The first stage of the PHX Sky Train(TM), which will run between the regional METGO Light Rail system, Phoenix Sky Harbor’s (PHX) east economy parking and Terminal 4, will open in 2013. Connections to the other terminals and the rental car center (known as Stage 1) was not scheduled to open until 2020, but on June 15, the Phoenix City Council approved connecting the train to all terminals by early 2015 – nearly six years ahead of schedule.
The Stage 2 extension to the rental car center is still slated for late 2020.
“This will bring tremendous convenience to our travelers, create nearly 2,000 additional jobs in Phoenix and bring $2.2M in construction sales taxes to the city,” says Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
As part of the project, all inter-terminal, METRO connection and most parking buses will be eliminated in 2015. Rental car center buses will remain until 2020.
The $240M project cost will be funded by passenger facility charges and airport revenues.
Initially, the project was planned in two stages because of financial restraints, but the airport has worked to conserve funds so it could move up the schedule.
“We’ve not only tightened our belts more than ever, but increased passenger numbers means more airport revenues are available to fund important projects,” says Danny Murphy, Phoenix aviation director.
