Study in South Phoenix Rail Line

Should the Valley Metro light rail system be extended to the south? The city is planning a study, and it's an idea that could help improve neighborhoods in south Phoenix.Central Ave in south Phoenix will be the focus of an 18-month study, to try and figure out if a few high-capacity transit system would work there.

This is about what are the challenges and opportunities of putting some sort of rail service down there, says Hillary Foose, spokesperson for Valley Metro.The valley's 20-mile light rail is just the beginning of a 50-mile project that will take decades to complete. The new system under consideration in south Phoenix would be separate from the original plan.As this valley grows and changes as more people come in, there is a need to continue to look for what services are needed, but what can we do to upgrade what we have.The feasibility study will cost half a million dollars. Metro is using a $400,000 Congressional earmark to help pay for it.After the study is complete, there is still a long way to go before a route and a mode of transportation is chosen.