PHX Sky Train®: Blazing a Trail at America’s Friendliest Airport®

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the largest economic contributor to the State of Arizona economy. As America’s Friendliest Airport®, the PHX Sky Train® is the focal point of the airport ground transportation system providing world class customer service to all Airport customers.

The PHX Sky Train® System was implemented in three stages. The first stage opened for passenger service in April of 2013, connecting the regional Metro Light Rail system to the Airport’s largest capacity parking facility (East Economy Parking) and busiest terminal (Terminal 4). Stage 1A then extended the System to Terminal 3 and opened for passenger service in December of 2014. The final stage of the System, the Stage 2 Extension, further connects the Airport terminals to a new West Economy Parking and ground transportation center, and the Rental Car Center, located just west of the Airport. Stage 2 includes a two-mile extension with two additional stations, provisions for a future station at the new West Terminal, and 24 additional vehicles. This final stage of the System opened for passenger service in December, 2022. The PHX RCC is one of the top 10 busiest in the rental car market, serving over 34,000 customers a day. The implementation of the Stage 2 Expansion has significantly improved the level of service for rental car customers.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the PHX Sky Train project planning, phasing and implementation and future expansion. In addition, the presentation will discuss how the Stage 2 System was integrated with the legacy System, including a discussion of the challenges encountered during testing and commissioning the Stage 2 system while maintaining System operations.

With the completion of the Stage 2 expansion, all remaining shuttle bus operations on the Airport have been eliminated, improving air quality, easing roadway and curbside congestion, and further enhancing the customer experience. he PHX Sky Train® system is now the focal point of the ground transportation system at PHX, and a powerful catalyst for long-term airport growth and adjacent private development.