top of page

Building a Stronger 

with Transit

Future

Buses, Light Rail, Streetcar — Connecting Phoenix & Mesa

As Phoenix and Mesa grow, the need for reliable, accessible transit grows with them. From getting to work and school to reaching healthcare and home, expanded transit options create stronger communities and open doors to more opportunities for everyone.

Join the effort to expand and improve it.

The Facts on Ridership & Demand

400K+

weekday boardings on light rail

5X

return

on every $1 invested in transit

38.4M

Bus and Rail user in June 2025 alone

bus-and-rail-34.jpg
  • Rising Ridership: Valley Metro’s light rail has averaged more than 40,000 weekday boardings, showing clear demand for reliable transit.

  • Population Growth: The East Valley is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. More people means more cars on the road — and more need for smart, sustainable options like streetcar and expanded bus routes.

  • Economic Impact: Every $1 invested in public transit generates about $5 in economic returns, supporting local businesses, development, and jobs.

  • Cleaner Air, Safer Roads: Expanding transit means fewer cars, less traffic, and cleaner air for our children.

Who Relies on

Public Transit

Public transportation isn’t just about moving people — it’s about moving lives forward. In Phoenix and Mesa, our transit riders reflect the heartbeat of our community:

asu-sparky-streetcar-station-027a2182--august--2022-4.jpg

Students

commuting to Mesa Community College and ASU who save thousands by skipping a car payment.

Workers

in health care, retail, and hospitality who rely on buses and trains to make every shift on time.

Seniors

who need safe, affordable ways to stay connected to doctors, family, and community activities.

Families

who want to spend less on gas and more on groceries, childcare, and education.

bus.jpg

Riders with disabilities

who depend on accessible transit — in 2024 alone, Valley Metro provided 1,006,621 paratransit rides, ensuring independence and connection across our region.

Lightrail.png

From Streetcar to System: Why

Expansion Matters

The proposed expansion of transit options — including a streetcar in Mesa and light rail in Phoenix — offers a modern, affordable, and accessible way to connect neighborhoods that are currently underserved. Streetcars strengthen main streets, help local businesses grow, and give residents and visitors alike a reason to spend more time (and dollars) in our communities.

Our Future Depends on Transit

The question isn’t if Phoenix and Mesa will grow — it’s how we will grow. Without smart investments in transit, traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic inequality will only get worse. With expanded options, we can create:

Stronger Local Economies

Expanded transit connects workers to jobs, students to schools, and residents to local businesses. Every $1 invested in transit generates about $5 in economic returns, fueling growth and opportunity throughout Phoenix and Mesa.

More Access to Jobs, Education, and Healthcare

Public transportation provides affordable, reliable access to life’s essentials. Whether commuting to work, attending classes, or visiting a doctor, transit ensures no one is left behind. Seniors, students, workers, and riders with disabilities can all move freely and independently.

A More Connected and Resilient Future

Transit links neighborhoods, strengthens communities, and creates flexible mobility options for a rapidly growing region. By investing today, we’re shaping a Phoenix and Mesa that are not only bigger — but smarter, more inclusive, and better prepared for tomorrow.

Take Action

Our future is on the line — and we need your voice.

 Support the expansion of public transportation, including streetcar, in Phoenix and Mesa.

Share your story about how public transit has impacted your life.

Join our coalition to push for a future where everyone has the freedom to move forward.

Transportation Type

More Transit. More Access. 

More Opportunity

Phoenix and Mesa are growing fast — and so is the need for better ways to get around. Expanding public transportation, including streetcar, means:

Valley-Metro-Expansion-Program-1-1920x0-c-default.jpg

Reliable options

for workers, students, those with disabilities, and seniors

Cleaner air & safer streets 

for our families

r-brt-hdr-project-2022-rte-35-and-rte-3--4-22-22-and-4-28-22---225-resized.webp

Stronger local economies

and thriving small businesses

1718395449835.webp

It Starts With Us

Our region’s growth is unstoppable — the question is, will we grow smarter?
Support expanded transit. Share your story. Join us in building a connected, sustainable future for Phoenix and Mesa.

Project of America's Future Project and America's Future Project Action Fund.

Join the Movement

From students to seniors, our stories move us forward. Join our email list to hear more stories, share your own, and help shape the future of transit in Phoenix and Mesa.

© 2025 America's Future Project 

bottom of page