Travelers to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be able to utilize a new mobility option with the opening of Stage 2 of the PHX Sky Train®.
“The new PHX Sky Train extension is a perfect example of why I believe Phoenix is the city of the future,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Phoenix is a hub for innovation, and we are constantly using data-driven technology to make life easier for our residents, as well as our visitors.”
Stage 2 began operation on Dec. 20 and extends the Sky Train service 2.5 miles along dual lane guideway. The extension connects the airport terminals with the Rental Car Center and includes a station at 24th Street with access to 1,600 economy parking spaces.
The $745 million-extension also sees the addition of 24 new cars to the fleet. The vehicles were manufactured by Alstom and will enable a three-car configuration that will accommodate more than 150 passengers per train.
“Our partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is grounded in a shared vision and commitment to improve passenger connectivity. The complexity of this extension project was tied to the need to maintain airport connectivity services aligned with passenger expectations during construction, especially at the time of integrating the extension to the existing system. What we have achieved demonstrates the power of a great and collaborative partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, an important asset as we continue to operate and maintain the expanded PHX Sky Train system for years to come,” said Jean Germain, managing director for Alstom’s turnkey business in North America.
The PHX Sky Train Stage 1 opened in 2013 and provided a connection between Terminal 4, East Economy Parking and Valley Metro Rail. The initial 1.7-mile segment was extended 0.7 miles in December 2014 with the opening of Stage 1A, which connected the system to Terminal 3. The system has now grown to 4.9 miles with a total fleet size of 42 vehicles.
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.
