Valley Metro closes stations in downtown Phoenix due to protests

PHOENIX — Valley Metro said it closed stations in downtown Phoenix on Monday evening because of protests.

The public transportation provider said stations in several downtown areas closed after a request from the Phoenix Police Department.

The closures came hours after Valley Metro it would tentatively keep regular service hours during Gov. Doug Ducey’s weeklong curfew.

…12th St/Jefferson, Washington/Central Ave, 3rd St/Washington, and 12th St/Washington. Buses will transport riders between the McDowell/Central Ave and 24 St/Washington stations. The buses can be found at the northeast corner of the intersections by the stations. 2/2 #vmservice

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) June 2, 2020

Valley Metro had said it would keep its normal hours to serve essential workers who need to travel after the curfew starts at 8 p.m., which is allowed under Ducey’s executive order.

Valley Metro had cautioned that service hours could change quickly after 6 p.m. Monday based on public safety concerns.

There were no protests scheduled in downtown Phoenix on Monday, but protesters began making their way through the area around 6 p.m.

Buses were detoured and light rail service was suspended the last two nights in downtown Phoenix as protests continued over the death of Minnesotan George Floyd.

“If an area becomes unsafe, we will adjust our service, with likely little to no warning, adhering to the direction of public safety,” Valley Metro said earlier in the day. “We do this for your safety and the safety of our staff and the surrounding community.”

Ducey’s curfew order, which went into effect Sunday and runs until June 8, says “all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel” with some exceptions.

Phoenix police said they arrested more than 200 adults and over 10 minors during Sunday’s protest.

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