The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recently got federal approval to move forward with the next phase of planning for this exciting project.
✅ What Just Happened?
ADOT completed the first step in a federal process that helps states plan new rail corridors. Now they’re starting work on a detailed “Service Development Plan” that will take about 2–3 years to complete. This plan will include:
Station locations
Ridership estimates
Train schedules
Construction costs
Phased rollout of service
The plan is funded by $10.6 million, with support from both federal grants and state funding, including $3.5 million from Governor Katie Hobbs.
📍 Where Will the Train Go?
The proposed rail line would run about 160 miles, stretching from Tucson to Buckeye, and passing through the Phoenix area. ADOT is working closely with local planning agencies in Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties to figure out the best route and station stops.
🔜 What’s Next?
After this planning phase, the next step would be a detailed environmental and engineering study. That process would also take a few years and require more funding.
Right now, there’s no set timeline for when trains might actually start running, but this is the most progress the project has made in years.
🚉 Why This Matters
More travel options: A passenger rail line would give Arizonans another way to travel between Phoenix and Tucson without driving or flying.
Economic boost: New stations and rail work could bring jobs and investment to communities along the route.
Cleaner transportation: Trains can help reduce traffic and pollution, making Arizona’s future more sustainable.
Final Thoughts
This project is still in the planning stages, but Arizona is finally on track toward building a modern passenger rail system. If all goes well, the next few years will bring more updates, public meetings, and steps toward turning this long-time dream into reality.
For more information on the AZ Rail Study, visit ADOT’s official site, or receive updates directly through ADOT’s communications channels.
