Scaled-back bus service may eventually hit ALEX

Phoenix will cut some of its Valley Metro bus services in December in an effort to quell budget woes. But city transit officials aren't sure if Ahwatukee's ALEX could see changes as well.

Ahwatukee's Local EXplorer, a free neighborhood circulator bus running since November 2001, allows passengers to travel a 23-mile route within the village to hotspots such as shopping centers and recreation areas.

The Phoenix Public Transit Department could eventually begin charging ALEX passengers, make its trips less frequent or reduce routes, but no decisions have been made, department spokeswoman Marie Chapple said.

"That's still to be coordinated," she said. "The case may be that in the future that we make changes to ALEX."

If the department makes cuts to the popular service, they would likely come in July 2009 when additional service changes are expected, Chapple said.

A Nov. 6 report to the Phoenix City Council from the Public Transit Department reveals several suggested recommendations to determine how cuts should be made. They included considering reducing recently expanded hours, examining routes that don't bring the city revenue and analyzing use of the buses to see which hours see the lowest ridership.

The Phoenix Citizen's Transit Commission is set to discuss these recommendations Dec. 4, Chapple said.

Many Ahwatukee residents would likely feel the effects if ALEX services were impacted. During September, 35,071 passengers rode ALEX. Weekday ridership averages about 1,169.

While residents can continue to enjoy free ALEX rides for now, those who rely upon Valley Metro buses will see changes beginning Dec. 29.

Monday through Friday bus trips that start in Phoenix before 5 a.m. and after 10 p.m. will be cut, eliminating 172 weekday trips and an estimated 3,600 passenger boardings.

Saturday bus-services hours will also change to match Sunday hours, which vary by route and location.

However, bus riders may still see Valley Metro buses on the road after hours, Chapple said.

For example, buses that were already on the road before 10 p.m. on weekdays will continue to pick up passengers until they've completed their routes, she said.

Some routes will also be changed because of the coming of the light-rail system in late December. For more details on route changes, check the December 2008 edition of the Valley Metro Transit Book. The Public Transit Department Web site, www.valleymetro.org, will also be updated soon to reflect the cuts, Chapple said.

Desert Vista students board ALEX, the free bus service that runs through the foothills, in this 2006 file photo.