Phoenix launches second light rail line

 

 

Light rail in the Arizona city was extended by 5.5 miles (7.7km) from Downtown Phoenix Hub to Baseline/Central Avenue on 7 June, worked by line B to Metro Parkway. Project cost was USD 1.34bn and 8000 extra passengers/day are expected to join the 32 000/day already using light rail. Line A now serves–east west movements and Line B north–south, both operating every 12 minutes for most of the day. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was at Baseline/Central Avenue Park+Ride station; there are seven other new stations. 

 

Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said, ’Today we are celebrating 5.5 new light rail miles and the transformation of Valley Metro Rail into a two-line operation, creating an important connection to South Phoenix. We built this project with the community too achieve their vision; we will continue to advance the community’s vision to connect to the West and East Valleys and bring greater mobility and economic opportunity to more of metro Phoenix’. 

 

Valley Metro light rail has now reached 38.5 miles (62km). Revenue service started on the first section on 1 January 2009; extensions opened in 2015, 2016 and 2019. Line A connects in Tempe with the Streetcar Circulator, opened in 2022. Valley Metro light rail has boosted its fleet of 50 Kinki Sharyo cars with 25 Siemens S700 delivered in 2022-24, and holds an option for 53 more.