Valley Metro Public Meeting METRO Hosts Public Meetings to Discuss Service Changes Light Rail News METRO light rail will take part in a public process to hear feedback on potential service changes; any changes would occur in July 2010. Public input will be sought in February and March 2010 on service change options via the cities’ public hearing process and METRO public outreach efforts. The input will help METRO and its member cities determine the changes that have the least impact on riders and finalize fiscal year 2011 operating budget and schedule. Changes are being considered to address a decline in sales tax revenue as a result of the slow economy. Sales tax revenue is the largest funding source for transit service Valleywide; fare revenue supports the balance of operating costs at approximately 25 percent. While METRO ridership has surpassed all first-year projections, riders’ fare revenue contribution cannot keep up with the drop in sales tax collections. Location: Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Community Room, 200 E. Fifth St., Tempe Date: 3/9/2010 Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM Close Window