Phoenix residents have a new cause for celebration as the city gears up to mark a major milestone in its public transit development this weekend. Valley Metro, together with the City of Phoenix, is inviting the public to join in the festivities as they commemorate the inaugural end-to-end test run of the light rail's South Central Extension/Downtown Hub (SCE/DH). The event is set to take place at the Central Ave & Baseline Park-and-Ride, bringing together community members, artists, and local officials, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien, Councilmember Carlos Galindo-Elvira, and Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller.
The event kicks off this Saturday at 10 a.m. and promises a range of activities until noon, with the first train scheduled to roll into Baseline/Central Ave station around 10:30 a.m., according to a press release from the City of Phoenix. Attendees can expect a brief speaking program to share updates on the project, alongside photo opportunities with the new trains, food, giveaways, and safety awareness information to round out the communal experience, the light rail system boasts a 5.5-mile alignment that is quickly nearing completion and the community is invited to witness this progress firsthand.
Adding to the celebratory nature of the day, the fifth installment of the Meet-and-Paint series will follow the light rail event. Featuring notable South Phoenix artists Martin Moreno and Emily Costello, these unique art sessions will be held at the SCE Community Office. Interested community members can engage in a hands-on creative experience, painting alongside the artists with all materials graciously provided at no cost.
The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, now 96% complete, marks a significant step towards connecting key neighborhoods along Central Avenue to Baseline Road, with new stations and public art enhancing the corridor. The ongoing construction is now in its final stages, with train and system testing underway. Valley Metro expects to launch a two-line light rail system with the opening of the SCE/DH. For more information, project details are available on Valley Metro's website, and reservations for the art sessions, offered in both Spanish and English, can be secured online for those quick enough to grab one of the limited spots.
