Regional Transportation Authority
On May 16, 2006, Pima County voters approved the Regional Transportation Authority's (RTA) 20-year, $2.1 billion regional transportation plan.
Sun Tran was pleased to launch the first project of the RTA plan on August 14, 2006, with additional bus trips scheduled to serve passengers where overcrowding had occurred on a regular basis for several years. Additionally, stand-by buses were positioned throughout the service area on a daily basis, assisting with overcrowding situations where possible.
Sun Tran continues to provide its best effort to relieve overcrowding with the resources provided by the RTA. Due to Sun Tran's continuing ridership growth, it is possible that some overcrowding may continue to occur.
Effective February 2007, eight of Sun Tran's routes received later weeknight service. Specifically, Routes 4, 8 and 16 received later weeknight service to midnight and Routes 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11 received later weeknight service until 11 p.m.
In May 2007, Sun Tran launched later weeknight service on seven more routes funded by the RTA. Routes 1, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22 & 34 received weeknight service untill 11 p.m.
In August 2007, Sun Tran extended weeknight service hours on Routes 2, 21, 23, 26, 27 and 29. Weekend service hours were also extended on Routes 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. Route 16 now serves Ina Road and has extended hours on Sundays.
With funding from the RTA, Sun Tran launched extended weekend service hours on seven more routes in November 2007.
In August 2008, Sun Tran launched weekend service hours for Routes 20 and 37, neither having weekend service before. Also, extended weekend service hours were provided for an additional six routes.
In February 2009, Sun Tran placed 11 replacement buses and 36 new express buses into service. Three new express routes serving Oro Valley and Rita Ranch were also launched.
In August 2009, Sun Tran extended service on Routes 27 and 312X, with improved frequency from 30 to 15 minutes also on Route 27. Routes 103X and 105X added two morning and two afternoon trips each weekday, and Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 17, & 23 had trips added to accomodate seasonal demand.
For more information regarding Sun Tran expansion plans funded by the RTA, please call (520) 623-4301.
For more information about the RTA plan, visit www.RTAmobility.com or call (520) 770-9410.