South Central light rail extension opens, connecting South Central Phoenix to the Valley Metro network

Councilwoman Laura Bastotte said June brought "historic progress" with the opening of the South Central Light Rail Extension, calling it "a project 15 years in the making" and the first time light rail connected at South Central Phoenix. She referenced the milestone in the context of District 4 investments and noted her role as chair of the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors.

The address presented the opening as a completed capital milestone; Bastotte tied the project to economic and neighborhood celebrations, including a "602 day" business celebration attended with Mayor Gallego. The address did not provide operational details such as service frequency, funding breakdowns for construction, or ridership projections; those specifics were not part of the remarks and would require follow-up with Valley Metro or city staff.

Bastotte’s description positioned the extension as a tangible outcome of long-term planning and local investment, and she cited it among other district accomplishments in 2025.