How do I find a train schedule for Phoenix?

Question

We are looking at a house for sale in Mesa, AZ (suburb of Phoenix) which is 1/2 mile from some train tracks. We'd like to cruise by the area when the train is supposed to come to see if it's too loud for us, but we have no idea how to acquire a schedule.

Answer 1

There is no regularly scheduled passenger service in Phoenix. The tracks are used by freight trains only, and are operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. You might try calling them, and asking for train dispatch, but I really doubt you would have much luck doing that.

I too live near railroad tracks, and hear then several times each night. The strange thing is that after a short time you become accustomed to hearing them.  Their sound just becomes another piece of back ground noise blending in with all the other sounds of the area, and you don't really pay attention to them.

Answer 2

I'm not absolutely sure but I think that the closest a passenger train comes to Phoenix anymore is Flagstaff.  

Go to the Amtrak web site and see if you can find a train that comes through Phoenix.

Answer 3

Freight trains run to a timetable ("schedule"). Try contacting the Union Pacific railroad headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska for details.

Horns are sounded usually only when a train is approaching a level crossing. There are few trains passing through Tempe/Mesa (there is much more activity on the north-west side of the city towards Sun City). As far as I can remember, there are not many crossings on the east side of Phoenix, so hopefully trains will not need to give warning constantly. However, the new Light Rail cars may sound their horns frequently.

Answer 4

It's hard to determain freight schedules, as they run 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Phoenix, I know see's dozens of trains every day so you wouldn't have to wait very long to see one come along. But a 1/2 mile from the tracks shouldn't be that much of a problem for you.