Parking, buses called key to downtown nightlife

If Phoenix's wants its downtown nightlife to thrive, buses need to stay on the street long after sundown, several business owners say.

That's why an alliance of downtown hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and theaters are working on a parking plan.

One proposal would offer discounted parking at a garage and provide free shuttle rides from the garage to late night events, said Bill Smith who owns Bar Smith and other downtown restaurants.

"The goal is to open by Oct. 1," he said referring to the opening date of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

These days it's getting harder for patrons to find inexpensive parking that's close to downtown nightspots, Smith said.

And some parking lots have increased their rates, he added. A few charge as much as $25 for parking after 10 p.m. Smith said.

Plus, construction for the $900 million CityScape project took over a parking lot that was used by many customers who go to bars and restaurants on Washington Street.

The issue came to light after City Council voted last month to change the route of the Downtown Area Shuttle, also known as DASH.

Starting July 28 the bus will have two routes the "government loop," is similar to the existing route, running between downtown Phoenix and the Capitol.

The other, a "downtown loop," would transport riders between schools, hotels, the biomedical campus and some neighborhood destinations.

The city is working with the Downtown Phoenix Partnership business group, on the issue, said Public Transit Director Debbie Cotton.

"I think one of the things that they want to focus on is marketing (bus service), to really get the word out," she said. "And we offered our staff time and talent to work with the partnership in order to make that happen."

The city is in a tough position, added City Manager Frank Fairbanks.

The city currently offers DASH service until 11 p.m. on weekdays, but "the truth is, no one is riding them," the city manager said.

The city has a tight budget and can't afford to create routes with few riders, he said.

"So what we need to do is figure out the routes that work, that people will find useful and effective," he said.

Next, said Smith the business owner, the group wants to talk to Metro about light-rail hours.

According to the tentative schedule, most riders will be able to catch rail from 4:40 a.m. until around 11 p.m. said Hillary Foose,Metro spokeswoman.

Reporter Casey Newton contributed to this story.

The city currently offers DASH service until 11 p.m. on weekdays, but "the truth is, no one is riding them," City Manager Frank Fairbanks said.