Title
Request to Evaluate Advancing the Capitol / I-10 West Phase II Light Rail Extension
Description
Request City Council to direct staff to analyze the Transportation 2050 (T2050) Plan, evaluate funding and develop options to potentially advance the construction and opening of the Capitol / I-10 West Phase II light rail extension currently scheduled to open in 2030. Additionally, staff should review the options with the community for input at public meetings, present the options and public input to the Citizens Transportation Commission, and return to the Council in May 2019.
Report
Summary
On April 4, 2019, Council members Felicita Mendoza, Michael Nowakowski and Thelda Williams sent a letter to the City Manager requesting an item be placed on the April 17, 2019 Council Formal agenda to direct staff to evaluate advancing the Capitol / I-10 West Phase II light rail extension based on analysis of the Transportation 2050 Plan, community input at public meetings, and discussion with the Citizens Transportation Commission. The letter also requests the analysis and public input/vetting process be conducted in time to return to the Council in May 2019 (Attachment A).
The Capitol / I-10 West light rail extension is a planned T2050 project approved by voters in Proposition 104 that extends the existing rail system approximately 10 miles from downtown Phoenix to 79th Avenue where there is an existing park-and-ride. The project is currently divided into two phases. The first phase extends the existing light rail line from downtown Phoenix to the State Capitol. Phase II extends light rail from the Capitol to 79th Avenue and is currently scheduled to be operational in 2030.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.