Courtesy of SkyHarbor Airport
[Editor’s Note: Phoenix Sky Train is coming along. The roof is being attached at this very moment as you read this update. LightRailConnect supports this valuable link to make the airport more accessible to everyone]
One Great Asset – PHX Sky Train Car Unveiled
Five. Four. Three. Two. One. From behind the curtain and out of the smoke, the first car of the PHX Sky Train™ dazzled onlookers who broke into applause and gave each other high-fives. What began as a dream 10 years ago is now a reality. Thanks to the hard work and vision of city of Phoenix leaders and innovators, the first of many PHX Sky Train cars to come has arrived in Phoenix and was met with excitement on Tuesday, August 16, during an unveiling ceremony. 
Aviation Director Danny Murphy called the day a special and extraordinarily exciting one for the city, the Valley and the State.
“This is one of the most forward-thinking projects of our time,” Murphy remarked. “The PHX Sky Train will allow us to meet the expectations of the public as they travel through America’s Friendliest Airport®.”
As a state-of-the-art customer service asset, the PHX Sky Train will run from the light rail station at 44th Street and Washington to the East Economy Parking Area to Terminal 4 in Stage 1 which will open in the first quarter of 2013. By 2015, the train will continue to Terminal 3 with a walkway to Terminal 2.
“The PHX Sky Train will open on time and on budget,” Murphy said as applause erupted.
Mayor Phil Gordon remarked how important this project is for the community. (See photo of Mayor Gordon and other City of Phoenix dignitaries above right).
“Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the single largest economic engine in the state of Arizona,” Gordon said. “It brings people to the State and is the largest employer. What a strength this is to the State and we are so proud to be part of this project.”
In fact, the PHX Sky Train project will not only benefit Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but its magnitude is significant for the State as well.
“This project has created jobs – 8,000 jobs,” Gordon said. “We have been able to put people to work here in Arizona.”
The unveiling of the first car built by Bombardier gave a preview into what this high tech system will look like.
“Isn’t she beautiful,” said David Barry, Bombardier’s Vice President, Americas Region of the Systems Division. “This is one of the most beautiful trains we have ever built. And, it is one of the most modern, state-of-the-art systems we have.”
And, it was all smiles and a sense of excitement as attendees boarded the train to take a look and snap a few photos. Soon, travelers will have the opportunity to travel on these modern train cars. In the meantime, throughout 2012, Airport visitors will see empty train cars being tested along the guideway. This is the first of 18 train cars to come from train system operator Bombardier.
Companies recognized for their work on the project include: Bombardier; Gannett Fleming; Lea+Elliott; Hensel Phelps Construction Company; The Weitz Company; and many other subcontractors.
For more information on the PHX Sky Train project, click here.
To see photos of the PHX Sky Train unveiling, visit our Facebook album.