Valley Metro secures $638 million for South Central Light Rail Extension
Valley Metro has been awarded $638 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the South Central Light Rail Extension project, according to U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).
The funds will come from two sources, a $528.8-million impending grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and $108 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). FTA has notified Congress of its intention to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) to Valley Metro, which will represent approximately 40 percent of the project cost. Valley Metro anticipates the FFGA will be executed in January 2021.
“It is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important,” said Phoenix Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Board Vice Chair Kate Gallego. “We have been working towards this day for years and it is a personal passion for me because of the economic development, business, education and community connections that light rail can deliver.”
The project will connect Valley Metro’s current light-rail system in downtown Phoenix and operate south 5.5 miles to Baseline Road in the South Mountain Village Core. The project includes eight stations, including a hub in downtown Phoenix, two park-and-rides, public art and the purchase of 17 light-rail vehicles.
Valley Metro says the transit project is more than a train, but “a catalyst for positive change” and “a way to bring new opportunities and connections” to residents of South Phoenix.
“Today’s funding announcement of the South Central light-rail expansion will create jobs, expand transportation options and grow Arizona’s economy,” said Sen. Sinema.
The senators explain roughly 38 percent of the population in the area to be served by the future light-rail service currently lives below the poverty level and 12 percent of the households in this community do not own cars.
“This is a significant investment in South Phoenix and the entire valley. By connecting South Phoenix with the rest of the Valley Metro light rail, this project will give folks a reliable transportation option and increase economic opportunity,” said Sen. Kelly.
When the extension opens in 2024, it will operate every 12 minutes for most of the weekday, every 20 minutes during late night and early morning hours and every 15 to 20 minutes on the weekends.
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.
