Phoenix light-rail extensions accelerate with T2050 implementation

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Valley Metro Rail's major north-south rail connection could be in service as soon as 2023 as Phoenix takes its first official steps to implement Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters in August 2015.

 

The Phoenix City Council approved accelerating segments of the future high-capacity/light-rail transit system to advance into the Regional Transportation Plan. These changes will be forwarded to the Valley Metro Board of Directors and the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council for additional discussion and final adoption into the plan this summer.

“Because Phoenix voters made a historic investment in public transit, we’re able to accelerate high-capacity transit projects to meet more immediate community and mobility needs,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “The adjustments to the transportation plan are critically important to further the city’s economic development, sustainability and accessibility goals.”

High-capacity transit program updates include: South Central Light Rail Extension to accelerate by 11 years, opening in 2023; currently scheduled for 2034. In addition, the council recommended that the project be prepared for a federal grant submittal for inclusion in the FY18 President’s budget; Northwest Phase II Light Rail Extension to accelerate by three years, opening in 2023; currently scheduled for 2026 and Capitol I-10 West Light Rail Extension to be phased with Phase I to the State Capitol opening in 2023; Phase II to 79th Avenue and I-10 opening in 2030.

The Council vote follows recommendations by the City of Phoenix Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and the Citizens Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC was created to ensure accountability and oversight of the plan.

Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started January 1, 2016. Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan’s overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources.

 

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