History of Light Rail

By Hipple Patel

  • Propsition 200 Passed

    Tempe voters pass Proposition 200, a half-cent sales tax initiative to
    support public transportation.

  • Transportation Sales Tax Approved

    Phoenix voters pass a 4/10 cent sales tax for public transportation.

  • Light Rail Approved

    Phoenix and Tempe City Councils approve 20-mile light rail transit
    from Christown Mall in Phoenix to Dobson/Main in Mesa

  • Agency Created

    The agency formed to design, build and operate the Valley’s light rail system is formed. Valley Metro Rail Inc., doing business as METRO. It is an Arizona nonprofit corporation formed by the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale.

  • Federal Funding Obtained

    Full Funding Grant Agreement signed, providing METRO with $587
    million in federal funding for the 20-mile starter segment.

  • Light Rail Construction Begins

    The first 200 feet of light rail track is installed near the Phoenix/Tempe border at Washington and 56th streets.