More than 5,000 people joined federal, state, and local officials to celebrate the opening of the South-Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail expansion in Phoenix, Ariz., on June 7.
Officials said the extension is an historic milestone for Valley Metro Rail and marks an evolution of the two-line rail system. The $1.34 billion project, funding through a federal-local partnership, is projected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves 32,000 boardings per day on average.
“The completion of this project marks an important new connection for residents and moves us closer to our goals as a sustainable and accessible city,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “This historic extension introduces the region’s first two-line rail system, creates safer streets and new bike lanes, and adds shade and public art– all while connecting more residents to jobs, education, entertainment and other amenities across the Valley. Equally important, it provides a whole new opportunity to showcase the unique offerings of this thriving corridor.”
Officials said the project included eight new stations, a new park-and-ride facility and a transit hub in downtown Phoenix. The extension also included enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, more than 550 new trees and desert-adapted landscaping and a comprehensive utility upgrade.
“Today we are celebrating 5.5 new rail miles and the transformation of Valley Metro Rail into a multi-line operation, creating an important new connection to South Phoenix,” Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said. “We built this project with the community to achieve their vision, and we will continue to we 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. I congratulate and thank the community and our teams for today’s successful opening!”