Arizona Rail Passenger Association

Construction on the 3.2-mile northwest extension of the Metro light rail line could start by April if everything goes according to plan.

The only caveat is the price tag, which won’t be known until late January or early February…

[Meanwhile in Mesa]

…Although the final reports have yet to be written, Mesa is leaning toward extending the light rail line from its current origination point at Sycamore and Main streets east to Power Road, according to Mesa Deputy Transportation Director Mike James.

“In general terms, our findings about ridership and demand are that light rail would be better (than other transit options), and extending it down Main Street would make for a more seamless trip,” James said.

Rest of the story in the Business Journal of Phoenix, 26 December 2008.