Today marks the 10th anniversary of METRO light rail’s inauguration. In celebration of METRO at 10, relive the day with some photos.
Ten years ago today (27 December 2008), Phoenix made history. It had opened the first part of its new METRO light rail (WBIYB) connecting many different parts of our community. The initial system was touted to be the starter line of a system that would spread tentacle-like throughout the Phoenix metro area, linking commercial corridors, cultural institutions, residential communities, sports arenas, and educational opportunities to each other.
While the promise of METRO is under attack by reactionary anti-transit individuals upset by the proposed extensions into south Phoenix (my take: Build the damn train!), it’s a system that has transformed our city and tried to make us somewhat relevant in the global city-driven economy.
To mark METRO’s 10th anniversary, here are some photos I’ve unearthed from the archives of the opening day festivities. Phoenicians will also recall that it was also on this day that the new North Building of the Phoenix Convention Center was also opened to the public.
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: At the Encanto/Central Ave (Heard Museum) station, passengers brave full stations and crowded trains to board METRO light rail on its first day of operations
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: At the Encanto/Central Ave (Heard Museum) station, passengers brave full stations and crowded trains to board METRO light rail on its first day of operations
Downtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: Phoenicians walk through Metro Marché, the food court of the new Phoenix Convention Center North Building, at its opening day festivities. The Phoenix Convention Center’s North Building and METRO light rail were opened on the same day.
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: The Midtown Museum District Neighborhood Association and RailLife.com welcome visitors to the Heard Museum for METRO light rail’s opening day festivities
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: At the Encanto/Central Ave (Heard Museum) station, passengers brave full stations and crowded trains to board METRO light rail on its first day of operations
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: A Midtown resident and her dog curiously inspect the first train to arrive at the Encanto/Central Ave (Heard Museum) station. Service was officially inaugurated at 10:00am.
Downtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: Phoenicians walk through Metro Marché, the food court of the new Phoenix Convention Center North Building, at its opening day festivities. The Phoenix Convention Center’s North Building and METRO light rail were opened on the same day.
Midtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: The Midtown Museum District Neighborhood Association holds court at the Heard Museum on METRO light rail’s opening day. Today, the Midtown Museum District is now known as the Midtown Neighborhood Association.
Downtown Phoenix, 27 December 2008: The new North Building of the Phoenix Convention Center was also open to the public on 27 December 2008. A skyway links the West Building to the North Building.