About Light Rail

Light rail operates along a set pathway on steel rails. The METRO system will operate in a lane separated from traffic.

The system will be powered by electricity from overhead wires, and will generate about as much noise as a new-model passenger truck.

METRO light rail vehicles have a capacity of 175, and can be linked together in sets of three. Light rail trains will operate approximately 20 hours per day, seven days a week. Train-arrival times are not yet set, but trains are expected to arrive at stations every 10 minutes during daytime hours and every 20 minutes during nighttime hours, weekends and holidays.

Initially, the system will carry 3,000-5,000 passengers per hour. The system will ultimately have the capacity to transport the same number of people as a six-lane freeway, up to 15,000 people per hour.

METRO vehicles are low-floor vehicles, so passengers will not have to step up or down to board. Each vehicle accomodates four wheelchairs and has four bicycle racks. Wheelchairs do not need tie-downs in our vehicles because of the computer-controlled, smooth braking action.

The METRO system is designed to integrate seamlessly with Valley Metro bus service and will share the same fare structure. An all-day pass is good for local bus and rail service. METRO is set to open in December 2008, bringing Valley residents a new way to get to work and play, and to connect to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.