New Passenger Rail Service Planned for Phoenix to Tucson

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Proposed passenger rail service connecting Phoenix and Tucson, enhancing regional transport.

News Summary

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advancing plans for a new passenger rail service connecting Phoenix and Tucson. The Federal Railroad Administration has approved initial steps for the Corridor Identification and Development Program, setting the foundation for a Service Development Plan. This plan will define station locations, infrastructure improvements, and ridership projections, with $10.6 million allocated for planning. This project aims to enhance transportation options and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is making significant progress toward establishing a new passenger rail service connecting Phoenix and Tucson. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently approved the initial steps of the Corridor Identification and Development Program, allowing ADOT to move forward with its plans.

This approval sets the foundation for creating a Service Development Plan, which will outline critical details such as station locations, necessary infrastructure improvements, projected ridership, and revenue forecasts. With a budget of $10.6 million earmarked for this planning phase, work is projected to commence pending finalization of a federal grant expected in the coming weeks.

The Service Development Plan is anticipated to take two to three years to complete. Once it is finalized, an engineering and environmental study will follow, also requiring a similar timeframe. Currently, funding for the actual construction of the rail service has not been secured, but planning will include exploring various funding options.

ADOT emphasizes that the new passenger rail service is crucial for enhancing transportation options within Arizona. The project is expected to significantly improve mobility for rural communities and stimulate economic growth throughout the region.

Historically, Phoenix has not had passenger train service since the 1990s and stands as the largest city in the contiguous United States without such connectivity. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Maricopa, underscoring the urgency for improved transit options in the state capital.

The proposed rail corridor stretches approximately 160 miles, linking Buckeye in the west Phoenix region to Tucson. There will be multiple potential stops along the route, enriching public transport access to various communities and regions along the way. This route has been under discussion since its initial selection in 2016 and is part of an ongoing study that builds on previous efforts.

Following the completion of the Service Development Plan, public engagement will be pivotal. ADOT plans extensive outreach to gather input from the community on vital aspects such as station locations, governance, and long-term funding strategies. Public meetings and avenues for community feedback are anticipated throughout the planning phase, ensuring that resident preferences and needs inform the project.

For more comprehensive details about the proposed passenger rail service and upcoming public engagements, residents can visit ADOT’s official website.