West Phoenix Rail Residents Face Two Paths

Valley Metro will hold public meetings in the coming weeks to determine the final route for a light rail extension in West Phoenix. The agency is asking residents to choose between two specific ways to connect the new tracks to the existing system in central Phoenix.

Staff members will present a technical analysis of these options during the sessions. One proposal connects the new line to the current network at Indian School Road and Central Avenue. The second option links at 19th Avenue and Camelback Road. The extension runs along Indian School Road before turning south toward Desert Sky Mall. An optional section of the line could reach as far as 91st Avenue and Thomas Road.

Tony Santana, Valley Metro’s deputy chief of design and construction, explained that the choice depends on where riders are going. He noted that the connection point matters most if people travel to downtown Phoenix or north Phoenix. "What connection option gives you that most effective connection?" Santana asked.

The agency wants to know the travel habits of current and future users. Santana emphasized that understanding destinations is critical for selecting the right junction. "No, 1 important part is where are they traveling?" he said. "That is critical to the connection point because it tells us where folks from west Phoenix, and also in central Phoenix, where are you traveling to the western part of Phoenix?"

Feedback is not limited to the map. Officials also want to hear about how the project affects local businesses and daily life. Santana asked residents to share concerns about access to their homes and communities during and after construction. "We want to know how does this impact your business, and what concerns do you have with access … to your homes and in your community," Santana said. "Is it during construction you have concerns? Is it post?"

Residents can submit feedback online or in person. Three in person meetings are scheduled. The first is on Nov. 9 at Desert West Community Center. A second in person meeting is set for Nov. 21 at Maryvale Community Center. Two virtual meetings will take place on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10.

Juliana Vasquez-Keating, a spokesperson for Valley Metro, noted that the Nov. 21 session is part of a larger community event. "That Nov. 21 meeting, we're presenting as part of a larger community event," she said. "So we are not hosting that meeting, but you can still gather the same amount of information." The meeting at Maryvale Community Center will occur during a Turkey Distribution Event hosted by Phoenix City Councilmember Betty Guardado.