![\"ADOT](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4VWIFNYNLZCZFPQKLUQFEXDVFY.png\")
ADOT has released a map of the proposed passenger rail route between metro Phoenix and Tucson(ADOT)<\/p>\nPHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014A proposed passenger rail route between Arizona\u2019s two largest metropolitan areas just cleared another hurdle.<\/p>\n
The Federal Railroad Administration recently approved the Arizona Department of Transportation\u2019s submission of initial planning documents, including the \u201cscope, schedule, and budget\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a big step forward for Arizona,\u201d said Gov. Katie Hobbs in a written statement. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
ADOT has released a map of the proposed passenger rail route between metro Phoenix and Tucson(ADOT)<\/p>\n
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<\/a>. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe see passenger rail connecting the Phoenix and Tucson areas as an important addition to transportation options for Arizona,\u201d said ADOT director Jennifer Toth. \u201cIt holds the promise of more economic growth and employment while enhancing mobility for rural areas and families in communities between Phoenix and Tucson.\u201d<\/p>\n ADOT officials also point to Gov. Hobbs\u2019 previous commitment of $3.5 million<\/a> to help planning for passenger train service between the two major cities.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If the project moves beyond the second phase, ADOT would then conduct a preliminary engineering and environmental analysis of the proposed intercity service. <\/p>\n More information about the proposed train route, including a previous environmental statement<\/a> on the potential rail route, is available on ADOT\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n