More than 5,000 community members, along with federal, state and local officials, gathered to celebrate the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail expansion in Phoenix. The extension represents an historic milestone for Valley Metro Rail marking the system’s evolution to a 35-mile two-line rail system. The A line now travels east/west and the B line travels north/south with weekday service increased to 12 minutes before 7 p.m.
“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,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “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.”
The $1.34 billion project was made possible through strong federal-local partnership, with federal grants providing more than half the funding alongside Phoenix Transportation 2050 and regional Proposition 400 investments.
“Arizonans understand that these infrastructure investments make us more connected and more prosperous,” said U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton. “As we now look westward for future light rail expansion and anticipate the extensions of the streetcar line in the East Valley, we’re in a magical moment in Phoenix’s history, and we can only keep up this momentum if we keep investing in ourselves.”
The extension will add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves an average of 32,000 boardings per day.
“I am excited for the opening of the South Central Extension! The residents of South Phoenix and District 7 have waited a long time for light rail and I am excited for how this new extension will connect South Phoenix with the rest of the city,” said Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez. “A robust public transportation and light rail are the future for our city and I am excited for how South Phoenix residents will benefit.”
Community-driven public art is prominently featured throughout the extension, with 18 installations created by artists, who are predominantly local, reflecting the character and cultural richness of south Phoenix neighborhoods.
“This grand opening marks a transformative moment for South Phoenix. The South Central Extension represents direct access to local businesses and a community that has historically been disconnected and overlooked,” said Phoenix District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington. “South Phoenix deserves investment, inclusion and infrastructure that lifts everyone around it, and that is the vision of the light rail extension.”
Today’s celebration was held at three locations – the Baseline/Central Ave Park-and-Ride, Ed Pastor Transit Center and Downtown Hub – included a “Cruisin’ Central” community procession with over 250 community participants, a lowrider and classic car show, family-friendly activities, performances by local entertainers and over 60 local business pop-ups and food vendors. The festivities culminated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and first rides at the Baseline/Central Ave Park-and-Ride.
“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 said Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller. “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!”
The project also created over 5,000 local jobs, with over 600 workers hired directly from south Phoenix communities. There are eight new stations, a new park-and-ride facility at Baseline Road/Central Avenue and a transit hub converging in downtown Phoenix. The extension also includes a number of community upgrades such as enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, over 550 new trees and desert-adapted landscaping along with comprehensive utility upgrades replacing more than 30 miles of underground infrastructure.
Valley Metro and City of Phoenix prioritized supporting small, locally owned businesses throughout construction through a first-of-its-kind grant program. Through the Small Business Financial Assistance Program, over 270 grants, totaling over $1.6 million, were awarded to small business along the corridor.
