Phoenix Set to Return to the Railways: Amtrak and Arizona Transportation Department Map Out New Train Services

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - In a long-awaited development for the city of Phoenix, Amtrak and the Arizona Department of Transportation have announced plans to expand their railway services, providing Phoenix residents and visitors with more public transportation options. Amtrak is pushing to re-establish its services to Phoenix, the largest U.S city without an Amtrak stop since 1996.

Phoenix Union StationPhoto byMike Shubic

Amtrak’s current closest station to Phoenix lies in the city of Maricopa in Pinal County. However, according to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, this is due to change. The railway company has requested $176 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to extend its network across America, bringing Phoenix back into the fold.

Pending approval, the proposed plan is to run a daily route stretching from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Crucially, the route will connect Phoenix and Tucson, potentially ushering in new economic opportunities and development for the Phoenix area. It will also contribute towards reducing pollution and mitigating traffic congestion along the I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, thereby promoting safer daily commutes.

"Congress should swiftly greenlight Amtrak’s proposal to extend its public transportation routes and restore service to Phoenix," said United States Representative Greg Stanton. He expressed confidence in the approval following last year's bipartisan bill that allocated a significant budget for American transportation infrastructure, with $22 billion earmarked for expanding Amtrak’s service.

In tandem with Amtrak’s plans, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking a state grant of $3.5 million to investigate the viability of a route between Phoenix and Tucson. If approved, this route could facilitate three daily trips, further enhancing the connectivity between these two pivotal Arizona cities.

Amtrak TrainPhoto byMike Shubic

The convergence of these plans signifies a progressive stride towards improving public transportation infrastructure in the state. If all goes according to plan, Phoenix residents and tourists alike can look forward to a revitalized and efficient public transportation system that not only promises convenience and reduced traffic congestion, but also fosters economic growth and environmental sustainability.

With a substantial portion of the federal and state funding targeted towards railway development, the future of train travel in Phoenix looks brighter than ever. As Phoenix prepares to reboard the train of railway transportation after a 27-year hiatus, the city eagerly anticipates the opportunities and benefits that these new rail links will bring.