The Arizona Department of Transportation is working with transportation groups along the route to take the next steps for a federal program meant to expand rail infrastructure around the country.
Those steps include estimating the cost of a new rail line between Tucson and Phoenix and coming up with a plan to develop the service. ADOT has completed other studies and held public meetings on the idea in the past, and a department spokesperson said the path they chose is not a new one.
"Our corridor that we're studying for proposed passenger rail follows an existing corridor, but there needs to be more study on exactly what the infrastructure would need to be in there," said Steve Elliott.
That route would run from Tucson International Airport to Buckeye, while passing near the Phoenix area's two passenger airports.
Completion of the project will also help identify funding sources and a potential timetable.
The current step will bring together transportation authorities from Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, as the group determines steps such as possible station locations, train frequency and expected ridership and revenue.
The effort is part of the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program.
"That is geared toward specifically identifying potential routes for passenger rail. And what we're doing right now is completing the steps that are required of participants," said Elliott.
The department hopes the process will also help it identify funding sources for the rail line and set a timetable for construction.
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