Phoenix Sky Train began revenue service Monday at noon, with Bombardier automated people mover (APM) equipment linking Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4 to parking lots and Valley Metro light rail transit at 44th Street and Washington.
A fleet of 18 Bombardier INNOVIA APM 200 vehicles cover the initial 2.2-mile route, providing three-minute headways, and replacing current bus service. Plans are under way to extend the Sky Train to Terminal 3, with a walkway to Terminal 2, by 2015.
Sky Train, which cost $1.6 billion to construct, is expected to handle 2.5 million people in its first year of operation. Phoenix awarded a $255 million to Bombardier Transportation for the design, supply, operation, and maintenance of Sky Train in July 2009.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton cut the ceremonial ribbon Monday, and was among those making the initial trip.