PHOENIX — A new way to get around the Valley is officially open in Phoenix. Some of the first riders cruised on a new extension of the light rail on Saturday. The event marked a new route aimed at creating new opportunities for locals.
Thousands showed up to celebrate the light rail extension opening near Metrocenter. Ms. Martinez and Bobby Brady, who both took a seat, have been anticipating the new route.
“It’s about time that it came to the West Side,” Martinez said.
“This is amazing," Brady said. "We’ve been waiting for this train to come all of the way out here.”
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Miles celebran la apertura de la nueva extensión del tren rápido cerca del Metrocenter
The expansion runs west from 19th and Dunlap Avenues, then north on 25th Avenue, and finally west on Mountain View Rd., where it crosses I-17 near Metrocenter before reaching the end of the line. The light rail extension will save time for people who live nearby.
“I don’t want to walk very far away to get to where I need to get," Brady said. "This really helps.”
There are three new stations on the extension and Valley Metro expects 1,400 new riders every day. Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said the opening is one more step toward their goal of connecting the Valley.
“We also have four other projects in different stages of planning and design, and the goal is to have 50 miles of light rail sometime past 2030," Mefford-Miller said.
The project cost about $400 million, according to Valley Metro, and some of its new features include new art elements, a four-story parking garage with solar panels and the new Thelda Williams Transit Center. The extension connects the East Valley to the Northwest, opening doors for riders in central Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
There’s another extension under construction right now aiming to connect south Phoenix with downtown. That’s set to open at the end of 2024.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.