PHOENIX — A nearly 20-year plan to extend Phoenix's light rail from downtown to the State Capitol faces political roadblocks on the day of a crucial city council vote.
The Phoenix City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to move forward with the Capitol Extension project, which has three possible rail alignments. A yes vote would ensure the city meets a spring deadline to apply for federal funding, which would be used in addition to local transportation tax funding, approved by voters.
Councilmember Laura Pastor has been reaching out to constituents about the upcoming vote, emphasizing the importance of public input in the decision-making process. "Where do we want to go? It's up to you," Pastor said in a social media video.
However, Republican state lawmakers are actively working to block the light rail expansion, especially the CapEx project, which would run trains from downtown to the State Capitol Complex.
Senate President Warren Petersen argues light rail projects are too expensive and serve too few people. "It's an incredibly expensive endeavor and now costs $250 million per mile," Petersen said. He noted that the light rail's average daily ridership is one percent of the Valley's population.
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Petersen also cited concerns about business access, traffic congestion, and public safety issues, claiming light rail "attracts and draws crime."
Republican state legislators have introduced bills aimed at stopping the project. One Senate bill would bar construction within several blocks of the State Capitol.
If the bill became law, it could prevent the three proposed rail alignment options from being built. Another bill, sponsored by Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh, would involve studying alternative transit options.
"We have autonomous electric buses, autonomous electric cars, which could be purchased far cheaper than laying and buying light rail trains," Kavanagh said.
Last month, the city's transportation subcommittee recommended re-evaluating the westward expansion plans after reviewing the legislators' opposition.
Governor Katie Hobbs' office also weighed in, with her budget director writing to Phoenix City Council members urging them not to fear "prohibitive" state legislation. The letter noted the CapEx would likely generate a $4 billion economic impact, create thousands of jobs, and support affordable housing development.
This story was reported on-air by ABC15 Senior Investigator Melissa Blasius and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
