The streets of northwest Phoenix were imbued with a festive atmosphere this Saturday as Valley Metro unveiled its latest light rail system extension, a project that has come to fruition a commendable two years ahead of schedule. The 1.6-mile track addition with three new stops is aiming to breathe new life into the area, notably the retro Metrocenter Mall zone, according to ABC15.
Residents like Bob Oson are upbeat about the development, expressing their hopes for a practical alternative to combat the city's notorious traffic, "So I think transit is good. Traffic is kind of bad in Phoenix, and we have to get away from gasoline," Oson told ABC15. The expansion is aimed to connect communities and spur opportunities for jobs, education, and leisure—essentially a panacea for northwest Phoenix's transportation and economic woes, according to Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller.
Marking a first in the city, the new extension features an elevated rail station that gracefully spans Interstate 17. The course of the light rail will take passengers from 19th and Dunlap avenues, northward on 25th Avenue, and finally west on Mountain View Road to the vicinity of the former Metrocenter Mall—now poised for a major makeover with a proposed influx of high-end housing, retail, and dining experiences on the horizon as promised by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "In a few years, you should see some of the nicest housing and shopping with a beautiful plaza and restaurants where you can go out and enjoy the wonderful weather we have here," Gallego envisioned, in statements obtained by ABC15.
Support for the light rail extension has been robust, as evidenced by the turnout of thousands, ranging from excited first-timers like Ms. Martinez and Bobby Brady to seasoned supporters, "It’s about time that it came to the West Side," remarked Martinez, with Brady sharing, "This is amazing. We’ve been waiting for this train to come all of the way out here," both told 12 News. The three new stations are estimated to bring in an additional 1,400 riders daily, while the Thelda Williams Transit Center is just one of the modern conveniences newly available to the public.
The ambitious light rail system, now extended to 30 miles, is set for future expansions, including a 5.5-mile stretch scheduled to open the following year. Valley Metro has set its sights on an expansive 50-mile network post-2030, intending to dynamically link the communities of the East Valley through central Phoenix, and out to Northwest. The current extension, supported by both the city’s transportation tax and a federal grant worth $158 million is part of a strategic $400 million investment in Phoenix's transit infrastructure—a figure corroborated by both ABC15 and 12 News.
