Commuter Rail

As part of the larger Arizona Rail Regional Rail plan, both Phoenix and Tucson would have commuter rail systems.


Commuter Rail in the Phoenix metropolitan area


Commuter Rail in the Tucson metropolitan area

Commuter Rail and Regional Rail alike use existing rail rights-of-way, and trains either of locomotive-hauled railroad cars, or self-propelled multiple-unit coaches. If Arizona were to use equipment like that in California and New Mexico, our trains might look like this:


Artist’s Conception Drawn by W. Lindley; © A.R.P.A.

The main differences between Commuter Rail and Regional Rail are:

  • Commuter trains generally operate in the morning and evening peak periods; regional trains operate from early in the morning until late in the evening.
  • Commuter trains generally operate from within a single metropolitan area. Regional trains connect multiple cities.

Unlike some “traditional” commuter rail service patterns, we envision that most Arizona commuter trains will operate through the city centers. For example, Silver Line trains from Sun Lakes might stop at:

  • Sun Lakes
  • Chandler
  • Elliot/Warner
  • Downtown Mesa
  • Loop 101 Park & Ride
  • Downtown Tempe
  • Sky Harbor International Airport (peoplemover connection)
  • Ballpark/Arena
  • Phoenix Union Station
  • State Capitol
  • Fairgrounds
  • Glendale Depot
  • Peoria
  • Sun City
  • El Mirage/Surprise
  • Sun City Grand

while Copper Line trains from Florence might stop at:

  • Florence
  • Merrill Ranch
  • Coolidge (alternate to Florence)
  • Johnson Ranch
  • Queen Creek
  • Williams Gateway
  • Gilbert
  • Downtown Mesa
  • Loop 101 Park & Ride
  • Downtown Tempe
  • Sky Harbor International Airport (peoplemover connection)
  • Ballpark/Arena
  • Phoenix Union Station
  • State Capitol
  • 67th Avenue
  • Tolleson
  • Avondale/Goodyear

and Gold Line Sun City trains stop at:

  • Gila River / Firebird
  • Ahwatukee / West Chandler
  • South Tempe
  • Downtown Tempe
  • Sky Harbor International Airport (peoplemover connection)
  • Ballpark/Arena
  • Phoenix Union Station
  • State Capitol
  • Fairgrounds
  • Glendale Depot
  • Peoria
  • Sun City
  • El Mirage/Surprise
  • Sun City Grand