The Phoenix City Council will vote in January to select which route light rail will take to the Capitol building. It’s a project that’s been in the works for more than a decade — and opposed by some state lawmakers.
In 2015, Phoenix voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that increased sales tax in order to fund transportation improvements — including light rail expansion west of downtown.
But some Republican state legislators have opposed efforts to bring light rail near the Capitol building.
Attorney and activist Ed Hermes said West Valley residents want light rail and have waited patiently for their turn.
“This is something that voters have supported time and time again. The light rail has never lost a ballot. It’s something that does have broad support. And come down, take the light rail with me. Come, come see the, the people who rely on it every day to get to their medical appointments, to get to their work, to get to their school,” Hermes said.
The City Council will vote on Jan. 27 to approve one of three proposed routes or to re-evaluate the project.