Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyMaricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he's found a new way to save money as deputies will begin transporting jail inmates on the Valley Metro light rail, according to a Tuesday news release.
In the first phase, Arpaio says deputies will transport inmates from 44th Street and Washington to the Fourth Avenue Jail which.
He says using the light rail will eliminate the need for parking fees associated with inmate transport.
He predicts the savings during this phase of what he calls "Con Rail" will be about $72,000.
Arpaio also says another benefit to the "Con Rail" program is added security on the light rail trains with the presence of deputies along with the inmates.
"Not only is this program financially creative in these tough economic times, but we will be providing a service to the city's light rail program by occasionally providing free security," Arpaio said.
Arpaio plans to discuss his new "Con Rail" program Tuesday at a 6:30 p.m. news conference at the 44th and Washington streets station.
A Valley Metro Light Rail official told ABC15 they had not heard of the Sheriff's program until they received calls from local media.
