On an afternoon of steady rain that challenged us to find cover for our camera, we captured video of the first Tempe Streetcar arriving. It’s one of six that will be part of Valley Metro’s streetcar fleet.
Before the streetcar arrived, we envisioned what our camera might capture from several empty and covered parking spaces. However, we would be too far from the action, plus a mixture of metal and tree branches would obscure our view. So with permission, we parked in the open, alongside a strip of pavement between tracks and the road that would carry the streetcar toward us. We unpacked our tripod, stretched its legs and placed it under the rear door of our vehicle and as close as possible to the bumper to shelter us from the weather. Loren stood beside me in a tan fleece coat, preparing to shoot still photography.
A truck displaying a yellow “Oversize Load” banner across its front bumper soon arrived, near the end of its journey, with the streetcar on a flatbed. The streetcar gleamed green, white and purple, brightening an otherwise overcast day. The windows reflected its new surroundings. Raindrops glistened on the glass and paint. Employees then approached and began to inspect the streetcar.
The streetcar can carry up to 120 riders and will give shorter trips to places such as shops, offices and neighborhoods. Tempe Streetcar is expected to open this year. To learn more, click here.
