Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Valley Metro are teaming up for DTPHX Ride the Rail, a July campaign that turns the light rail into more than a way to get from point A to point B. Think exclusive local deals, free Copper Cards, surprise energy, and live music rolling straight through the city.
The idea is simple: ride the rail, explore Downtown Phoenix, support local businesses, and make the journey feel like part of the plan instead of just the thing before the plan.
For the month of July, riders can pick up a free DTPHX Ride the Rail Copper Card to unlock discounts and promotions at participating Downtown restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. It is a clever little summer nudge to get people out of their routines and into the businesses that give Downtown its bite, buzz, and personality.
“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,” says 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.”
And because a discount card alone was apparently not enough drama, Ride the Rail is also bringing live music pop-ups directly on board the Valley Metro Rail B Line. On July 16, July 24, and July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m., performances will take place between the Central Ave/Camelback and Downtown Phoenix Hub/Central Ave. stations, giving riders an unexpected show between stops.
“Light rail has always been about connecting people to the places and experiences that matter most to them,” says 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.”
The campaign also lands with a bigger purpose. Summer can be a slower season for Valley businesses, and Ride the Rail is designed to drive intentional foot traffic to Downtown Phoenix’s local restaurants, retailers, and small businesses during the month of July. Translation: the rail ride is fun, but the real win is getting more people through local doors.
Copper Cards are free and available from DTPHX Ambassadors throughout the Downtown Core Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Riders can also pick one up from a Valley Metro Customer Experience Representative daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., or visit the Valley Metro Customer Service Desk at the DTPHX Community Resource Hub at 1 E. Washington St., Suite 130, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No card? No crisis. Riders can also unlock deals by finding the Ride the Rail ad in the Valley Metro app and showing it at participating businesses.
Downtown Phoenix in July is bringing the heat. Ride the Rail is bringing the reason to lean in anyway.
Insider Takeaways
- DTPHX Ride the Rail runs July 1-31, 2026, in partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Valley Metro.
- Free Copper Cards unlock exclusive discounts and promotions at participating Downtown Phoenix businesses.
- Live music pop-ups take place on July 16, July 24, and July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Valley Metro Rail B Line. Performances will happen between the Central Ave/Camelback and Downtown Phoenix Hub/Central Ave. stations.
- Copper Cards are available through DTPHX Ambassadors, Valley Metro Customer Experience Representatives, and the Valley Metro Customer Service Desk at the DTPHX Community Resource Hub.
- Riders can also access deals through the Ride the Rail ad in the Valley Metro app.
- The campaign is designed to support Downtown restaurants, retailers, and small businesses during the Valley’s slower summer season.
To learn more, visit dtphx.org/dtphx-ride-the-rail.
