Though the expansion of Phoenix light rail Valley Metro has been delayed, and a possible bus strike looms in the city, ambitious plans were revealed Monday for intercity rail linking Phoenix with Tucson, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Albuquerque. From Business Week:


Arizona transportation planners say the state should bolster its current rail network’s freight-carrying capacity while adding new passenger services for both local and long-distance travelers.

A draft rail plan obtained by The Associated Press cites a need to provide mobility for the state’s growing population and says investments in rail pay economic and environmental benefits.

“It will not be possible to accommodate growth and avoid traffic congestion by improving roadways alone, so passenger rail should become a key component of the Sun Corridor transportation system,” the draft plan stated, referring to a planning area that stretches from Prescott on the north to Nogales on the south and includes both Phoenix and Tucson.

The plan, prepared by state-hired consultants, envisions several new services.

Those include intercity rail between Phoenix and Tucson, commuter trains in the two metro areas and a possible high-speed rail connecting Phoenix with Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Albuquerque.


The plan will be considered by ADOT later this summer. Read more here.