Federal Railroad Administration Approves ADOT’s Phoenix Tucson Passenger Rail Planning Documents
PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 27, 2025) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is moving forward with its proposed Phoenix Tucson passenger rail line, after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved the next step in the planning process for new intercity rail service in Arizona.
The FRA signed off on ADOT’s proposed scope, schedule, and $10.6 million budget to develop a comprehensive Service Development Plan for the 160-mile Phoenix Tucson passenger rail corridor stretching from Buckeye to Tucson. The project is part of the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP), which aims to expand passenger rail networks nationwide and enhance long-distance and regional transportation access.
Final approval of a federal planning grant is expected within weeks, allowing work on the Service Development Plan to begin.
“This is a big step forward for Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “I am committed to creating a bright transportation future that fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and expands transit options for working families.”
“Passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson would be a transformative addition to Arizona’s infrastructure,” added ADOT Director Jennifer Toth. “It will drive economic development, connect communities, and improve regional mobility.”
What the Service Development Plan Will Cover
Expected to take 2–3 years, the Service Development Plan will include:
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Station Planning: Identifying the number and locations of potential stations based on travel demand, access to employment centers, schools, airports, and regional connectivity.
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Infrastructure Needs: Evaluating necessary rail improvements, including added tracks, signal systems, and maintenance facilities.
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Ridership & Cost Forecasting: Projecting future rail demand, trip frequency, travel time, construction and maintenance costs, and potential revenue streams.
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Implementation Strategy: Outlining phased service launch plans and evaluating potential funding mechanisms.
This phase of the study will examine how passenger rail can alleviate traffic congestion along Interstate 10, promote transportation equity for underserved communities, and enhance multimodal connections to airports, buses, and future light rail expansions. The corridor would serve major hubs including Sky Harbor International Airport, downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Queen Creek, Eloy, and central Tucson, positioning it as a key transportation spine in the state.
Background & Next Steps
The Phoenix Tucson passenger rail corridor was selected in late 2023 for the federal Corridor Identification Program. In its initial phase, ADOT utilized a $500,000 planning grant to develop and submit the corridor scope and budget.
Now, with FRA approval, the corridor enters phase two: comprehensive service development planning. Upon completion, ADOT will qualify for the final step—a Tier 2 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) engineering and environmental review. That phase, also expected to take 2–3 years, would require a 20% state funding match to any federal grants.
Governor Hobbs has already committed $3.5 million in state funds to help ADOT move the planning forward.
Although no construction funding has yet been secured, this effort will explore potential financing options for future project implementation, including right-of-way acquisition, final design, and infrastructure build-out. Funding decisions will ultimately rest with policymakers and regional partners.
To ensure regional alignment for the Phoenix Tucson passenger rail, ADOT has formed an Executive Leadership Team comprising representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Pima Association of Governments, and the Central Arizona Governments (Pinal County).
Learn More
For additional information about the Phoenix Tucson passenger rail project, visit: azdot.gov/AZRailStudy.