I'm proud that the city of Phoenix is a member of Valley Metro, an organization that each day has more than 150,000 boardings - about 50 million each year - on local buses that annually travel more than 26 million miles on Valley roads. Our regional transit system is expanding each year. In fact, we've seen a 21 percent increase in ridership since 2000 in Phoenix alone, and the numbers continue to grow.

Valley residents have responded to the gas crunch by using public transit like never before, and many buses in Phoenix have been standing room only. Here are some figures for RAPID ridership in District 2 on SR 51 (all pick up points):

The fuel supply may have been replenished, but many people have continued to use the transit system. I will be taking the RAPID from the Bell Road and SR 51 park-and-ride the following Wednesdays in October: Oct. 8, 15 and 22, starting Oct. 8. I invite all of you to come out and join me from 6 - 8 a.m., have some donuts and talk about the transit system and other topics affecting you in District 2. I'll be there to answer questions and enjoy the RAPID ride downtown.

Since July, the city of Phoenix has launched five new RAPID routes. Passengers now have an expanded schedule of trips and buses that leave from upgraded and newly built park-and-rides. The downtown stops are new and have a distinct design to help RAPID passengers locate their afternoon pick up points.

Come take a look at the park-and-ride, not just to park and pick up RAPID, but you also can use it to meet up with your carpool partners. There is shaded parking and also security staff on site. The Bell Road/SR 51 park-and-ride is at 3434 E. Bell Road, on the southwest corner of Bell Road and SR 51.

If you have questions or comments you would like to discuss with me, don't hesitate to call my office or send an e-mail. You are also invited to join me at my monthly Issues & Info breakfasts and learn about topics that impact your neighborhood and family. You are always invited to take the opportunity to ask questions about issues that are important to you. The next one is 7 a.m. Oct. 17, at Jillian's at Desert Ridge. I hope to see you there.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at (602) 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.