Wedoany.com Report on Feb 4th, The Phoenix City Council recently voted to adjust the public transportation expansion plan, shifting the development focus to the Indian School Road corridor. This decision means the Valley Metro light rail project extending from downtown to the Arizona State Capitol is temporarily halted.

According to the meeting outcome, the Valley Metro transit agency will halt all development work and federal funding application processes related to the Capitol light rail extension. The agency's next step will be to gather feedback from community residents and stakeholders to assess whether the Indian School Road corridor is better suited for light rail or a bus rapid transit system.

City Councilwoman Anna Hernandez expressed a dissenting view on the vote, believing it could lead to further delays in advancing transportation services in West Phoenix. She stated in an interview: "It will take another two years to determine if the Indian School Road corridor is viable before any form of development can begin."

A Valley Metro official statement emphasized: "Valley Metro remains committed to bringing high-capacity transit service to West Phoenix to meet the significant demand, support mobility in the corridor, and continue to realize the community's vision for transit and transportation."

Information shows that this light rail extension plan has been progressing since 2015 and was approved by Phoenix voters under the "Transportation 2050 Plan." However, because the project cost estimate exceeded $600 million, some state legislators raised objections. In related discussions, a Maricopa County sales tax proposal included a restriction clause prohibiting the use of tax revenue for light rail extension work within 50 yards of the Capitol grounds.