PHOENIX (AZFamily) —A proposed passenger rail route between Arizona’s two largest metropolitan areas just cleared another hurdle.
The Federal Railroad Administration recently approved the Arizona Department of Transportation’s submission of initial planning documents, including the “scope, schedule, and budget” for the train route. The approval allows ADOT to create a more complete and formal review of a proposed train service between the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.
“This is a big step forward for Arizona,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs in a written statement. “I am committed to creating a bright transportation future for our state that fosters economic growth, creates jobs and expands transit opportunities for working people and families.”
ADOT has released a map of the proposed passenger rail route between metro Phoenix and Tucson(ADOT)
According to ADOT, the proposed route corridor would extend about 160 miles between Buckeye and Tucson. It was previously chosen in late 2023 and would reportedly be operated by Amtrak.
As of right now, no funding has been allocated to establish passenger rail, but state officials say this is a critical step in exploring a potential funding option for construction. The rest will be up to state and local lawmakers and officials to finalize the project and its implementation.
“We see passenger rail connecting the Phoenix and Tucson areas as an important addition to transportation options for Arizona,” said ADOT director Jennifer Toth. “It holds the promise of more economic growth and employment while enhancing mobility for rural areas and families in communities between Phoenix and Tucson.”
ADOT officials also point to Gov. Hobbs’ previous commitment of $3.5 million to help planning for passenger train service between the two major cities.
ADOT says the next step is to create a service development plan with public and stakeholder input. This plan is expected to take about two to three years and begin after approval of a key federal grant, which is reportedly expected in the coming weeks.
The second step, with an approved $10.6 million budget in this phase, is expected to include determining the number and location of stations along the route, identifying necessary infrastructure improvements, and forecasting ridership and revenues.
If the project moves beyond the second phase, ADOT would then conduct a preliminary engineering and environmental analysis of the proposed intercity service.
More information about the proposed train route, including a previous environmental statement on the potential rail route, is available on ADOT’s website.
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