[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic, June 12, 2008] — After nearly two decades serving downtown, the DASH circulator is getting primed to split its service into two routes. Following requests from the public, Phoenix’s transit staff is recommending that DASH take two routes. One would be a “government loop,” similar to the existing route, running between downtown Phoenix and the state Capitol. The other, a “downtown loop,” would transport riders between schools, hotels, biomedical campus, and neighborhood destinations. “The separation of the single DASH day loop into two loops better serves downtown customers who are focused on going to government offices or to entertainment and education venues, but most often not both,” said Debbie Cotton, public transit director, in a memo to City Council.
The changes came after three open houses and a public hearing held to gather input on how DASH should change. The city also posted various routing options on the Internet and asked for feedback. The City Council’s transportation subcommittee approved the changes last week. The full council learned about the changes Tuesday. DASH operates Monday through Friday, with shuttles running every 12 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. After 6:30, DASH will run every 20 minutes until the close of service at 8 p.m.
Downtown Voices Coalition 