Valley Metro has been awarded a $75-million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program for the Tempe Streetcar project. Tempe Streetcar will serve one of the highest transit ridership centers in the region and serve 14 stops along three miles.
In an announcement for the grant, FTA said the transit infrastructure project will improve mobility and transit service through the historic downtown Tempe area, which is the city’s government and financial center, linking riders to Arizona State University and Valley Metro’s existing light-rail system.
"This federal grant to Valley Metro for the Tempe Streetcar Project will help connect people to jobs and educational opportunities, and support continued economic growth throughout the greater Phoenix area," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
The Tempe Streetcar is scheduled to open in 2021 and will connect downtown Tempe, Arizona State University and the emerging employment corridor of Rio Salado Parkway, which connects existing light rail serving Phoenix, Mesa and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
"FTA is proud to join our partners in Arizona to improve public transportation in downtown Tempe," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The Tempe Streetcar will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and access to other transportation services for the thousands of riders who use this service every day."
The total project cost is $192.4 million and includes a request of $75 million in federal transit infrastructure grants, as well as regional funding through Prop 400 and local private-public partnerships.
"As public transit options continue to expand in our state, Arizona is quickly becoming an even better place to work, live and raise a family. The Tempe Streetcar will help connect riders to jobs, school, and public services as it sparks even more economic growth and development in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-7). “Thanks to Arizona voters, this money wasn’t left on the table. I want to congratulate Valley Metro on this significant award to continue their mission to link Arizonans to new opportunities.”
Construction on the project began in June 2017 and Valley Metro received FTA approval in August 2018 to begin the initial phase of significant construction on the Tempe Streetcar. Brookville Equipment Corporation was awarded a contract in 2017 to supply the project’s six off-wire capable Liberty Streetcars.
Valley Metro posted a tweet noting that the agency appreciated the FTA's support of the project.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
