ARIZONA NEWS

ADOT leadership group formed to guide study of Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail service

Dec 7, 2024, 5:00 PM

ADOT is continuing to explore the possibility of a passenger rail service between the Phoenix and T...

The proposed service spans approximately 160 miles between Tucson and Buckeye and would make three round trips each day. (ADOT photo)

(ADOT photo)

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is continuing to explore the possibility of a passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson.

The proposed service spans approximately 160 miles between Tucson and Buckeye and would make three round trips each day.

ADOT announced the formation of an Executive Leadership Team on Friday to examine the feasibility of the project in what is being termed as the Phoenix to Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study.

Making up the leadership group is the Governor’s Office, ADOT and planning organizations for Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties: the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization.

A Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is making the study possible after Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs helped obtain the $3.5 million service plan via federal resources. 

Officials from 37 local agencies and tribal nations were briefed in a webinar meeting that took place on Monday regarding ADOT’s involvement.

“Investing in passenger rail between Phoenix and Tucson holds enormous promise for economic growth and employment, and would mean more transportation options for more Arizonans,” Governor Katie Hobbs said in a release. “Regional collaboration is critical to advancing this effort, and having key partners at the table will help us move full speed ahead as we continue to study this project’s potential.”

The next part of the process is the creation of a Service Development Plan that according to ADOT would: 

  • Identify the number and location of stations along the route based on travel demand, technical feasibility, local support and considerations, such as access to critical facilities like airports and universities 
  • Locate needed infrastructure improvements such as additional track or maintenance facilities that will support the operation of the service
  • Forecast ridership and revenues, determine service operations (such as number of trips and travel time), estimate capital and maintenance costs, and recommend a phased implementation for the service.

ADOT completed and submitted a proposed scope, budget, schedule and planned steps in preparation of the Service Development Plan via a $500,000 grant.

The FRA will now conduct a review of the proposal before ultimately deciding on a federal grant (featuring a 10% state match) before ADOT could complete the Service Development Plan.

“We are excited to work with our partners to study the potential of connecting Phoenix and Tucson by rail,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said in a release. “Both rural and urban areas can benefit, along with historically underserved communities.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people i...

Bailey Leasure

Suspects’ car crashes while fleeing police-involved shooting in Phoenix

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people injured.

3 hours ago

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix Tuesday, authorities said....

Bailey Leasure

North Phoenix collision leaves 1 woman dead, another hospitalized

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

4 hours ago

Collision in Peoria...

Danny Shapiro

2 dead in Peoria collision; speed, impairment possible factors

Two people, an 86-year-old woman and 90-year-old man, died after a collision in Peoria on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

4 hours ago

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, ...

Bailey Leasure

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after west Phoenix shooting

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Health care for prisoners in Arizona...

Associated Press

Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Lawyers for 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona have asked a judge to take over health care operations in state-run prisons and appoint an official to run them, saying the state is not capable of fixing deep failures in care even though it has been required to do so over the last decade.

6 hours ago

Follow @veenstra_david...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

ADOT leadership group formed to guide study of Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail service