After more than 15 years of advocacy and three failed ballot measures, the Phoenix City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday night to approve a $1.4 billion light rail extension that will finally bring Valley Metro service to South Mountain Village, the city's second-most populous planning area and one of the few dense urban neighborhoods in Maricopa County not served by regional transit.

The approved alignment runs 8.2 miles from the existing 19th Avenue and Dunlap Station south through Central Avenue, connecting to seven new stations including stops near South Mountain High School, the Laveen Village commercial corridor, and a transit hub at Baseline Road that will connect with express bus routes to Chandler and Tempe.

Years of Community Advocacy

Council Member Ana Herrera, who represents South Mountain Village and championed the project for four consecutive terms, said Tuesday's vote was the defining achievement of her time in office. "This community has been told no for a generation. Tonight we finally said yes," Herrera said, drawing a standing ovation from the packed council chambers. More than 200 residents, union workers, and transit advocates attended the meeting, many wearing "Yes South Mountain Rail" pins.

The three dissenting votes came from council members who raised concerns about projected ridership numbers and the city's share of construction costs. Councilman Derek Holt argued that $380 million in city bonding capacity should be directed toward road maintenance. Supporters countered that every dollar invested in South Mountain transit would generate roughly $2.80 in regional economic activity, citing a Valley Metro economic analysis submitted to the council last month.

Construction Timeline

Valley Metro Rail CEO Wulf Bergmann said environmental review is already underway and estimated construction could begin by late 2028, with the line opening to passengers in 2032. The project is partially funded by a mix of federal New Starts grants, the Maricopa Association of Governments regional transportation tax, and city bonds. Federal funding authorization is expected before the end of the fiscal year.

South Mountain Village residents and business owners gathered after the vote at a nearby community center for a celebration that stretched past midnight. Long-time resident and retired teacher Dolores Reyes, 71, said she has been attending transit advocacy meetings since 2009. "I always hoped I would live to see this day. And here it is," she said.