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America's Friendliest Airport

AUTOMATED TRAIN DETAILS

Airport Train Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Why do we need the automated train?

Sky Harbor Boulevard and the surrounding roadway system accommodate all traffic at the Airport — it is the only way for passengers, employees, Airport businesses and the public to access the Airport terminals. The Airport will continue to improve this roadway system, but it has limited capacity and a second mode of transportation will be necessary in the near future. Conservative growth projections suggest that Sky Harbor's roadway system will reach capacity in six to eight years. The automated train is the most effective and efficient way to meet passenger demand, keep pace with Arizona's remarkable growth and maintain customer service levels.

Benefits:

Q: What will the train look like?

While the specific design of the automated train has not been determined, the Automated Train Team has identified three train types that would be viable candidates. These candidates each employ rubber-tired, driverless train cars similar to those used in other large airports.

Q: How long will it take to ride the train from station to station?

While the specific travel time between the stations will vary depending upon which train is selected, travel time estimates between stations for the Stage One system are included below.

Estimated travel time between stations:

Q: How frequently will the trains arrive?

Trains will arrive approximately every 3 to 5 minutes.

Q: How fast will the train go?

Train speeds vary depending upon the type of train selected, but maximum speeds are expected to be approximately 35 mph.

Q: How many passengers will the trains hold?

Train passenger capacity will vary depending on the train type selected, but trains in this category are expected to hold between 40 and 60 passengers per individual car cabin. Cars can be coupled to make longer trains, and maximum-length trains are expected to carry between 160 and 200 passengers with luggage.

Q: Will the trains and stations be air-conditioned?

Yes, the trains are fully air-conditioned, as well as two of the three passenger stations at 44th Street and Washington, and at Terminal 4. Although the third station at the East Economy Lot will be open air, it will be covered and provide ample shade for passengers during their brief wait (3-5 minutes) for the next train.

Q: The Metro opens in 2008. Can I get to the Airport by the Metro?

Yes, you can get to the Airport by METRO. When the light rail station opens, the Airport will provide a regularly scheduled shuttle bus service until the Airport train is operating. Buses will run at no charge from the METRO light rail station at 44th Street and Washington to all three of Sky Harbor's terminals. They will stop at each terminal every ten minutes and will have space for luggage like Sky Harbor’s Rental Car Center buses.

Q: Why isn’t light rail going into Sky Harbor?

Light rail is designed to carry large numbers of people across the Valley’s most heavily traveled routes, including to the edge of the airport where there’s a quick connection to the terminals (first via shuttle buses, then the airport train). By coming inside Sky Harbor, light rail passengers would be inconvenienced by up to six more stops and 15 minutes added to their trip. And light rail operates on a different schedule than Sky Harbor’s system, that will arrive about every 3-5 minutes, 24-hours a day. And Sky Harbor will serve light rail riders well. When our automated train is complete in 2013, we’ll have a one-stop shop just steps away from the light rail station at 44th Street and Washington, where plans are underway for passengers to be able to obtain boarding passes, check luggage, and then hop on the train to the terminals. Final details on the added services are still being finalized.

Q: Aren’t there more expedient ways to move people than a train?

Studies have shown that an automated train is the best way to move people through the Airport. Sky Harbor’s free train will help relieve curbside traffic jams, reduce wait times, provide hassle-free travel in climate controlled vehicles and connect to the Valley’s light rail and bus lines. It will take more than 20,000 vehicles off the roads each day. The driverless train will function like those at Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Las Vegas and San Francisco, with trains arriving every 3 to 5 minutes and with the trip from LRT to T-4 taking 4 to 5 minutes.

Q: Why a train? Aren’t the shuttle buses working?

This elevated, electric train is the most expedient and environmentally conscious way to move people through Sky Harbor. The shuttles are working fine for now. But as we grow, we’ll experience even more traffic congestion from shuttles as well as other vehicles. The result is that the buses will be challenged in trying to get through traffic and the curbs will become so congested that the roadways will become gridlocked.

Q: If the train’s so important, why don’t you build the whole route at once instead of in phases?

Everyone’s aware of economic cutbacks and Sky Harbor’s focus is on cost-conscious improvements to better serve our passengers. We are taking this smart approach to moderate cost increases in view of current economic conditions and the financial caution of the world’s airline industry.

Q: Don’t you need to acquire land to connect the automated train from the light rail station into Sky Harbor?

Some private parcels along that route currently are being acquired, and we are working to relocate businesses impacted by this progress. The acquisition area is bound by 44th Street to the east, 41st Place to the west, between Washington Street to the north and the Union Pacific Railroad to the south.

This station also will be what is known as a "kiss and fly" drop off point – travelers are driven to the station where they “kiss” their driver good-bye and board the train for the Airport. Passengers may even be able to obtain a boarding pass and check luggage, before taking the train into the Airport from this location.

The land around the train station at 44th Street will be planned to handle buses, shuttles, and private vehicles. This terminal without planes will provide a simple and less congested option to passengers and Airport employees needing to get to the Airport.