The City of Phoenix recently joined the Department of Transportation’s new empowerment pilot program called LadderSTEP, which is providing technical assistance to help implement the South Central Light Rail Extension south of the city.
The expansion will lengthen the railway another five miles to the south of the current light-rail system in downtown Phoenix. Thanks to the addition, the light-rail system will reach Baseline Road.
The extension will give the communities in South Phoenix and Central City better access to the area. Both of these communities are diverse, with strong African American and Latino traditions.
Providing these areas with better rail service will help them improve their transit ridership. The extension also will heighten the revitalization of the neighborhood and connect South Phoenix with other areas.
LadderSTEP requires that Phoenix collaborate with several stakeholders, such as local businesses and community-based organizations. This will help create initiatives to help the community revive and add schools, neighborhood centers, low-income housing, recreational activities, jobs and better health care.
