Commuting in Phoenix

If you are commuting to Phoenix or anywhere else in the valley, here are a few tips and tricks to make your drive faster and easier.

1. Carpool lanes: On major freeways the lane to the far left is called the ‘HOV’ lane. This lane is available to people who have at least two people in the car during rush hours. The lane is available only to carpoolers from 6-9 am and from 3-7 pm. At other times of the day, the lane is available to all drivers. Be aware, if you do NOT have a second person in your car and are caught, violation tickets are at least $400.
2. ADOT twitter: The Arizona Department of Transportation is an active Twitter user and regularly updates its page on traffic incidents. You can send ADOT a direct tweet with any questions about traffic along your route and they typically respond within the hour.
3. Valley Metro: Using public transportation in the valley can sometimes be a faster and easier alternative to driving. Here is a crash course on the different parts of the valley metro system
   1. Light Rail: Running from downtown Mesa to Phoenix, is the subway system. You can purchase daily, weekly, or monthly passes that allow you to hop on and off at different stations. The light rail system is regularly checked by security and trains run about every 12 minutes. Monday through Friday, the first train leaves at 4:40 am and the last train departs at 11 pm.
   2. Buses: The valley bus system is a more extensive line of travel than the light rail. Like many other bus systems, valley metro busses connect the valley and provide an easy way to travel. If you are traveling into Phoenix, check the map to see if there are express busses that run direct routes into the city.
   3. Park and Rides: Need a place to park to catch your bus? Find your nearest Park and Ride and park for free! Park and rides are sometimes covered, and are usually hubs for busses and light rail stations
   4. Check the Valley Metro website to plan your route and get updates on schedules for the light rail and busses

Taking advantage of city services will help you to make your commute easy and fast. The most important thing when driving is to stay alert and stay patient with other drivers around you.