Phoenix - Learning by Example

Light Rail in Downtown Phoenix
(Photo courtesy Valley Metro)

As the Tampa Bay area continues to grow and innovate, what can we learn from other communities that have tackled similar issues to the ones we face today?

That's the purpose of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce's 10th annual Benchmarking Visit to Phoenix, AZ, next Monday through Wednesday, September 20 - 22. HART is a proud partner in the Chamber's visit, and will be along for the ride during this educational experience.

HART CEO to Lead Panel
Transportation is critical to the building of any major city, and Phoenix has a new, modern transit system to prove it. The city's Valley Metro light rail service has been a success, steadily beating ridership projections since its opening in December 2008.

During the three-day visit, HART CEO David Armijo is set to moderate two sessions dedicated to transit. The Tampa Chamber attendees will also take tours of the Valley Metro rail system.

In addition to transportation info, the Tampa team will delve into other business issues, like public affairs and policy questions, relationships between business and government, and economic development.

For more details on the Tampa Chamber Benchmarking Visit, check out the page on the Chamber's website here.

UPDATE: Check out this video on the Phoenix Metro system courtesy of Streetfilms:

http://www.streetfilms.org/phoenixs-metro-light-rail-takes-flight/