Phoenix-Tucson Rail Project Charges Ahead to Next Phase

By Matthew Holloway |

Passenger train service may return to Phoenix by 2030, ending a 28-year hiatus. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved scoping documents crucial for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to develop a Service Development Plan. This marks the first step in the Phoenix-Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study.

The initiative aims to establish rail service along a 158-mile stretch connecting Phoenix and Tucson. ADOT plans to reroute the Amtrak Sunset Limited back through Phoenix, which previously discontinued service in 1997.

FRA’s FY22 Corridor Identification and Development Program highlights that the proposed project will restore passenger rail connections between Phoenix (Buckeye) and Tucson, offering multiple daily services. The service will follow an existing alignment that Amtrak abandoned 26 years ago, thereby reconnecting both metropolitan areas.

Step 1 of the process has been completed, paving the way for future development. The Sunset Limited route was diverted from Phoenix following a tragic derailment in 1995, which led to the death of an Amtrak employee and injuries to many more. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved.

Since the service suspension, residents of Phoenix have had to rely on buses or drive over 38 miles to reach the nearest Amtrak depot in Maricopa. The lack of direct access has hindered travel options for many.

Congressman Greg Stanton, a Democrat and former mayor of Phoenix, celebrated the progress, stating, “I’ve been fighting to restore Amtrak service to Phoenix for a long time, and today it’s one step closer to becoming a reality.”

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also expressed her support, noting, “This is a big step forward for Arizona. I am committed to creating a bright transportation future for our state that fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and expands transit opportunities for working people and families.”

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project will involve a Service Development Plan, with completion expected in two to three years once a federal grant is secured. This study, supported by a $10.6 million budget, will evaluate the capital and service requirements for passenger rail, including station locations and preliminary engineering costs.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.