S S Line (Streetcar)

The Valley Metro Streetcar (A.K.A. Tempe Streetcar or S Line) is a 3-mile modern streetcar system that serves Arizona State University and Downtown Tempe with 14 stations, traveling a C-shaped route from Dorsey Ln & Apache Blvd, up Mill Ave/Ash Ave, then along Rio Salado Pkwy to Marina Heights.

Existed since: 2022
Operator: Valley Metro
Annual Ridership: Loading ridership...
Full Length: 3 miles
Current Full Route: Dorsey Ln/Apache to Marina Heights/Rio Salado
Connecting Routes: A 30 48 62 66 72 EART FLSH JUPI MERC VENU

Train positions update every 30 seconds

Detailed Route Info

All Trips

Northbound

Dorsey Ln/Apache to Marina Heights/Rio Salado (Everyday)

Southbound

Marina Heights/Rio Salado to Dorsey Ln/Apache (Everyday)

Schedule

History

The City of Tempe began studying options for a downtown streetcar in 2007 and plans were continuously revised for years. The final route was decided upon after a proposed route along just Mill Ave was denied federal funding in 2013 after being deemed "not cost-effective enough." This resulted in the route being revised to its current Rio Salado Pkwy, Ash Ave, Mill Ave, and Apache Blvd alignment. Construction began on June 1, 2017, with the first Brookville Liberty streetcar vehicle being delivered on March 14, 2021, and the line opening for service on May 20, 2022.

Fares

The streetcar was originally supposed to be fare-free for its first year of service, but the fare-free period was extended up to August 4, 2025. On August 1, the streetcar fare will become $1 for one ride, with a reduced fare of $0.50, which is still cheaper than the rest of the Valley Metro system.

Vehicle Tracking

For some reason, the streetcar originally did not launch with live vehicle tracking and real-time departure information. However, vehicle tracking and real-time departure info was introduced on June 7, 2025, with the splitting of the light rail system into two lines. Streetcar frequency also improved from 20 minutes to 15 minutes on weekdays at this time.

Future Expansion

Valley Metro is currently studying a potential 4-mile streetcar extension that would travel from the streetcar's current terminus at Marina Heights & Rio Salado Pkwy, along Rio Salado and down Dobson Rd to Dobson Rd & Main St. This extension would bring service to Tempe Marketplace, Sloan Park, Mesa Riverview, and Mesa's Asian District.