Phoenix revs back up on long-awaited West Side light rail extension
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Photo: Courtesy of Valley Metro
Valley Metro is once again pushing forward with a planned light rail extension to Maryvale.
Why it matters: The route, which would run along Indian School Road, would finally provide a rapid mass transit connection from the western reaches of Phoenix to the city center, and ultimately to the East Valley.
State of play: Planning for what's known as the West Phoenix Extension route had been largely dormant since 2024.
- In January, the Phoenix City Council voted to deprioritize a different western route — which would have connected downtown to the Arizona Capitol and also run along Interstate 10 to the West Valley — after Republican state lawmakers objected.
- That vaulted the West Phoenix Extension, which originally wasn't supposed to be finished until the mid-2040s, to the top of the to-do list.
Driving the news: Valley Metro officials held a community meeting on Wednesday — the first of three planned for this year — to seek public input.
Reality check: The project currently lacks funding, which will be determined down the road.
- The city would fund its portion through transportation tax revenue. The rest would ideally come from a federal capital investment grant, which takes time to secure.
- The city will have to get back in line for federal funding, which it was on the verge of obtaining for the Capitol extension before walking away from that project.
Zoom in: The route being considered would run down Indian School from 19th to 75th avenues before cutting south to Thomas Road. Then it would turn west again before terminating at the Desert Sky Transit Center.
- The extension would connect to Valley Metro's north-south B line either at Indian School and Central Avenue or by cutting north to Camelback Road and 19th Avenue.
- A further west extension to 91st Avenue and Banner Estrella Medical Center is also under consideration.
By the numbers: A Valley Metro analysis conducted in 2024 predicted that the proposed route would see an average of 16,600 trips each weekday by 2050.
What they're saying: Though some residents previously expressed concern about safety and traffic disruption, those who spoke to Axios at Wednesday's meeting were largely in favor.
- "I want it close, and I want to ride it," said Pedro Preciado. Al Kattan called the proposed route "an excellent thing."
- Tommy Phan had been excited for the I-10 West route, which would have simplified his daily commute from Buckeye, but said he supports the current route, too.
Friction point: Some local businesses were negatively affected by work on Valley Metro's $1.3 billion South Phoenix extension, which opened last year. Construction blocked access to some stores and restaurants, an issue that will inevitably repeat itself with the new route.
Yes, but: Phoenix and Valley Metro ran a small business assistance pilot program during the South Phoenix project, issuing 295 grants worth more than $1.2 million to 95 local businesses, according to the city.
- The city will offer similar financial assistance for the West Phoenix project, and will also provide affected businesses with free assessments and access signage.
What's next: The planning phase will run through 2027.
- If the city approves the route, engineering would begin in 2028 with construction slated to start in 2032. The new line is expected to open in 2036.