Valley Metro

Valley Metro crews inspect the new Tempe Streetcar vehicle in March 2021.

The first vehicle has arrived for the streetcar system in Tempe. The streetcar system will be a shorter route than the light rail.  

Amanda Nelson, spokesperson for the streetcar system, says the system is planned to open by the end of 2021. She says the system is a more local route, and two of the stops will connect to the light rail. 

"People can travel regionally and then use the streetcar either in conjunction with rail or in conjunction with bike or just use the streetcar," said Nelson.

She says the rest of the vehicles will arrive in the coming months. 

Not only will the streetcar system give passengers more traveling options, they will be able to experience some of Tempe’s culture along the way. 

Nelson says the system will be bicycle friendly and each stop will feature public art, like other parts of Tempe's transit system.

"We have artist-designed bus stops and bike racks," said Nelson. "It's been part of — it's been really ingrained in transit since the beginning," 

Tim Agne/KJZZ

Construction on the Tempe Streetcar stop at Sixth Street and Mill Avenue in February 2021.