Phoenix City Council Shifts Light Rail Extension to Maryvale
Phoenix, AZ — February 1, 2026 — The Phoenix City Council voted 7-2 to redirect the planned light rail extension from the Capitol area to Maryvale, prioritizing community suppor…
City Council’s Decision
On January 28, 2026, the Phoenix City Council voted 7-2 to cancel the planned light rail extension to the Arizona State Capitol, opting instead for a route through Maryvale, primarily along Indian School Road. This decision was influenced by strong community support from Maryvale residents, who emphasized the benefits of increased transit access and community revitalization for the working-class neighborhood. Councilmember Betty Guardado, representing Maryvale, championed the change, calling it a transformational move for the area.
Community Response
Many Maryvale residents urged the council to back the alternate Indian School route, saying it would revitalize their community, connect it to the rest of the Valley, and provide critically needed public transit options. The other side argued that the council should respect the will of the voters who backed the original Capitol route and said light rail along Indian School would devastate small businesses and exacerbate problems from … .
Political Context
The political backdrop includes state lawmakers’ restrictions on using public funds near the Capitol, although Arizona’s governor had encouraged the council to ignore such pressures. Construction on the Indian School extension is slated to begin around 2032 and complete by 2037.
