Following a Sun Link news conference today hosted by Mayor Johnathan Rothschild and a plaque dedication honoring Rep Raúl Grijalva, a group of local dignitaries and the media were led aboard Tucson’s Modern Streetcar on its route up to Mercado San Augustin and back down 4th Avenue to the University of Arizona. This is part 3 of 5 videos taken on the trip, in which it proceeds up through the Broadway/Toole intersection, crosses Congress St. and continues north down the 4th Avenue Underpass. The video also features a quick view of the streetcar's interior.

More video, photos, and interviews from the news conference, which also featured Rep. Ron Barber, to follow.

Following five district ribbon cuttings along the Sun Link Modern Streetcar route, the Grand Opening launch celebration ended this morning at 10:00 a.m. on Congress Street and Fifth Avenue as a streetcar full of dignitaries was escorted by the Pride of Arizona Pep Band, Tucson Fire Department and the Tucson Police Department.

The event was emceed by Brent Davis, former City Council Member. Speakers slated to attend include Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, acting Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Dorval Carter, City Manager Richard Miranda, University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart, Arizona State Transportation Board Chair Steve Christy, Arizona Senator Steve Farley, and Former City of Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup.

Check back on The Range later for a full recap.