of the new light rail system - a huge benefit to Valley Metro in a tight job market, and a valuable strategy in successful integration.
• Use Veolia Transportation's expertise to develop a contingency bridge plan capable of providing smooth backup service during planned and unplanned interruptions in all or part of the light rail service.
• Participate in a new Valley-wide fare system, and help Valley Metro enhance security training to ensure compliance.
• Provide intense training and information to all staff to ensure familiarity with new fare policies.

• Veolia Transportation operates bus contracts in Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix, plus airport transfer and shuttle services at the Phoenix airport, and thus has a critical mass in the market which enables us to provide enhanced corporate resources to our clients in safety, training, customer service and senior leadership.

• From one facility in Mesa, the Veolia Transportation maintenance team is able to service vehicles that run on CNG, LNG, diesel and gasoline - each having specific and different maintenance requirements.
• To ensure rider comfort in the oppressive summer heat of the Valley, Veolia Transportation's maintenance teams pay close attention to the proper servicing of bus HVAC systems.

• The location where Veolia Transportation operates in Tempe is the only fully "green" maintenance facility in Arizona (LEED gold certified), using exclusively environmentally-friendly materials and products, and meeting high standards for waste management, waste disposal and energy efficiency.