Arizona Watcher
One year after the South Phoenix light rail opened on June 7, 2025, the extension added 5.5 miles and eight stations. Valley Metro says the South‑Central corridor now carries about 20% of system ridership and logged more than 2 million riders in its first year.
Business owners along Central Avenue report cautious optimism as ridership brings new customers, but many are still rebuilding after prolonged construction that disrupted foot traffic and access for years.
Longtime merchant Old School City highlights endurance and adaptation. Owner Willie Aguilar, with decades in the plaza, says the business is learning how to benefit from the light rail after having weathered the construction era.
Newer ventures like Red Velvet Bakery opened during construction and have since expanded offerings—adding breakfast, drinks and a co‑working space—and report more customers returning to Central Avenue.
The project drew criticism from community members who said prolonged closures and altered access caused harm. Merchants recall those disruptions as they assess whether normal customer patterns will fully return.
Some businesses still face practical barriers. Local reporting highlighted a 16‑year plant nursery fearing closure because new traffic patterns block left turns and customers cannot easily transport large purchases by light rail.
Valley Metro and the City provided relief during construction, awarding about $1.58 million in small business grants to roughly 272 corridor merchants and offering marketing and assistance as officials and owners watch for sustained economic gains.
A year after the Valley Metro light rail reached South Phoenix, business owners along Central Avenue say ridership is bringing new customers even as they continue recovering from years of construction. Valley Metro reports the South‑Central corridor now carries roughly…