PHOENIX, AZ — Valley Metro Rail is set to expand into south Phoenix with the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub (SCE/DH) light rail project on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The opening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event and community celebration featuring local culture and excitement to mark this significant milestone.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the importance of the expansion, stating, “This is a big day for Phoenix as we celebrate the upcoming opening of the South Central light rail extension. This extension connects thousands of residents to jobs, health care, and social opportunities, and it’s a reality in 2025 instead of the originally planned 2034 opening date. In addition to the new rail service, we’re also bringing improved public infrastructure, including bike lanes, shade structures, and beautiful artwork along the corridor.”
Expansion Details:
The 5.5-mile extension will run from downtown Phoenix along Central and 1st avenues, extending south to Baseline Road. The new expansion introduces a two-line system that intersects at the new Downtown Hub, located at Washington, Jefferson, Central, and 1st avenues. Riders will be able to transfer between:
A Line: Operating from Gilbert Road/Main Street in Mesa to the Downtown Hub.
B Line: Operating from Metro Parkway in northwest Phoenix to Baseline Road/Central Avenue.
Addressing Critical Transportation Needs:
The South Central Extension is designed to address transportation needs in areas where 44% of residents have limited or no access to personal vehicles. By connecting historically underserved communities, the extension will provide access to regional destinations such as downtown Phoenix, the airport area, universities, and key employment centers.
With an expected addition of more than 8,000 daily riders, this expansion will significantly boost the current system, which serves approximately 35,000 daily boardings.
Project Features:
Eight new stations along the route.
14 new trains to support increased ridership.
110-space park-and-ride facility at Baseline Road/Central Avenue.
Enhanced bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.
Over 550 new trees and desert-adapted landscaping to provide shade and improve the environment.
Utility upgrades, including the replacement of over 30 miles of underground infrastructure.
Community and Economic Impact:
The South Central Extension is not just a transportation project; it’s also a catalyst for local economic growth. The project has created thousands of local jobs, with over 5,000 workers employed during construction. Additionally, more than 470,000 work hours were contributed by south Phoenix residents, ensuring economic benefits for the local community.
The extension has also provided workforce development programs that will continue to strengthen the regional economy. These initiatives include youth engagement in STEM fields and the development of a skilled craft workforce, which will have lasting benefits long after the project’s completion.
Funding and Future Development:
The project’s $1.34 billion budget was partially funded by federal grants, Phoenix Transportation 2050 funds, and regional Proposition 400 funds. The expansion is expected to continue driving economic growth in the region, which has already attracted over $17.5 billion in public and private investment since Valley Metro Rail service began in 2008.
The South Central Transit-Oriented Development Community Plan, approved by the Phoenix City Council in 2022, will guide future economic development along the route with input from the local community.
The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail expansion marks a major step in improving public transportation, connecting neighborhoods to vital resources, and creating lasting community and economic benefits for Phoenix and its residents.
