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Valley Metro’s light-rail ridership increased 4 percent to 13.2 million riders in 2011, topping the Phoenix agency’s record set in 2010.

“Our ridership continues to grow,” said Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta in a prepared statement. “We look forward to working with regional partners in 2012 to make the transit trip even easier and more appealing for riders.”

Also in 2011, the agency received environmental clearance and $35.5 million in the fiscal-year 2012 federal appropriations signed in November for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light-rail extension; determined 13 stop locations and several street configurations for the 2.6-mile Tempe streetcar project; received a $1 million federal grant to conduct a 24-month alternatives analysis on the South Central Phoenix corridor; and received a $2.7 million Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant award for a solar shade structure at a maintenance facility.

Meanwhile, Valley Metro officials will host a meeting on Feb. 8 for the public to review and comment on the urban design guidelines for the Tempe streetcar project and any future streetcar projects in the region. The guidelines will help determine the streetcar stops’ design, including concepts for seating, lighting, platform paving and canopies, agency officials said.