Valley Metro rail extension slated to open 7 months early
It’s anticipated that the three-mile extension, which began construction in June 2012, will add 5,000 daily riders. It is funded by a combination of regional and federal dollars, having received a $75 million FTA grant in fall 2012.
Local elected officials pose in front of the Center/Main St station with members from the Mayor’s Youth Committee revealing the opening date.
Local elected officials pose in front of the Center/Main St station with members from the Mayor’s Youth Committee revealing the opening date.
Phoenix, Ariz.-based Valley Metro Rail will be traveling to new destinations along Main Street into downtown Mesa, beginning August 22 — a full seven months earlier than scheduled.
“This is a very exciting day for Mesa,” said Mayor John Giles. “I’m proud of the professional staff that was involved in this. The city and Valley Metro did a great job on this project, which is being delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.”
Cheers broke out when Mayor John Giles and Mesa Councilmembers asked the light rail train at Center/Main Street to “move” and reveal the opening date.
It’s anticipated that the three-mile extension, which began construction in June 2012, will add 5,000 daily riders. It is funded by a combination of regional and federal dollars, having received a $75 million Federal Transit Administration grant in fall 2012.
“We are pleased to bring light rail to the Mesa community seven months in advance,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “It is a true testament of our team’s skillful coordination and expertise that we continue our positive track record of delivering projects on time to the local community.”
Train testing continues on the extension, which will ensure the safe start-up of service, according to Valley Metro.
More Rail
Trinity Metro Breaks Ground on $270M TEXRail Extension
The 2.1-mile extension will connect Fort Worth’s Medical District and Near Southside to downtown, surrounding communities, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
Amtrak Completes First Street Tunnel Upgrades, Restores Service
The nine-day construction project included replacing aging track infrastructure and modernizing switch systems near Washington Union Station.
Read More →
FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide
The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
FTA Advances $164M Broward County Commuter Rail Project
The proposed 10.5-mile commuter rail extension would connect Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, expanding passenger rail options in South Florida.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →