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Phoenix counts down to opening of light rail expansion
South Central Extension/Downtown Hub was selected as a priority corridor after a comprehensive analysis and addresses the city’s critical transportation needs.
The City of Phoenix and Valley Metro Rail will expand into south Phoenix with the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub (SCE/DH) light rail project on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
The 5.5-mile extension will operate between downtown Phoenix along Central and 1st avenues, continuing south to Baseline Road.
Addressing critical transportation needs
Selected as a priority corridor after a comprehensive analysis, the SCE/DH light rail expansion addresses critical transportation needs in an area where 44 per cent of residents have limited or no access to personal vehicles. The extension connects historically underserved communities to regional destinations, including downtown Phoenix, the airport area, educational institutions and key employment centres. The new extension is expected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves approximately 35,000 boardings per day.
“It’s a big day for Phoenix as we celebrate the upcoming opening of the South Central light rail extension,” said mayor Kate Gallego. “This fresh segment of our transit system will connect thousands of residents to jobs, healthcare, and social opportunities in downtown and beyond.
“A reality in 2025 instead of the originally planned 2034 opening date, the South Central extension also brings with it new and improved public infrastructure – from great bike lanes and additional shade structures to beautiful artwork along the corridor. I am looking forward to officially cutting the ribbon and marking this momentous occasion with our incredible community.”
The expansion will also introduce a two-line rail system intersecting at the new transit hub in downtown Phoenix:
- A Line: operating between Gilbert Road/Main Street in Mesa and the Downtown Hub
- B Line: operating between Metro Parkway in northwest Phoenix and Baseline Road/Central Avenue
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The Downtown Hub consists of four platforms on Washington, Jefferson, Central and 1st avenues where riders will transfer between the A and B lines. This expansion also introduces modern infrastructure improvements including 18 community-driven public art installations created by artists who are predominantly local. Other project features include:
- Eight new stations
- 14 new trains
- 110-space park-and-ride facility at Baseline Road/Central Avenue
- Enhanced bike lanes and pedestrian pathways
- Over 550 new trees and desert-adapted landscaping providing much-needed shade
- Comprehensive utility upgrades, replacing more than 30 miles of underground infrastructure.
With federal grants covering more than half the project’s $1.34bn budget, additional funding sources include Phoenix Transportation 2050 and regional proposition 400 funds.
The project has created significant local employment opportunities and workforce development initiatives throughout construction. Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix, alongside construction contractor Kiewit, implemented targeted workforce development initiatives creating lasting economic benefits for the local community.
“This fresh segment of our transit system will connect thousands of residents to jobs, healthcare, and social opportunities in downtown and beyond”
Through these initiatives, the project employed over 5,000 local workers, with south Phoenix residents contributing more than 470,000 work hours, ensuring economic opportunities directly benefiting the communities along the route. These comprehensive programmes, ranging from youth STEM engagement to craft workforce development, have established a skilled worker pipeline that will continue strengthening the regional economy well beyond project completion.
Valley Metro Rail continues to drive economic growth throughout the region, having attracted more than $17.5bn in public and private investment development since service began in 2008. Future economic development in the area will be guided by the South Central Transit-Oriented Development Community Plan, developed with extensive community input and approved by Phoenix City Council in spring 2022.
In August 2015, Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations and major street improvement projects.
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How will the South Central Extension improve transit access in south Phoenix?What are the expected daily ridership increases from the new light rail extension?How does the two-line rail system enhance connectivity at the Downtown Hub?What infrastructure improvements accompany the South Central Extension project?How have workforce development initiatives benefited local communities during construction?
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