Alert: Sun Tran App No Longer Operational. Stay Tuned For Updates About New App! Learn More
Your Voice Matters: Take the brief Sun Van COA Survey now until May 9! TAKE SURVEY HERE

Fall Transit Schedules For Sun Tran, Sun Express, Sun Link And Sun Shuttle

Sun Tran is rolling into fall with new route schedule updates. Beginning Monday August 14, Sun Link will be extending hours until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The following Sun Tran, Sun Express and Sun Shuttle routes will have adjustments effective Monday August 20.
Sun Tran/Sun Express routes:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 50, 61, 101X, 103X, 104X, 105X, 108X, 109X, 110X, 201X, 203X, 204X

· Route 25 will remain on Park Avenue and will not deviate to Innovation Tech High School/ JTED Innovative Learning Center

Sun Shuttle routes:

401, 412, 413, 421, 430, 440, 486

Rt. 401 – time-point stops have changed and schedule changes

Rt. 412 – New service route

o Route shift from River to Orange Grove between La Cañada and Shannon and schedule changes

Rt. 413 – New service route, time-point stops have changed and schedule changes

o Route shift from I-10 to Bald Eagle, Camino de Oeste and Oldfather

o Discontinued stop at Arizona Pavilion

o Extended route to Shannon, now serving Pima Community College Northwest, Nanini Library, Northwest YMCA, Tucson North MVD

Rt. 421 – Added additional stops

o VA – 6th and Veterans

o South Tucson Municipal Center – 6th Ave & 26th St.

o Flag Zone– La Cañada from Duval Mine to Trader· Rt. 440 – time-point stops have changed and schedule changes

Rt. 430-Neighborhood labels

Rt. 440-Timepoint and schedule changes

Rt. 486 – Route information is now in Sun Shuttle booklet and several stops have been renamed

o Quijotoa -> Maish Vaya (Trading Post)

o Robles Junction (Three Points) -> Three Points (Robles Junction)

o Tucson -> Tucson (Laos Transit Center)

Sun Express schedules are now located in the Sun Tran Rider Guide! 

There are three ways to check your schedule: 

1. Visit Suntran.com/how-to-ride/ride-guides-booklets/ 

2. Contact Customer Service to trip plan or to request an emailed or mailed copy of the schedules for your route(s)  

3. Pick up a Rider Guide at a Transit Center or onboard your bus 

Customer Service representatives are available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can be reached by phone at (520)792-9222 (TDD: (520)628-1565) or by sending an email to SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov. 

Customer Service representatives are available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can be reached by phone at (520)792-9222 (TDD: (520)628-1565) or by sending an email to SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.

Low or No Emission Grant Award 

The City of Tucson was awarded $21.4 million from the Low or No Emission Grant Program from the United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 

Funding from this grant will allow Sun Tran to replace the remaining high emissions producing diesel-fuel buses with 39, 40-ft Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. 

The USDOT FTA Region 9 Deputy Regional Administrator Amy Changchien, and the City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, would like to invite you to celebrate the acceptance of this award. 

Download Invite

Low or No Emission Grant Award Press Conference 

  • Monday, July 10, 2023 
  • 8 a.m. – Refreshments 
  • 8:30 a.m. – Program to begin 
  • 3920 North Sun Tran Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85705 

Speakers:
  • Regina Romero, Tucson Mayor 
  • Amy Changchein, Federal Transit Administration 
  • Samuel Credio, City of Tucson 
  • Steve Spade, Sun Tran General Manager 

Parking:

Guests are encouraged to drive through the gate on the south side of the administration building and park in the employee lot. The pedestrian entrance to the event will be located near the northeast corner of the parking lot.

Premio de Subvencion Low or No Emission  

La Ciudad de Tucson recibió $21.4 millones del Programa de Subsidios de Bajas o No Emisiones de la Administración Federal de Tránsito (FTA) del Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos (USDOT).

Los fondos de esta subvención permitirán que Sun Tran reemplace los autobuses diésel que producen altas emisiones restantes con 39 autobuses de gas natural comprimido (GNC) de 40 pies.

La Administradora Regional Adjunta de la Región 9 de USDOT FTA, Amy Changchien, y la Alcaldesa de la Ciudad de Tucson, Regina Romero, desean invitarlo a celebrar la aceptación de este premio.

baje la invitacion

Conferencia de prensa de Low or No Emission Grant Award

  • lunes, 10 de julio de 2023
  • 8 am – Refrescos
  • 8:30 am – Programa para comenzar
  • 3920 North Sun Tran Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85705

Presentadores:
  • Regina Romero, alcaldesa de Tucson
  • Amy Changchein, Administración Federal de Tránsito
  • Samuel Credio, Ciudad de Tucson
  • Steve Spade, gerente general de Sun Tran

Estacionamiento:

Se alienta a los invitados a cruzar la puerta en el lado sur del edificio de administración y estacionarse en el estacionamiento para empleados. La entrada peatonal al evento estará ubicada cerca de la esquina noreste del estacionamiento.

4th of July Transit Info

Sun Link Streetcar Providing Rides to Fireworks Show Transit will follow holiday service hours on Tuesday, July 4. Streetcar service begins at 8 a.m. and will run until approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the fireworks show at “A” Mountain. Families making plans to watch the show are invited to enjoy free streetcar rides with convenient access to the popular fireworks viewing area at the Tucson Convention Center. Streetcar riders can hop off at the Cushing Street / Granada Avenue stops, or ride to the Avenida del Convento and Cushing Street / Convento stops for access to the Mercado District.

Sun Tran buses and Sun Van will run on a Sunday schedule. Riders can check route information and Sunday hours online at SunTran.com or by calling (520) 792-9222. Bus riders: please note bus service to most routes will end before 9 p.m. on the holiday. Transit riders are encouraged to utilize the streetcar to ensure transportation following the fireworks show.

Sun Express and Sun Shuttle will not be in operation on July 4. Sun Shuttle ADA Dial-a-Ride service provided by Total Ride and Oro Valley Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride will offer service from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Americans with Disabilities Act-qualified passengers only. Sun Express routes 104X and 204X riders will not have access to the Crossroads parking lot in Marana on Monday July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th. Commuters can park at the Leman Academy school parking for service on Monday.

Información de Tránsito del 4 de julio

El tranvía de Sun Link que ofrece viajes al espectáculo de fuegos artificiales y seguirá el horario de servicio de vacaciones el martes 4 de julio. El servicio de tranvía comienza a las 8 AM y funcionará hasta aproximadamente 30 minutos después de la conclusión del espectáculo de fuegos artificiales en la montaña “A”. Las familias que hacen planes para ver el espectáculo están invitadas a disfrutar de viajes gratuitos en tranvía con acceso conveniente a la popular área de observación de fuegos artificiales en el Centro de Convenciones de Tucson (TCC). Los pasajeros del tranvía pueden bajarse en las paradas de Cushing Street/Granada Avenue, o viajar hasta las paradas de Avenida del Convento y Cushing Street/Convento para acceder al Distrito Mercado.

Los autobuses Sun Tran y Sun Van funcionarán en horario de domingo. Los pasajeros pueden consultar la información de la ruta y el horario de los domingos en línea en SunTran.com o llamando al (520) 792-9222. Usuarios de autobús: tenga en cuenta que el servicio de autobús a la mayoría de las rutas finalizará antes de las 9 PM en las vacaciones. Se sugiere a los pasajeros de transporte público a utilizar el tranvía para garantizar el transporte después del espectáculo de fuegos artificiales.

Sun Express y Sun Shuttle no estarán en funcionamiento el 4 de julio. El servicio Sun Shuttle ADA Dial-a-Ride proporcionado por Total Ride y Oro Valley Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride ofrecerá servicio de 9 AM a 6 PM solo para pasajeros calificados según la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). Los pasajeros de las Rutas 104X y 204X de Sun Express no tendrán acceso al estacionamiento de Crossroads en Marana el lunes 3 y martes 4 de julio. Los pasajeros pueden estacionarse en el estacionamiento de la escuela Leman Academy para el servicio el lunes.

Sun Shuttle Survey and Public Input Meetings 412 & 413

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will host two public input meetings to gather feedback and ideas from the community on improving and shaping the future of local transportation services. The meetings will provide residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and actively participate in the development of Sun Shuttle routes 412 and 413 serving Marana and Pima County.  

The public input meetings will serve as a platform for community members to share their thoughts, concerns and suggestions on the routes. Residents, commuters, business owners are invited to participate. The meetings will feature open discussions and interactive activities to encourage collaboration. Participants can provide feedback on various aspects, such as route optimization, frequency of service and connectivity.  

For those unable to attend a meeting, an online survey is available to gather feedback and can be accessed here surveymonkey.com/r/SS0623. 

The public is encouraged to take a few minutes to provide comments, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.  

Details for the upcoming public input meetings are as follows: 

  • Friday, June 9 at 5 p. m. Nanini Library 7900 N. Shannon Road 
  • Thursday, June 15 at 5 p.m. Wheeler Taft Abbett Library 7800 N. Schisler Drive   

Sun Shuttle is committed to ensuring accessibility for all residents. Accommodation for individuals with disabilities and translation services can be provided upon request in advance of the meeting(s) by calling 520-628-1565 or pmclaughlin@pagregion.com.  

sun shuttle vehicle and logo

Sun Shuttle Picture Rocks 414P survey is now live!

Sun Shuttle launched its pilot service in Picture Rocks, and now your feedback and input on the route is needed! There are two ways you can provide your input. Join us in person, April 6th at 5:30p at the Picture Rocks Community Center located at 5615 N. Sanders Rd. or by taking the survey online now until April 23 by clicking the link below. 

Sun Shuttle 414p Survey 

The meeting room is accessible to persons with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those requiring special assistance, such as large-type face print, sign language or other reasonable accommodations, may request those through the administrative offices at: 1. E Broadway Blvd., Suite 401, Tucson, Ariz., 85701, (520) 792-1093, at least 24 hours before the meeting. Si necesita ayuda con traducción, llame por favor al (520) 792-1093 y comuníquese con Zonia Kelly. 

Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) study

UPCOMING ROUTE CHANGES

Route 3, 11, 37, and 50 will have changes beginning February 23, 2025.
Route 3 & 37

Route 37 will serve Stella Road between Pantano Road and Camino Seco instead of Route 3. Camino Seco from Stella Road and Irvington Road will now be served by Route 37. All service on Escalante Road has been discontinued. There are no frequency changes or service changes planned at this time.

View and Download Maps HERE

Route 11 & 50

Route 11 and Route 50 will merge and no longer travel on South 6th Avenue between Ajo Way and Laos Transit Center. Route 11 will now extend west on Ajo Way to Mission Road, discontinuing Route 50. There are no frequency changes or service changes planned at this time.

View and Download Maps HERE

The City of Tucson and Sun Tran, in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), evaluated all aspects of Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services throughout Tucson, and the greater Tucson area to determine potential improvements through the COA.

Following nearly 11 months of public outreach to gather input on proposed changes to improve transit efficiency, equity, and effectiveness, Sun Tran staff will host six (6) public meetings to discuss the Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) proposed transit changes. The meetings will begin Monday, January 22 through Monday, January 29.

Join us at one of our upcoming events below to learn more about the proposed changes.

The following January meetings are in person:

  • Monday, January 22, 2024 at 5 p.m.
    Fred Archer Recreation Center | 1665 S La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85713
  • Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 12 p.m.
    Tucson City Council Ward 2 Office | 7820 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
  • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 12 p.m.
    Woods Memorial Library | 3455 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
  • Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 12 p.m.
    Pascua Yaqui Tribal Chambers | 7474 S Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85746
  • Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
    Miller-Golf Links Library | 9640 E Golf Links Rd, Tucson, AZ 85730 
  • Friday, January 26, 2024 at 12 p.m.
    Quincie Douglas Recreation Center | 1575 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
  • Monday, January 29, 2024 at 5 p.m.
    Tucson City Council Ward 6 Office | 3202 E 1st St., Tucson, AZ 85716
For those unavailable to attend in person, you can watch this video of the COA project team explaining the recommended changes:
Click here for the final recommended transit changes.
Click here for the COA Comparison Map
Click the link to view Sun Tran’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SunTranTucson/videos

Local artist spotlight Jessica Gonzales

Jessica Gonzales is the local muralist and fine artist behind lots of murals you’ve seen around town including the Rialto Theater, Antigone Books and the mural aplty named “The Road Unpaved” located at the Special Services Transit office located at 35 W. Alameda. We sat down with Jessica to get to know her better and to find out more about her work.

What was your inspiration and the story behind the “The Path Unpaved” mural located at the Special Services Transit office?

My inspiration behind The Path Unpaved was to convey a sense of exploration and the adventure of new experiences. It reflects the way we can learn and grow as individuals when we allow ourselves to break beyond the boundaries of what we know or feel comfortable within. It is about self-exploration, travel, and allowing ourselves to embrace the unknown. The woman in the mural is gazing towards new horizons, and the landscape behind her becomes progressively more and more abstract and rooted in fantasy. Because of the long configuration of the wall, the design guides viewers along the length of the mural and tells a story along the way, inviting viewers in close to see fine details and small vignettes hidden throughout.  The mural itself not only depicts the notion of escaping the everyday routine, but also encourages viewers to do the same simply by interacting with the art.

We asked Jessica about riding Sun Tran to get around Tucson and she told us “I rode the bus as a high school student and off-and-on throughout my 20s. In high school I loved the bus ride after a long day of school. As an introvert I valued the opportunity to listen to my music and zone out without having to interact with anyone. There’s something comforting and relaxing about knowing your transportation needs are being cared for while enjoying the scenery as it passes by. I sure wish the Sun Link Streetcar was around when I was in college – I’d have been on that thing constantly instead of carrying my heavy art portfolios on my long walks to and from the UA School of Art every day!

The Path Unpaved

Where are you from originally and do you see the culture from that area affecting your work?

I come from a military family, so we moved around a bit in my early years. I was born in Oklahoma City, OK, and then we moved to Germany, where I lived from age 6-12. We then moved to Tucson where I’ve resided ever since. Having spent my formative years in southern Arizona as a young adult, and discovering my identity and artistic voice here, I feel genuinely connected to Tucson as my home. My Mexican-American heritage combined with the rich culture of this city have a heavy influence on the way I express myself through art. I am visually inspired by the boldness of the shadows cast by the Arizona sun, the breathtaking sunsets, the vibrant and lively ways that Tucson’s diverse cultures express themselves through design, music, and food. All of these elements play a role in my creative process and inform the choices I make when developing public art.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest artistic influence growing up was my mother. She was the number one supporter of my creativity, and we made art together a lot. One of my favorite things growing up was when she would pull out her college portfolio and let me look at all the drawings she had created. They showed me what art professionalism looked like and gave me perspective into what my future could hold. Throughout my art career I have found myself inspired by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Gustav Klimt, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama, Egon Scheile, Alphonse Mucha, Ralph Steadman, and many more.

Tell me about your favorite medium.

My favorite medium is acrylic paint. The quick dry time allows me to layer vibrant colors on top of one another without them blending and getting muddy. I love creating dimension through building abstracted color palettes and letting the contrast between the hues play off each other. Acrylic paint gives me a lot of freedom to explore this technique and develop my signature style.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere! Sometimes the most mundane things will spark inspiration, and a lot of times that has to do with shapes, how light is playing off something, a texture or contrast that is intriguing, or a mood that speaks to me. I find a lot of inspiration in nature and organic materials. I am also inspired by music and have created entire collections of work based on how select musical compositions have impacted me. I find inspiration in personal experience, especially topics that I have difficulty expressing verbally. I am also incredibly inspired by the creative process – no matter what the art or medium is, I am fascinated by the minds of creatives and how a finished product can start with a simple thought and blossom into a tangible masterpiece. Watching other people create reminds me of how much magic lives in our minds and our hands, and that motivates me to keep creating.

When is your favorite time of day to create?

I love to be creative early in the day, when my brain is fresh, and I have the whole day ahead of me. There is a serenity to the morning, and I love letting creativity flow in an atmosphere that is unrushed and free of outside pressure. I also love creating in the late evening, for similar reasons.

Describe how art is important to society.

Art is important to society because it allows people to have a dialogue about a wide array of topics while providing opportunities for individuals to interpret pieces in their own unique way. This is true for both the artist’s creative process and consumption by the audience. Art depicts and showcases culture, especially public art. Public art is so important because it allows works to be viewed by people of all walks of life, and adds interest, beauty, and insight to its surroundings.

What motivates you to create?

What motivates me to create is that it allows me to connect deeply to my artistic self, which feels like the most genuine representation of me at my healthiest. I am happiest, most content, most confident, and have the most clarity about my place in the world when I am making art. For all of these reasons being creative keeps me grounded, so it is not only a career or a hobby, it is a necessity.

To keep an eye on what this muralist has in store for her next projects or to see more of her work, visit JessicaGonzalesart.com or find her on Social. Instagram and Facebook jessicagonzalesart

New Spring Transit schedules for Sun Tran, Sun Express and Sun Shuttle

Sun Tran, Sun Express and Sun Shuttle are rolling out new spring schedules. Click here for the Sun Tran/Sun Express Booklet Effective March 5, 2023. Beginning Sunday February 26th, Sun Shuttle has changes to 6 of its 10 fixed routes, with schedule and some minor route adjustments. Sun Shuttle has made changes to the following Routes
401

Schedule adjustments

  • New time point at Oracle & El Conquistador Way (Northbound only)
  • Stop #2 services both North & Eastbound stops on Oracle Rd with connections to Sun Express 107X
  • Stop #3 Provides connections to Sun Express 107X
  • New stop at Linda Vista & Oracle Rd
  • Added flag stop area between El Conquistador & Desert Sky Rd on Valle De Oro Rd.
412, 413, 421

Schedule adjustment

430

Schedule adjustment

Timepoint Changes:

  • #5 has been renamed to Kinney and Bopp Ranch
  • #7 has moved North of Bopp Rd at Donald
  • #9 has moved to Camino Verde just north of Oklahoma
  • #10 moved north and renamed Camino Verde and Drexel
  • #11 moved south and renamed Sunset & Irvington
  • #12 moved East and renames Irvington & Butts
450

Schedule adjustments

  • New southbound stop located at Stella & Prudence
  • New North and Southbound stop located at Houghton & Drexel
Effective Sunday March 5th, Sun Tran and Sun Express new Rider Guide (click here) will be available. Spring schedule is available with schedule changes to the following routes:
Sun Tran routes:
  • 1,2,3,5,7,9,10,11,12,15,16,17,21,22,24,26,27,37and 50
Route 15:

Schedule adjustments

  • Removed Gieco time point
  • Route now goes North & Southbound on MLKJR Blvd with two new stops at Tucson Marketplace (NB only) and 36th street (NB only)
  • Stop at Culver’s on Kino & Tucson marketplace has been discontinued
Route 37:

Schedule adjustments

Selected trips will be extended South on KOLB to Amazon Distribution Center

Sun Express routes:

  • 101X,102X,103X,105X,107X,108X,109X,&110X.
There are three ways to check your schedule:
  1. Visit Suntran.com/how-to-ride/ride-guides-booklets/
  2. Contact Customer Service to trip plan or to request an emailed or mailed copy of the schedules for your route(s) 
  3. Pick up a Rider Guide at a Transit Center or onboard your bus

Customer Service representatives are available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can be reached by phone at (520)792-9222 (TDD: (520)628-1565) or by sending an email to SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.

Sun Link’s First Ever Streetcar Operator Enjoys Career Success as Operations Manager

Nelson Hall
Sun Link Operations Manager

This month marks one year since Nelson Hall was named Operations Manager at Sun Link. He has been with the streetcar system since August 2013 and was the first streetcar operator hired in Sun Link history.

“I got hired on as a testing streetcar operator,” said Hall, who transferred his transit skills from a year at Sun Tran over to Sun Link.

The testing process included running empty streetcars along the 3.9-mile route before Sun Link officially welcomed passengers in the summer of 2014. A few months into the job, Hall promoted to Rail Supervisor. In January 2021, he moved to Lead Rail Supervisor and eleven months later became Operations Manager.

“The main goal of my position is to make sure that Sun Link provides reliable and convenient transportation to the public,” said Hall. “We need to evolve with the times and always be moving forward.”

He explains that as the community expands, the University of Arizona welcomes more students and area events grow, rider needs change. At the center of it all, Sun Link is constantly reevaluating service.

“I think you should change based on the needs of the public,” said Hall. “It is important to be dynamic, to try new things and innovative. You have to keep up with technology and accept that things are always evolving.”

Hall’s daily routine includes clocking in at 6:30 a.m. During the early hours, you will find him in his office pouring over reports, logs and data sheets. He wraps up projects and works ahead where he can. About 10 a.m., Hall mentally prepares to catch whatever the day throws out.

“There is so much activity out along the streetcar route. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable constantly.”

Along with adapting to the day’s demands, Hall strives to keep all of his skills sharp. He keeps an ear to the radio and works in the field as needed. Some of the big projects he is working on back at the office include pitching solutions to resolve pain points along the streetcar route, and evaluating and implementing software to allow for system management on the go.

“The software would allow supervisors to manage the system in the staff car in the field, rather than always being tied to the OCC,” explained Hall. “That will allow them to be more responsive to anything they need to take care of out there.”

While laying out what it will take to be a successful Operations Manager, Hall says he draws from his predecessors Cleve and Eric.

“I learned so much from them. There’s a lot of times I think, what would Cleve do.”

The outstanding support and strong examples from current leadership are also guiding lights for Hall.

“John Kortekaas is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. He is a repository of information to draw from and his levelheadedness has taught me how to handle tough situations. Ryan, he’s basically a genius. He can juggle so much and he’s so fast at everything. Bob is very motivated and works hard. He just keeps at it until the job gets done.”

Recognizing the supervisors and operators as the backbone of Sun Link’s success, Hall says he is grateful for the skill and dedication the team brings to work.

“The frontline employees, you’ve got to give them a lot of respect.”

Proud of the tight-knit team at Sun Link, Hall says his ultimate goal is to ensure the streetcar’s service, inner-workings and legacy remain spotless for years to come.

“I have a lot of learning to do, lots more work. As long as this place continues to be a positive and great place to work at, then I feel like that is success on its own,” said Hall. “I am committed to completing projects on time and showing results. I want to show that if there is a problem, Nelson will fix it.”