ADOT leadership group formed to guide study of Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail service
Dec 7, 2024, 5:00 PM
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.
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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.”
