Early June delivered some exciting grand openings for transit systems in Arizona. On June 7th, Valley Metro – which serves the Phoenix region – opened its new South Central Extension, bringing the system light-rail network to 35 miles and is expected to carry more than 8,000 daily riders. 

Meanwhile, in Flagstaff, Mountain Line celebrated its new Downtown Connection Center, hosting its first riders on June 9th. The new DCC is an all-electric, mass timber building that features two City of Flagstaff Bed, Board, and Beverage (BBB) tax -funded public art projects, rooftop solar panels, a community room, and space for the Flagstaff Police Department. Construction of this building is Phase 1 of the overall DCC project, and Phase 2 will include 13 bus bays and a civic space once Rio de Flag flood mitigation work is completed in this area.