Future Transit Corridors
Click here to view larger future transit corridor map
As one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the Valley of the Sun has a critical need for additional transit options.
The Regional Transportation Plan, produced by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), identifies six future high-capacity transit corridors, 37 miles in total. It is METRO’s responsibility to determine the specific transit route for each corridor and examine whether light rail, bus rapid transit, modern streetcar or some other transit mode is best to serve these corridors. All of the high-capacity transit corridors in the plan are scheduled to be in place by 2031.
- Central Mesa Light Rail Extension: An approximately three-mile extension from the current end-of-line, running east on Main Street through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive. Scheduled to open in 2016. An unfunded Phase II of the extension could conclude at Gilbert Road.
- Tempe Streetcar: A 2.6 mile line from Rio Salado Parkway to Southern Avenue in the Mill Avenue corridor. Scheduled to open in 2016. An unfunded Phase II of the extension could travel east to Rural Road.
- Phoenix West: Eleven miles, runs west from downtown Phoenix by the State Capitol area to the I-10 freeway ending at 79th Avenue. Scheduled to open in 2021. Transit mode and route to be determined.
- Northwest Light Rail Extension: A five-mile extension from the current end-of-line, running north on 19th Avenue toward Peoria Avenue. This light rail extension will be built in two phases, with the first phase of 3.2 miles terminating at Dunlap Avenue. Phase I is scheduled to open in 2023; Phase II in 2026.
- Glendale: Five miles, runs northwest into downtown Glendale. Scheduled to open in 2026. Transit mode and route to be determined.
- Northeast Phoenix: Twelve miles, runs northeast towards Paradise Valley Mall. Scheduled to open in 2031. Transit mode and route to be determined.
The corridors will be built using a variety of funds, including regional and city funds and federal grant money. Some bonding may be used to cover timing issues related to the receipt of federal funds. Planning costs are largely supported by the Maricopa County Proposition 400 half-cent transportation sales tax extension approved by voters in 2004.
Planning Process
The planning process involves identifying options and refining plans for each of the future transit corridors identified in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP outlines regional transportation improvements through 2031.
METRO identifies the options—potential transit routes and technologies—through a formal study process known as an Alternatives Analysis. Community participation is an important part of the process, ensuring that residents, business owners, community groups and policymakers have the opportunity to provide their input.
The community involvement process includes public meetings, more focused briefings with stakeholder groups and individuals, and presentations to policy boards and organizations. Typically, public meetings are held in an open-house format with METRO staff members and consultants on hand to share information and answer questions. Public comments may also be submitted by mail, fax or email.
In addition to looking at various routes and transit modes, the Alternatives Analysis identifies the potential impacts of each option and establishes the goals and objectives that will guide the evaluation of the options.
Following the in-depth evaluation, a Locally Preferred Alternative – typically a single route and mode – is identified and carried through a public approval process. The project then enters into design, construction and, finally, operation. The project development process can take upwards of 10 years depending on the project mode and alignment.
For more information on METRO future transit corridors, please contact:
602-322-4435
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)To receive this information in alternative formats call 602-253-5000/TTY 602-251-2039. Para recibir esta información en formatos alternativos favor de llamar al 602-253-5000/TTY 602-251-2039.
For questions on or a copy of the Regional Transportation Plan, call the Maricopa Association of Governments at 602-254-6300. Download the plan from the MAG website at www.azmag.gov.