PHX Sky Train: Transit Design for Smart Airport and Community Growth

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In the long-term planning of the airport, since the development of its newest terminal in the late 1980s, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has considered a transit system to connect its key facilities. After careful transportation planning and design, the airport is now constructing the PHX Sky Train, an automated people mover system that goes beyond just connecting key airport facilities. The Sky Train will also enhance the airport's long-term ability to grow; provide a vital transit link to the region; utilize transit-oriented design principles that enhance growth opportunities and livability for the community; reduce local roadway congestion; and use sustainable design and construction methods. The development of this robust transit system requires several unique design features and the undertaking of a complex facility construction program. The Sky Train is a predominantly elevated, five-mile-long automated people mover system that will run through and connect key existing and future airport facilities—terminals, parking areas, ground transportation centers, Metro light rail, and rental car center—with strategically located stations. This paper will focus on the features of the Sky Train planning and design that enhance the airport and surrounding community along with an update on how the ongoing construction is meeting the challenges of building this complex system through a busy international airport.

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Hensley, D., Pilwallis, M., & Bleismer, A. (2011). PHX sky train: Transit design for smart airport and community growth. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Automated People Movers and Transit Systems, 79–103. DOI: 10.1061/41193(424)9

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