Light rail services increased Saturday with the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, which Phoenix officials said will connect thousands of  people to jobs and health care.

The 5.5-mile extension aligns with the launch of Valley Metro’s new two-line light rail system, according to a city release.

On weekdays, light rail trains will arrive every 12 minutes until 7 p.m., “reducing wait times and ensuring timely transfers between the A and B lines,” the release stated.

In Tempe, streetcar service frequency will improve to every 15 minutes until 7 p.m.

 A ribbon cutting commemorating the new line took place June 7.

“This fresh segment of our transit system will connect thousands of residents to jobs, health care and social opportunities in downtown and beyond,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in an earlier release.

“A reality in 2025 instead of the originally planned 2034 opening date, the South Central extension also brings with it new and improved public infrastructure.”

That includes bike lanes, shade structures and artwork.

The 5.5-mile extension operates between downtown Phoenix along Central and 1st avenues, continuing south to Baseline Road, officials said.

The expansion will also introduce a two-line rail system intersecting at the new transit hub in downtown Phoenix:

• A Line: Operating between Gilbert Road/Main Street in Mesa and the Downtown Hub.
• B Line: Operating between Metro Parkway in northwest Phoenix and Baseline Road/Central Avenue.
• The Downtown Hub consists of four platforms on Washington, Jefferson, Central and 1st avenues where riders will transfer between the A and B lines.

The extension is expected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves about 35,000 boardings per day. 

Federal grants covered more than half the project's $1.34 billion budget with additional funding sources including Phoenix Transportation 2050 and regional Proposition 400 funds, according to the release.

For more: valleymetro.org/southcentral.