The METRO light rail construction has left a wake of “for lease” signs along the Tempe and ASU section of the 20-mile track. Businesses in Tempe are looking forward to the Dec. 27 light rail opening to rejuvenate revenues and bring ASU students and patrons back to their stores.

“The construction beats up everybody,” says Michael Erickson, co-owner of Chill, a 6-month-old frozen yogurt and gelato shop located at the northwest corner of Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane. Erickson says the construction has not only slowed the business of his store, but many stores along the tracks were forced to re-locate or close doors due to business loss. He believes the new school year and the light rail opening will bring more students in for yogurt.

“You have to go through the growing pains as a new business. In two years it’s going to be great around here,” Erickson says.

Not every business is hurting. Businesses with a solid ASU student following have not lost customers due to construction detours, noise and traffic blocks.

Pita Jungle, located in the same plaza as Chill, has a stronghold in the area. “Business is booming. We’re the exception in this plaza,” General Manager Matt McShay says — and he’s right. In the same plaza as Pita Jungle, a laundromat, nail salon and hookah bar have all shut down, most likely due to light rail construction, McShay says.

McShay says ASU students have kept his store busy, even through the infamously slow summer months. “We’re so correlated with the ASU student body that business hasn’t suffered. Students bring the magic,” McShay says.

Pita Jungle in Tempe has been around since 1994, offering fresh vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes. Having a good product to offer is important, McShay says.

Hungry Howies’ product (famous flavored crust pizza) hasn’t had sales problems during construction either. Located at Terrace and Lemon, this ASU pizza hot spot has passed construction woes with flying colors. Late night deliveries to ASU students who keep Hungry Howies on speed dial have helped keep this location successful, supervisor William Chelini says.

However problematic construction has been for some businesses in Tempe, the general consensus is both business and community will benefit once the light rail begins running. For students, the light rail is an excellent, safe travel option compared with other methods of transportation.

The light rail will carry up to 600 passengers in a three-car train and is projected to have 26,000 boardings per day in the first year. ASU students can expect the train to make station stops every 10-30 minutes, depending on the time of day. The light rail is an excellent way for students commuting to the Downtown Phoenix campus, an estimated 15-mile commute from Tempe campus, to bypass traffic delays and gas prices.

“I’m excited because I won’t have to drive my car to the downtown campus and get stuck in traffic,” public relations senior Adrianna Bigard says.

The grand opening of the METRO light rail is on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28. Valley Metro welcomes everyone to Tempe light rail stations where rides are free anywhere along the 20-mile alignment. There will also be music and activities to enjoy. Transit passes will be needed to ride starting on Dec. 29.

For more information on light rail maps and times, safety tips and how to purchase your ride pass, visit www.valleymetro.org.

— michelle.masek@asu.edu