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The Project

The City of Tucson (City), in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) is completing a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) on Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services.

What is a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA)?

A COA evaluates all aspects of existing transit services, access, and equity to develop opportunities/recommendations for improving the value, efficiency, and performance of current transit options.

This map shows all of the current Sun Tran system service routes in the Tucson and greater Tucson area.

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This map shows all of the current Sun Tran system service routes in the Tucson and greater Tucson area.

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The Process

The Sun Systems Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) will review and evaluate Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services to determine potential improvements with the goal of creating a more equitable, effective, and efficient transit network.

Steps of the COA

Timeline of the project showing the steps involved in creating a COA. The first step was to collect data for the COA, the second step and the step we are currently on involves reviewing that data as well as the existing conditions/services within the Sun Systems transit services.

Click image to expand | Versión en español

Timeline of the project showing the steps involved in creating a COA. The first step was to collect data for the COA, the second step and the step we are currently on involves reviewing that data as well as the existing conditions/services within the Sun Systems transit services.

group waking by bus
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Current Transit Options

Want to learn more about the transit services being evaluated? Simply hover over each card below to learn more about the different transit services in Tucson.

Fast Fact!

These services support nearly 60,000 rides a day within Tucson and the greater Tucson area.

Bus service that travels along identified routes

Streetcar service near downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona

A fast commuter transportation option that makes limited stops from outlying areas to major destinations and operates Monday through Friday during peak commuting hours.

A smaller bus option that services suburban and more rural areas and connects to local destinations such as schools, grocery stores and shopping centers.

A curb-to-curb, shared dial-a-ride service for those traveling within a designated area. This includes complimentary paratransit services as well.

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Goals of the COA

identify

Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of current transit options.

Bus

Enhance the transit system to better support the needs of the community.

Checklist

Propose recommendations for future service changes or expansions.

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The Considerations

As a part of this project, it is important to understand considerations related to current transit services, as well as the community’s perception and experience with transit. The following pages identify key considerations we have identified through rider and non-rider surveys, as well as a general review of current operations/service.

bus stop
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The Considerations (Rider)

The Considerations Rider Perceptions and Experience

  • The majority of riders use transit services to and from home/work.
  • 27.7% of weekday riders viewed “More weekend service” as the most important transit service enhancement.
  • 32.6% of weekend riders also viewed “More weekend service” as the most important transit service enhancement.

Sun Tran service is reduced by nearly half on weekends:

  • Saturdays = 54% of weekday service
  • Sundays = 43% of weekday service
  • On weekdays, 29 routes operate every 30 minutes or less, but on Saturdays, only 10 routes operate every 30 minutes or less.
  • Sun Shuttle routes 412, 413, and 440 operate Saturdays but not Sundays.
  • Sun Shuttle routes 401, 421, 430, and 450 do not operate on weekends.

Why is this important?

As a part of this study, we are analyzing existing transit services, use, and access. Understanding how riders are using transit is critical. This knowledge helps us better evaluate potential gaps in destinations, routes, speed, or hours of operations to help increase access to transit and create a more equitable transit experience.

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The Considerations (Non Rider)

The Considerations Non-Rider Perceptions and Experience

  • Nearly 65% of Tucson residents believe public transportation is very important but have not used public transit in the last year.
  • 50% of non-riders say transit does not take them where they need to go.
  • Nearly 23% of non-riders are either “not sure” or “do not know” if Sun Tran services are available near their neighborhood.
  • 80% believe it is “very important” that public transit serves low‐income, disabled, students, or senior populations who have limited transportation options.

Top motivators that would encourage non-riders to use public transit are:

  • If travel time was the same or less than traveling by vehicle (44%).
  • If buses were scheduled at stops more frequently (38%).
  • If transit stops were located closer to their home, work, and/or places they visit most frequently (30%).

Why is this important?

Our non-rider community provides critical information to the project by highlighting perceived transit service access, reliability, availability, and efficiencies. This information highlights critical areas of consideration that may help us achieve more efficient, accessible, and equitable transit services and potentially increase overall ridership.

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What Are We Evaluating?

Want to learn more about what we are reviewing? Check our map to see each service and the areas we are studying.

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Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear from you!

Clip Board Take our Survey
Letter Attend our Upcoming Events

Virtual Meeting | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | 6 – 7 p.m. COMPLETED

English - Sun Systems Comprehensive Operational Analysis Public Meeting:

Español - Reunión Pública de Análisis Operativo Completo de Sun Systems (solo audio):

Virtual Meeting | Thursday, February 9, 2023 | 6 – 7 p.m. COMPLETED

English - Sun Systems Comprehensive Operational Analysis Public Meeting:

Español - Reunión Pública de Análisis Operativo Completo de Sun Systems (solo audio):

Pop-up events | Wednesday, February 8, 2023: COMPLETED

  • Pima Community College East, Bus Stop
    Fred Enke Dr, North of Irvington Rd - 9 a.m.

Pop-up events | Tuesday, February 7, 2023: COMPLETED

  • Roy Laos Transit Center
    205 W Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706 - 8 a.m.
  • Tohono T'adai Transit Center
    4540 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 - 8 a.m.
  • University of Arizona Mall - 11 a.m.
  • Ronstadt Transit Center
    215 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701 - 3 p.m.
  • San Xavier Del Bac
    Bus Stop #1, Route 440 - 3 p.m.
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Next Steps

Following the current phase, the project team will review results and public input to help guide the initial development of service recommendations. Once initial recommendations are developed, they will be shared with stakeholders and the public for review in late spring 2023.

Steps of the COA

Timeline of the project showing the steps that have been completed and/or are currently on and the next steps that will be taken to complete the COA. Following the current phase, the project team will review results and public input to help guide the initial development of service recommendations. Once initial recommendations are developed, they will be shared with riders, stakeholders, and the public for review in late spring 2023.

Click image to expand | Versión en español

Timeline of the project showing the steps that have been completed and/or are currently on and the next steps that will be taken to complete the COA. Following the current phase, the project team will review results and public input to help guide the initial development of service recommendations. Once initial recommendations are developed, they will be shared with riders, stakeholders, and the public for review in late spring 2023.

Women getting off bus
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Thank you!

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Title VI

Public transit services are provided without regard to race, color or national origin. If you would like additional information on Sun Tran, Sun Van, Sun Shuttle and/or Sun Link’s nondiscrimination obligations or would like to file a complaint, please call (520) 792-9222 (or TDD: (520) 628-1565) or visit suntran.com/titlevi-ada/.

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