"Phoenix Aviation Officials Plan Underground Train at Airport"

Sunday, February 9, 2003

Phoenix Aviation Officials Plan Underground Train at Airport
The Associated Press


    PHOENIX -- Phoenix aviation officials have announced plans to build a
$700 million underground passenger train at Sky Harbor International
Airport.

    The train system, part of which is expected to be running within five
years, will take travelers from the airport's economy parking facilities to
underground stations at its three terminals, according to officials.

    By 2011, officials say, the system could take people to rental-car
facilities on the west end of the airport and connect to Phoenix's proposed
light-rail system.

    "We want to provide customers with world-class, hassle-free
transportation," says David Krietor, aviation director.

    City officials studied several systems before choosing one similar to
those at Chicago's O'Hare, San Francisco and Newark Liberty international
airports, says David Cavazos, assistant aviation director for Phoenix.

    Planners envision the trains featuring mostly standing areas for the
short ride to the terminals.

    Officials expect to start construction on the project's $300 million
first phase in 2005. The second stage, which depends on approval of an
environmental study, would cost $400 million.

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