Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Valley Metro Launch "Ride the Rail" Campaign to Make Summer Transit an Experience Worth Taking
This summer, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI), in partnership with Valley Metro, is inviting the community to experience getting around Downtown in a whole new way, where the journey is just as fun as the destination.
For the month of July, the DTPHX Ride the Rail campaign is reimagining light rail as not only a way to get around but also an opportunity to discover something new, support local businesses and feel more connected to the city.
Keeping Downtown Phoenix Thriving This Summer
A core goal of the Ride the Rail campaign is to drive intentional, consistent support to Downtown's local restaurants, retailers and small businesses throughout the month of July. Participating businesses will offer exclusive discounts and promotions unlocked directly through the DTPHX Ride the Rail Copper Card, giving riders both an incentive to explore and a tangible way to support the businesses that make Downtown Phoenix one-of-a-kind.
"This campaign is about more than riding light rail; it's about connecting people to the energy, businesses, and community that make Downtown Phoenix unique," said Devney Majerle, President and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. "We want to give the community every reason to show up and support local this summer, and Valley Metro is the perfect partner to help us do that."
Surprises Along the Line
The campaign will feature three special live music pop-up events in July, taking place on the Valley Metro Rail B Line, with performances between the Central Ave/Camelback and Downtown Phoenix Hub. These on-board performances will offer riders a memorable experience as they travel through the city.
"Light rail has always been about connecting people to the places and experiences that matter most to them," said Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro. "This summer, Ride the Rail takes that mission a step further by making the ride itself a destination. We're proud to partner with Downtown Phoenix Inc. to bring riders something truly exciting and show just how much is possible when transit and community come together."
Unlock the Experience with a Ride the Rail Copper Card
The DTPHX Ride the Rail Copper Card is the key to everything the campaign has to offer. Riders who pick up a card will have access to exclusive discounts and promotions at participating Downtown businesses. You can also unlock deals by looking for the Ride the Rail ad in the Valley Metro app and showing it at participating businesses.
For a full list of participating businesses, visit dtphx.org/dtphx-ride-the-rail
Copper Cards are free and available through the following methods:
- Pick up from a DTPHX Ambassador; Monday- Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the Downtown Core
- Pick up from a Valley Metro Customer Experience Representative; Monday - Sunday from 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Visit the Valley Metro Customer Service Desk at the DTPHX Community Resource Hub at 1 E. Washington St., Suite 130, open Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Campaign Details
- Campaign Dates: July 1-31, 2026
- Live Music Pop-Ups: July 16, July 24, July 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. between the Central Ave/Camelback and Downtown Phoenix Hub/Central Ave. stations
- Copper Card Pickup Options: DTPHX Ambassadors, Valley Metro Customer Experience Representatives, and the Valley Metro Customer Service Desk at the DTPHX Community Resource Hub at 1 E. Washington St., Suite 130
- More Information: dtphx.org/dtphx-ride-the-rail