Daniel Perle/KJZZ

The newest Valley Metro light rail line opened May 18, 2019, at Gilbert Road and Main Street in Mesa, the eastward expansion adds two new miles of track.

The newest Valley Metro light rail line opened Saturday at Gilbert Road and Main Street in Mesa, the eastward expansion adds two new miles of track.

Former Mesa Mayor and current Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mesa Mayor John Giles and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.

“There are many who said light rail wouldn’t get to Mesa until hell froze over, well it’s frozen over twice now," Smith said. 

According to a press release provided by Valley Metro Rail, $240 million in capital has been invested in areas near the lines since construction in Mesa began in 2006.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego used the occasion as a tongue-in-cheek reminder of the upcoming south Phoenix light rail ballot initiative in August.

“Thank you for celebrating this wonderful light rail extension story," Gallego said. "If you could call a few Phoenix voters and tell them how great it is, that would be very helpful to me as well.”