Arizona Moves Forward with Passenger Rail Service Study

News Summary

Arizona is taking significant steps toward potentially reintroducing passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson. The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a key step in the Corridor Identification and Development Program, validating ADOT’s proposed scope and budget. The planning phase is projected to take two to three years, with further studies to follow. This initiative aims to improve transportation connectivity and revive passenger rail service, which has been absent since the 1990s, making Phoenix the largest U.S. city without rail access.

Arizona is making strides toward potentially reintroducing passenger rail service between its two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced that the Federal Railroad Administration has approved a key step in the Corridor Identification and Development Program.

This approval marks a significant milestone, validating the proposed scope, budget, and timeline laid out by ADOT in December 2024. The next phase of this study will involve the creation of a comprehensive Service Development Plan. This plan is expected to detail the number and locations of potential stations along the corridor, outline the necessary infrastructure improvements, and project future ridership and revenue.

Officials estimate that the planning phase will take between two to three years and is contingent upon the finalization of a pending federal grant. Following this phase, further engineering and environmental studies will commence, which are also projected to take an additional two to three years to complete.

Currently, no financial resources have been earmarked for the actual construction of the new rail services. As part of the planning efforts, different funding options will be explored. ADOT Director Jennifer Toth emphasized the importance of the passenger rail connection, deeming it a vital addition to Arizona’s transportation landscape.

Funding and Allocation

The approved budget for the Service Development Plan stands at $10.6 million, with $500,000 already spent on preliminary actions. To bolster these initiatives, Governor Katie Hobbs has allocated an additional $3.5 million to support the ongoing planning endeavors.

Context and Historical Significance

Arizona’s last passenger train service was discontinued in the 1990s, leaving Phoenix as the largest city in the contiguous United States without passenger rail. Currently, the closest Amtrak station is located in Maricopa, which is approximately 30 miles from Phoenix. The proposed passenger rail corridor would stretch around 160 miles and connect Tucson to Buckeye. Future connectivity possibilities from this corridor may extend to regions as far as California and Louisiana.

This current phase of planning is partially funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law introduced by the Biden administration, aiming to improve transportation options across the country.

Looking Ahead

As Arizona prepares to advance its passenger rail service study, both state officials and citizens are hopeful for a transportation future that includes greater connectivity options. The outcome of the Service Development Plan and subsequent studies will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s transportation infrastructure and serving the needs of its residents.

In summary, the initiation of this passenger rail service study represents a pivotal moment in Arizona’s transport evolution, potentially paving the way for a modern rail system that can benefit both commuters and the broader economy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• KTAR: Arizona Passenger Rail News
• KVOA: Phoenix-Tucson Passenger Rail Study
• AZ Central: Passenger Rail in Buckeye and Tucson
• Google Search: Passenger Rail Arizona
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Passenger Rail