2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Arizona Department of Transportation

Phoenix and Albuquerque, cost $18.2 billion, or
$39 million per mile.
• Planned U.S. Corridors: Estimated construction
costs for proposed HSR corridors range from $22
million per mile (Victorville, CA to Las Vegas) to
$63-65 million per mile (California Phase 1 HSR
network).
3.1.3 Commuter Rail
Opportunity Statement
According to studies recently completed by MAG,
implementing commuter rail in Arizona’s urban centers
will alleviate traffic congestion and improve travel
times. Additionally, a commuter rail system can be
coordinated with High-Speed and Intercity Rail to
complete a comprehensive passenger rail system in the
Sun Corridor. The Maricopa Association of Governments
Commuter Rail studies website is available for review at
www.azmag.gov.
Potential Actions:
9 Create a partnership between ADOT, Maricopa
Association of Governments (MAG) and Pima
Association of Governments (PAG) to jointly
plan and implement commuter rail systems in
key urban areas, such as Phoenix and Tucson,
as part of a coordinated passenger rail system
for the Sun Corridor.
Background
Demands on Arizona’s urban roadway system have
resulted in increased travel time for commuters, as well
as less predictable travel times that vary with congestion
levels. These problems will only worsen in the future as
the Sun Corridor continues to grow. Recent and planned
public transportation investments in line haul bus, Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will help
mitigate the problem. Commuter rail service in the
Phoenix and Tucson metro areas would complement and
build on the existing transportation network and offer an
alternative mode for commuters.
Arizona State Rail Plan
March 2011
Commuter rail systems have been recently implemented
in several western cities, including Albuquerque, Salt
Lake City, San Diego, Los Angeles and Seattle. These
commuter rail systems in similar states have shown high
ridership and have become a successful part of their
transportation systems.
Commuter rail trains typically provide service between
suburban developments and urban centers for the
purpose of reaching activity centers, such as employment,
special events, and intermodal connections. Designed
primarily to meet the needs of regional commuters
in the AM and PM peak travel periods, commuter rail
service typically operates at greater frequencies during
the weekday peak travel times. The length of a typical
commuter rail corridor ranges from 30 to 50 miles, with
passenger stations generally spaced 3 to 10 miles apart.
This type of system has been recommended for both the
Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, as approved by both
the MAG and PAG regional councils.
Opportunities
Arizona Department of Transportation
Coordinated Sun Corridor Passenger Rail Service
ADOT has begun planning for the ICR between Phoenix
and Tucson, and both the MAG and the PAG have begun
planning activities for commuter rail in their urban
areas. The State has the opportunity to begin planning
a coordinated passenger rail element envisioned for the
Sun Corridor. Rail and other transportation alternatives
will be a necessary component to reduce congestion and
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