The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced the completion of the first stage of planning for the Phoenix Tucson intercity passenger rail project. This milestone follows the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) approval of the initial step in the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP), which marks the official beginning of efforts to establish a passenger rail service between Arizona’s two largest metro areas.
Project Overview and Scope
The proposed 158–160 mile Phoenix Tucson Passenger Rail Project would stretch from Buckeye, west of Phoenix, to Tucson, offering an alternative to vehicular travel on the congested I-10 corridor. The recently approved first step involved outlining the project’s scope, timeline, and a $10.6 million budget. This phase also sets the groundwork for the creation of a Service Development Plan that will include technical evaluations and stakeholder engagement.
What Comes Next: Step Two Planning
Pending approval of a federal grant, ADOT will enter Step 2 of the program, which is expected to span the next two to three years. This phase will include:
- Determining station locations
- Analyzing ridership and travel patterns
- Studying environmental and transportation impacts
- Estimating capital and maintenance costs
- Engaging with stakeholders and the public
- Identifying funding and service management strategies
This detailed planning process aims to ensure the Phoenix Tucson Passenger Rail Project meets Arizona’s future mobility and sustainability goals.
Coordination with Amtrak and Other Studies
ADOT’s planning effort aligns with Amtrak’s concurrent study of the proposed Daily Sunset Limited service between Los Angeles and New Orleans, which includes a reestablished route through Phoenix. Although the two services will share the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, they are designed to be complementary, and ADOT will coordinate closely with Amtrak officials.
Future Steps and Funding Considerations
Step 3, the final phase, will require FRA approval and will consist of detailed engineering work and environmental analysis. This stage would take an additional two to three years and require a 20% state match for federal funding. Governor Katie Hobbs has already committed $3.5 million to support the planning process.
Long-Term Vision
While construction is not yet funded, the Phoenix Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study is a vital step toward building an efficient, sustainable transportation option between Arizona’s two largest cities. It promises to relieve highway congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and provide reliable travel times for residents and visitors alike.
