Phoenix Valley Metro Ridership Soars During World Series Craze

In an unexpected twist, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ thrilling journey to the World Series in 2023 not only captivated the hearts of fans but also resulted in a remarkable boost for Phoenix Valley Metro’s light rail ridership. Over the course of three momentous days—October 30, October 31, and November 1—the city experienced an electrifying surge in transit usage.

During the first game day on Monday, an impressive 40,340 rides were recorded, followed by a staggering 46,253 rides on Halloween, which coincided with a Phoenix Suns home game. The series reached its climax on Wednesday, November 1, with 40,800 rides, marking the culmination of the D-backs’ season.

These figures are a significant departure from Valley Metro’s average daily ridership of around 29,000 on the light rail system. Valley Metro CEO, Jessica Mefford-Miller, acknowledged the impact, stating, “The strong ridership numbers not only reflect our team’s ability to deliver when it matters most, but it also underscores the critical role public transit plays in getting residents and visitors to and from major events.”

The surge in ridership wasn’t limited to physical journeys alone. Valley Metro’s mobile app experienced a record-breaking three-day period, with the highest number of fare scans since its launch in February. Furthermore, the World Series run saw a remarkable 155% increase in new app users compared to the previous week.

While the Arizona Diamondbacks may not have claimed victory in the World Series, their electrifying performance united Phoenix residents and visitors, showcasing the essential role of public transit in facilitating seamless transportation to and from major events. Valley Metro emerged as the true winner, experiencing a remarkable surge in ridership that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the city’s transportation landscape.

Source: Valley Metro

https://www.valleymetro.org/news/2023/11/valley-metro-rail-hits-home-run-with-world-series-ridership