PHOENIX, Arizona — In a much-anticipated development for the city of Phoenix, Amtrak and the Arizona Department of Transportation have announced plans to expand rail service and provide more public transportation options for Phoenix residents and visitors. Amtrak is pushing to resume service to Phoenix, the largest U.S. city that has had no Amtrak stops since 1996.
Phoenix Union Stationphoto courtesyMike Shubik
The current closest Amtrak station to Phoenix is in the city of Maricopa in Pinal County. But according to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, this is due to change. To reclaim Phoenix, the railroad has asked the Federal Railroad Administration for $176 million in federal funding to expand its network across the United States.
The plan, which is pending approval, plans to operate a daily line from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Importantly, the route connects Phoenix and Tucson and has the potential to bring new economic opportunities and development to the Phoenix area. It will also help reduce pollution and reduce traffic congestion along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, thereby promoting safer daily commutes.
US Congressman Greg Stanton said, “Congress should promptly approve Amtrak’s proposal to extend public transit routes and restore service to Phoenix.” He expressed confidence in the approval, following last year’s bipartisan bill that allocates large sums of money to U.S. transportation infrastructure, including $22 billion to expand Amtrak’s services.
Alongside Amtrak’s plans, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking $3.5 million in state grants to explore the feasibility of a line between Phoenix and Tucson. If approved, the route could facilitate three trips a day and further strengthen connectivity between these two important cities in Arizona.
amtrak trainphoto courtesyMike Shubik
The consolidation of these plans represents a step forward in improving the state’s public transportation infrastructure. If all goes according to plan, Phoenix residents and visitors alike will enjoy a revitalized, efficient city that not only promises convenience and reduced traffic congestion, but also promotes economic growth and environmental sustainability. You can expect an efficient public transportation system.
With the majority of federal and state funding directed toward rail development, the future of rail travel in Phoenix looks brighter than ever. As Phoenix prepares to relaunch rail transportation after his 27-year hiatus, the city is eagerly anticipating the opportunities and benefits these new rail links will bring.
