MENU
SEARCHSeven months ahead of schedule and on budget, the additional 3.1-miles of service on Main Street between Sycamore Drive and Mesa Drive was greeted with big cheers from riders, business owners and local leaders.
Valley Metro
Valley Metro Rail’s first light rail extension began service on Saturday, connecting riders with downtown Mesa, Ariz.
Valley Metro and City of Mesa hosted station celebrations at the four new stations located on Main Street at Alma School Road, Country Club Drive, Center Street and Mesa Drive. Residents across the Valley came out to also enjoy live music, food, activities to discovering the new destinations that are now just a train ride away.
Seven months ahead of schedule and on budget, the additional 3.1-miles of service on Main Street between Sycamore Drive and Mesa Drive was greeted with big cheers from riders, business owners and local leaders.
Four new light rail stations and a new 500-space park-and-ride at the northeast corner of Main Street and Mesa Drive provide convenience to explore Mesa and discover new dining, entertainment and shopping. The stations are becoming landmarks of their own, each with beautiful art reflecting Mesa’s rich culture and history. The station artists incorporated the unique qualities of the area surrounding each station and the theme Old Roots New Growth.
Valley Metro and its contractor, Valley Transit Constructors, began construction of the Central Mesa light rail extension in summer 2012. More than 700 jobs were generated annually during the project’s peak construction. Funding of the extension was provided by a $75 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, as well as $71 million in countywide transportation tax funds and $53 million in federal air quality funds.
"Light rail has generated an $8.2 billion investment along the first 20 miles into Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, and with this extension we know that investment is only going to grow,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “With Mesa’s new extension and the opening of the Northwest extension next March, more residents have greater access to jobs, education, medical appointments, shopping and entertainment.”
Valley Metro Rail will continue to expand in the East Valley with two additional miles of service to Gilbert Road. Opening is anticipated in 2018.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Read More →
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
Read More →
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
Read More →
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Read More →
The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.
Read More →
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.
Read More →
See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.
Read More →
