By Parker Leavitt | The Arizona Republic
A divided Scottsdale City Council on Tuesday quashed plans for three potential light-rail routes along Scottsdale and McDowell roads, meaning Valley Metro trains will not be rolling into the city anytime soon — and perhaps not ever. Scottsdale leaders for years have resisted joining the Valley’s regional light-rail network, which began service in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa in 2008. But the proposed inclusion of rail routes in a new Transportation Master Plan this year sparked debate about whether the time had come to reconsider.
The 20-year master plan guides city policy for roads, trails and public transit such as buses and trolleys. Scottsdale’s Transportation Commission in January voted to include rail connections to the existing Valley Metro line.
