STM Daily News
All Aboard! Valley Metro’s South Central Extension Opens June 7 with a Celebration to Remember
Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Rod Washington
Phoenix is about to make history. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix will officially unveil 5.5 new miles of light rail with the grand opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub – and they’re throwing a party that perfectly captures the spirit of our vibrant community.
South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Opening
This isn’t just another transit opening. This is a celebration of connection, culture, and community that’s been years in the making. The $1.3 billion expansion represents the largest investment in Phoenix public transit infrastructure since the original light rail system launched in 2008, and it’s about to transform how South Phoenix connects to the rest of the Valley.
A Day of Celebration Across Three Locations
The festivities kick off early with the “Cruisin’ on Central” parade at 7:45 a.m., starting at the Ed Pastor Transit Center and rolling south down Central Avenue to Baseline Road. This isn’t your typical ribbon-cutting ceremony – it’s a rolling celebration that honors the cultural heartbeat of Central Avenue.
The celebration spreads across three vibrant locations, each offering its own unique flavor of Phoenix pride:
Downtown Hub (CityScape) – The urban heart of the celebration
Ed Pastor Transit Center – Featuring a spectacular low rider car show that pays homage to Central Avenue’s rich automotive culture
Baseline/Central Ave Park-and-Ride – The southern terminus where the official ribbon cutting and first rides will take place
More Than Just Transportation
What makes this opening special is how it weaves together the fabric of our community. Local business pop-ups will showcase South Phoenix entrepreneurs, while family-friendly activities ensure everyone can be part of this historic moment. Local food vendors will serve up the flavors that make our city unique, and performances by entertainers of all ages will fill the air with music and energy.
The official speaking program begins at 8:30 a.m. at Baseline/Central Ave, followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:15 a.m. – complete with daytime fireworks that promise to light up the morning sky. Then comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for: the first official rides on the new extension.
A New Era of Transit
Starting at 9:30 a.m., light rail service begins along the entire South Central Extension/Downtown Hub corridor, ushering in Valley Metro’s new two-line system. The A Line will operate between Gilbert Road/Main Street in Mesa and the Downtown Hub, while the B Line will connect the Downtown Hub to Baseline/Central Avenue.
This expansion doesn’t just add miles of track – it adds opportunity. The extension connects South Phoenix neighborhoods to downtown employment centers, educational institutions, and cultural destinations like never before. For residents who have long advocated for better transit access, June 7 represents the realization of a decades-long vision.
Getting There and Joining the Fun
Valley Metro has made it easy for everyone to participate, with multiple free parking options including the Baseline/Central Ave Park-and-Ride, Shopping Plaza on Baseline Road, Southgate Center, and Roeser Plaza. Downtown attendees can utilize paid parking garages on Washington Avenue and Jackson Street.
The celebration runs from 8 a.m. to noon, but the impact of this expansion will be felt for generations. Commemorative Copper cards and “Cruisin’ Central” merchandise will be available at all locations, giving attendees a chance to take home a piece of Phoenix transit history.
Looking Forward
As Phoenix continues to grow and evolve, the South Central Extension represents more than infrastructure – it’s an investment in equity, accessibility, and community connection. The extension serves neighborhoods that have been historically underserved by transit, opening new doors for residents to access jobs, education, and opportunities throughout the Valley.
This Saturday, as we watch the first trains roll south from downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road, we’re not just witnessing the opening of a light rail extension. We’re celebrating the power of community vision, the importance of inclusive transportation, and the bright future of our growing city.
Mark your calendars, grab your family, and join us on June 7 for a celebration that’s as unique and vibrant as Phoenix itself. After all, it’s not every day you get to be part of history in the making.—For more information about the South Central Extension opening celebration, visit valleymetro.org or follow @valleymetro on social media for real-time updates.
The A Line Light-Rail Extension from Azusa to Pomona: A Significant Milestone for Public Transportation
