ACI announced it has begun operations of Valley Metro’s new streetcar line in Tempe, Arizona.

The operation, which covers three miles and features 14 stops, is Arizona’s first modern streetcar line.

ACI has managed train service operations for Valley Metro since 2008.

“ACI is pleased to partner with Valley Metro on another safe, reliable transit option that enriches one of the country’s leading regional transit networks,” said Jim O’Leary, principal with ACI. “We look forward to providing Tempe customers with the dependable service they deserve.”

The new streetcar service links downtown Tempe to Valley Metro’s regional bus, light rail, and paratransit network. ACI will operate hybrid Liberty NXT Streetcar vehicles on the line, which feature single cars with 125-person capacity.

Tempe Streetcar service contrasts with other Valley Metro light rail operations because it operates alongside automotive vehicle traffic. Service is scheduled for a new trip every 20 minutes, with additional capacity anticipated by year’s end upon final delivery of new streetcar vehicles. Valley Metro said it will not charge fares for the Tempe Streetcar service during the first year of operation.

Construction on the $200-million project began in 2017. Tempe Streetcar service was funded through a combination of federal, state, and public-private partnership revenue. The local private-public partnership provided $13 million to support the project, which was also built with a $75 million Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grants Program award and a $17.4 million award from American Rescue Plan funds.