City: Phoenix, AZ

Category: Getting Here, Getting Around

Telephone: (602) 253-5000

Address: 101 N. 1st Ave.

Description: Phoenix’s light rail system debuted in 2008 with a 20-mile starter line that connects Phoenix with Tempe and Mesa. The train runs through the downtown Phoenix entertainment hub and connects multiple Arizona State University campuses. Airport commuters can get dropped off near the airport, but have to catch a shuttle to their terminals. Eventually more of the Valley is likely to be connected, but that could take many years. Trains operate daily, and passengers can catch one every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak.The intention is to interconnect the light rail system with the current bus system in such a way that people can get anywhere in the Valley with reasonable ease. It’s not as extensive as light rail systems in other US cities, though locals were pleased to have some alternative to driving or waiting for city buses. Still, you must plan on understanding bus schedules if you want to rely exclusively on public transportation to get to most parts of Phoenix. There are 28 light-rail stations on the starter line and 5 transit centers. The transit centers are located at 19th Avenue and Montebello, Central Avenue and Camelback, 44th Street and Washington, Fifth and College, and at Sycamore Center in Mesa. It takes 57 minutes to travel the entire 20-mile route.