Commuter Options: Light Rail

Metro Light Rail

METRO light rail runs through the heart of the Tempe and Downtown Phoenix campuses. It provides quick and efficient service between the two campuses as well as to a number of destinations in the greater-Phoenix area, including a connection to Sky Harbor International Airport.

Tempe Campus Stops (take the westbound train for Downtown Phoenix):
University Drive & Rural Road
Veterans Way & College Ave
Mill Ave & Third Street

Downtown Phoenix Campus Stops:
Van Buren & Central Ave. (for westbound trips)
Van Buren & 1st Ave (for eastbound trips; traveling back to Tempe)

*When traveling between the Tempe and Downtown Phoenix campuses, allow at least 35 minutes commuting time.

Purchase Transit Fare
The easiest way for ASU students and employees to ride the METRO is to obtain an ASU U-Pass, instead of purchasing transit fare each time they want to ride the METRO or bus. The ASU U-Pass is an annual transit pass that allows for unlimited rides on the METRO as well as Valley Metro bus routes.

• Students can purchase the U-Pass for $40 per semester
• Employees can purchase the U-Pass at a deeply discounted rate
• Stop by any campus Permit Sales office, show your Sun Card, and receive a U-Pass

How to Use a U-Pass
The U-Pass you receive from PTS is already activated. However, you must validate every trip before boarding the light rail each time. Simply touch the back of your U-Pass to the orange card reader ("target") located on the transit vending machine kiosk at each boarding station.

Upon touching a valid U-Pass to the orange target, an audible "ding" can be heard, the screen will display a "thank you" message and will show the expiration date of the U-Pass, and the target light will turn from yellow back to green. No type of printed confirmation or ticket is issued.

Be prepared to show proof of a valid fare to METRO fare inspectors by always having your U-Pass and Sun Card with you while riding light rail and by always validating the U-Pass before boarding the train. By validating your U-Pass, you avoid fare violation fines which range from $50-500.

Remember: Touch, Hold and Go
Touch the pass on the orange target.
Hold for the confirmation ding or until target light turns from yellow back to green.
Go and enjoy your ride.

View other fare options
View list of all boarding stations
View entire light rail route
View Park-and-Ride locations

Weekday Hours of Operation:
Trains begin the first full trip of the day at 4:35am at the Sycamore/Main station (the most eastern stop along the route) and at 4:40am at the Montebello/19th Ave station (the most western stop). The last full trip of the day begins at 11pm, arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight.

Frequency: Trains arrive every 10 minutes from 6am-7pm; all other hours, every 20 minutes.

Weekend and Holiday Hours of Operation:
Trains begin the first full trip of the day at 5am at the end-of-the-line stations. The last full trip of the day begins at 11pm, arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight.

Frequency: Trains arrive every 15 minutes between 6am-7pm; all other hours, every 20 minutes.

Light Rail Safety
The rules of light rail safety are easy, but essential. Remember to stay safe around light rail by following these simple guidelines:

• Light rail is quiet; always listen for bells and look for flashing train headlights.
• Pedestrians and ASU Cart drivers: use the crosswalks and obey all signals.
• Never drive, bike, walk or skateboard in the track way.
• Obey the traffic signals; turn only with a green arrow.
• Stay clear of the overhead wires; they are energized.

  Learn more about light rail safety. View safety brochure.

Light Rail Rules of Conduct
Wheelchair and Bicycle Accessibility
Bicycle Safety and Security on Light Rail
Light Rail Frequently Asked Questions