Phoenix light rail repaired in time for free New Year’s Eve rides after deadly collision

PHOENIX – A day after a deadly collision disabled the Valley Metro light rail system in central Phoenix, train service resumed in time for New Year’s Eve transportation.

Valley Metro announced that its trains resumed normal operations just after 3 a.m. Wednesday. The regional transit agency offers free light rail rides on New Year’s Eve from 7 p.m. until the end of service.

Service Update (final): The scene is clear. B Line trains have resumed normal operations. #vmservice https://t.co/DSNctYulnK

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) December 31, 2025

A 2-mile section of the B Line had been closed since a pickup truck collided with a train at Central Avenue and Indian School Road around 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Valley Metro provided shuttle buses to transfer riders between the Central/Camelback and Central/Thomas stations while crews worked to repair significant damage to the rail and power infrastructure.

What happened in collision that knocked out Phoenix light rail?

The driver of the pickup truck, 28-year-old Mario Dircio-Castrejon, was killed in the collision. He allegedly ran a red light while heading east on Indian School Road and crashed into the southbound train at Central Avenue, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Three train passengers and the light rail operator were hospitalized for precautionary reasons, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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