Study on potential Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail service rolls into next stage
A study on the possibility of new passenger rail service between Arizona’s two largest cities is slowly rolling forward.
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PHOENIX – A study on the possibility of new passenger rail service between Arizona’s two largest cities is slowly rolling forward.
However, there’s still a long way to go before the potential return of train travel between the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced Tuesday that the Federal Railroad Administration has approved the first step of the Corridor Identification and Development Program.
That means the proposed scope, schedule and budget submitted in December 2024 have been established for the next step of the Phoenix to Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study: preparing a Service Development Plan.
“This is a big step forward for Arizona,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a press release. “I am committed to creating a bright transportation future for our state that fosters economic growth, creates jobs and expands transit opportunities for working people and families.”
What’s next for Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail study?
The Service Development Plan will identify the number and location of stations and the required infrastructure improvements. It also will forecast ridership and revenues.
Officials expect the stage to take two-three years. It will start after a pending federal grant is finalized, likely in the next few weeks, ADOT said.
Once the Service Development Plan is completed, an engineering and environmental study will take another two-three years.
ADOT's study of passenger rail between the Phoenix and Tucson areas is ready to take an important step forward.https://t.co/OVZNUfcKyZ pic.twitter.com/xd0MZNr2o8
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 24, 2025
There currently isn’t any money allocated for the actual construction of new Arizona passenger rail, but an exploration of funding options will be part of the planning effort.
“We see passenger rail connecting the Phoenix and Tucson areas as an important addition to transportation options for Arizona,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said in the release. “It holds the promise of more economic growth and employment while enhancing mobility for rural areas and families in communities between Phoenix and Tucson.”
Phoenix hasn’t had passenger train service since the 1990s. It is the largest city in the contiguous United States without passenger rail.
The closest Amtrak comes to the Valley is a stop in Maricopa.
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Comments
22 Comments
Look at Europe, Japan, China, and the northeastern US. They’ve made rail travel work. Why can’t we?
Although both cities have rail providers. Phoenix and Tucson are historically incompatible via rail.
Phoenix rail was built around the Santa Fe line while Tucson was connected to the Southern Pacific, now Union Pacific line.
A spar line currently connects the two cities. Unfortunately it was primarily built to move freight and isn't suitable for passenger service given it's round about path via Coolidge that would make travel between the two a long haul adventure and a colossal waste of time.
A new more direct and insanely costly line would be needed to facilitate this fantasy.
I’m just pointing out that spending, over Republican opposition, on any and all transportation projects other than highways, automatically counts as “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to the Republican base of low-functioning white guys, yes.