Just in time for holiday travel, the second phase of the Phoenix Sky Train will open to the public Tuesday.
“No more waiting in line for shuttle buses,” U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton said during a ceremony held Monday by airport and elected officials to celebrate the milestone.
“This project is a major win for sustainability,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Removing extra traffic off Sky Harbor Boulevard will have an estimated reduction in greenhouse gasses by 600 tons.”
The $745 million dollar project extends the existing Sky Train 2.5 miles to the Rental Car Center at 18th Street and Buckeye Road. Trains will depart every three to five minutes, 24 hours a day.
“We’re anticipating transporting 35,000 passengers per day initially, that compares to about 15,000 riding it now,” said Gallego. “But we built with growth in mind and the Sky Train will eventually support about 79,000 people per day as the airport continues to develop.”
In addition to the new station at 24th Street and Buckeye Road, Sky Train has a station at 44th and Washington Streets.
“Between the COVID relief packages and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress has provided almost $600 million to support Sky Harbor Airport,” Stanton said. “That’s exactly how it should work: federal and local governments working together to strengthen our economy, create jobs and keep up with growing demands.”
Last week, Sky Harbor and Waymo announced fully autonomous vehicle service to the Sky Train’s 44th Street station.
