Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has opened the final stage of the PHX Sky Train extension in time for busy holiday travel.
The 2.5-mile extension was constructed by Alstom to connect the airport terminals with two new stations – the Rental Car Center Station and the 24th Street Station.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said:The new PHX Sky Train extension is a perfect example of why I believe Phoenix is the city of the future. Phoenix is a hub for innovation, and we are constantly using data-driven technology to make life easier for our residents, as well as our visitors.
With this extension, it will now take under 8 minutes to go from Terminal 4 to the Rental Car Center, and about 13 minutes to ride the entire five miles from the 44th Street Station to the new Rental Car Center Station. Trains arrive and depart every three to five minutes and operate 24/7.
In addition to improving access to the Rental Car Center, a new station has been added at 24th Street for travellers arriving from the West Valley and downtown Phoenix
The Station features curb-side pick-up and drop-off areas as well as 1,600 economy parking spaces with a number of electric vehicle charging stations. From here, travellers can get to the terminals in a matter of minutes.
Other project improvements include enhancements to the PHX Sky Train’s maintenance and support facility, which has doubled in size and now includes an additional 30,000 square feet for storage, an automated vehicle wash and storage tracks.
Additionally, 24 cars manufactured by Alstom have joined the existing 18 vehicles that operate on this service. The trains will now run in a three-car format compared to the previous two-car format, with each train car accommodating up to 53 passengers.
These changes will help meet future ridership demand, which is expected to reach 79,000 people daily.
Jean Germain, Managing Director for Alstom’s turnkey business in North America said:Our partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is grounded in a shared vision and commitment to improve passenger connectivity. What we have achieved today demonstrates the power of a great and collaborative partnership, an important asset as we continue to operate and maintain the expanded PHX Sky Train system for the years to come.
The 745 million USD project was paid for with Rental Car Customer Facility Charges and airline Passenger Facility Charges.
