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5/23/2022
Valley Metro's first modern streetcar in Tempe, Arizona, opened for passenger service late last week.
Service officially opened at 10 a.m. May 20 following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 3-mile route will transport riders to major employment centers, entertainment destinations, historic neighborhoods and regional transit network hubs, Valley Metro and city officials said in a press release.
The streetcar, which runs on hybrid power, travels to 14 stops in Tempe and connects to Valley Metro rail service in two locations. Public art from Arizona artists is included at all stops, reflecting the culture of the area. The Valley Metro website includes an interactive map with information on public art at each stop.
"With Tempe having the highest transit ridership per capita in the state, as well as the highest density, a multimodal transportation network is essential," said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. "We are building for our future, and the streetcar is a great example of that."
Current service is anticipated every 20 minutes, with frequency improvements expected later this year once two more vehicles are added to service. Valley Metro hopes to eventually extend streetcar service to Mesa, CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said in the release.
Construction began in 2018. The project was funded by a combination of federal grants, regional Proposition 400 funds and transportation funds from the city.