Bus and Streetcar Options for All Souls Procession

Sun Tran and Sun Link are teaming up to provide ride options for the annual All Souls Procession. Participants can enjoy free public transportation options to and from the event on Sunday, November 6.

Getting There

Sun Tran buses will provide a direct route from the Ronstadt Transit Center to Grande Avenue and Speedway Boulevard, near the procession starting line. Riders should board the “Route 22 Extension – All Souls” bus at the Route 22 bay located on 6^th Avenue, just outside the west wall of the Ronstadt Transit Center. This service is available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Getting Home

After the procession, riders are encouraged to use the Sun Link streetcar to travel from the Mercado district back to Ronstadt. Bus riders should note Sun Tran bus services throughout the city generally end by 8 p.m. The streetcar will be in service from the Mercado District until 10:30 p.m.

Detours

Route 3 and Route 21 riders should be aware of detours and closed bus stops due to the event. Route 3 bus stops on St. Marys Road between Grande Avenue and I-10 will not be serviced beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday. Route 21 bus stops on Congress Street between Grande Avenue and I-10 will also be closed.

Detour Maps

Opciones de autobús y tranvía para la Procesión de Todas las Almas (All Souls Procession)

Sun Tran y Sun Link se están uniendo para ofrecer opciones de viaje para la Procesión anual de All Souls Procession. Los participantes pueden disfrutar de opciones de transporte público gratuitas desde y hacia el evento el domingo. Los autobuses de Sun Tran proporcionarán una ruta directa desde el Ronstadt Transit Center hasta Grande Avenue y Speedway Boulevard, cerca de la línea de salida de la procesión. Los pasajeros deben abordar el autobús “Route 22 Extension – All Souls” en la bahía de la Ruta 22 ubicada en 6th Avenue, justo afuera de la pared oeste del Centro de Tránsito de Ronstadt. Este servicio está disponible a partir de las 3 p.m. a las 7 p.m.

Después de la procesión, se anima a los pasajeros a utilizar el tranvía Sun Link para viajar desde el distrito de Mercado hasta Ronstadt. Los pasajeros de autobús deben tener en cuenta que los servicios de autobús de Sun Tran en toda la ciudad generalmente terminan a las 8 p.m. El tranvía estará en servicio desde el Distrito Mercado hasta las 10:30 p.m.

Los pasajeros de la Ruta 3 y la Ruta 21 deben estar al tanto de los desvíos y las paradas de autobús cerradas debido al evento. Las paradas de autobús de la Ruta 3 en St. Marys Road entre Grande Avenue y la I-10 no recibirán servicio a partir de las 2 p.m. Domingo. Las paradas de autobús de la Ruta 21 en Congress Street entre Grande Avenue y la I-10 también estarán cerradas.

Mapas de desvío

Mayra Ramirez: the powerhouse behind Sun Tran’s CDL training program

Mayra Ramirez
Sun Tran Training Supervisor

With more than 150 buses on the road every weekday in Tucson, Sun Tran employs close to 400 drivers. In fiscal year 2021, Sun Tran hired 90 new coach operators, half of which received commercial driver license (CDL) training on site. Mayra Ramirez is the Sun Tran Training Supervisor and a key reason those drivers received their CDL. She not only works with hires who need a passenger designation for their CDL, but she is also there when new drivers start up a 40-foot bus for the first time.

“It’s usually the first time they’ve ever been in a bus seat,” said Ramirez.

For that trainee, the simple action of starting the engine signals the start of their journey with Sun Tran. When Ramirez is not preparing new hires for their CDL tests, she is leading retraining sessions for drivers, mechanics, fuel island attendants and other staff.

“Whenever they’ve had injuries on the job, accidents, or if their action has caused a passenger to be injured, then I will retrain,” said Ramirez. “I tell them, ‘I’m not here to scold you or discipline you, I’m here to help you. I want to give you tools to succeed.’”

Ramirez started as the Training Supervisor a matter of weeks before the pandemic changed the world.

“I was learning this new position, trying to make it my own and finding ways to put my touches on it,” said Ramirez. “Then all of a sudden, I was limited. I had to try to train and retrain people, but with no contact.”

She found a way. Training and retraining carried on, they just looked a little different. As Ramirez settled into a new normal of masks and distancing, she also had to adjust to an increase in new hires. One change the training department has made to accommodate the influx of hires is to stagger training classes.

“We’ve had as many as four training classes going on at one time,” said Ramirez. “They are all in different sections of the training.”

Training classes last an average of five weeks. Dan Snell leads training lectures for all employees, Ramirez takes care of CDL needs, then drivers work with established coach operators for behind-the-wheel training. Lastly, new hires get real-world experience with route training.

“They get to really see what the aspects of the job are when they are out with drivers, learning what could be their future route.”

The last two years have included plenty of curveballs but Ramirez keeps swinging. She credits her past work experience for her success in overcoming challenges during the pandemic.

Joining the Sun Tran team in 1996, she started as a customer service representative. Six years later, she became an administrative assistant in the Operations Department. In 2007, she transitioned to being a road supervisor & dispatcher.

“I liked challenging myself to try something different,” said Ramirez. “It really helps to have a diverse set of skills and be able to step in when needed. It’s not just to help out my fellow coworker, but I get a satisfaction out of it, too.”

There are plenty of opportunities for Ramirez to use those skills. Looking forward, she anticipates incorporating even more proactive approaches for preventing incidents, accidents and injuries. She knows new methods, technology and techniques will continue to evolve, making the transit industry even safer and more efficient.

“My goal is keeping everyone safe, whether it’s the employees or the public. I’m helping to minimize and ideally, completely eliminate any future incidents or accidents.”

Mayra as a customer service representative in 2000.

Mayra Ramirez has three children, aged 25, 20 and 9. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with family. She enjoys being an active member of the Tucson community and participating in events throughout the city.

Sun Van to Host Virtual Feedback Meeting

Sun Van is hosting a community conversation where clients and stakeholders can provide feedback about the paratransit service. The virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 19 will allow participants a chance to share their thoughts on how the service could be improved and highlight what is going well. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and is part of a series of events Sun Van initiated in August.

“We want to provide another opportunity for the community to participate,” said Sun Van Assistant General Manager Shawn Mangan. “These conversations are so important and help us gauge customer satisfaction levels while also getting suggestions from our riders on ways we can make improvements, both big and small.”

The virtual meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams. The event will include an ASL interpreter, English and Spanish-speaking staff and a live transcription option.

Meeting Info

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Wednesday, October 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 228 340 973 421
Passcode: GtBq6p

Download Teams | Join on the web | Learn More

To turn on the closed captioning feature at the meeting, select the menu button at the top of the screen that has the three dots “…” then select “turn on live captions.”

Those who cannot participate in the meeting are encouraged to share input by calling Sun Tran Customer Service at: (520) 792-9222 or sending an email to: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov

Sun Van Home Page

Sun Van Organizará una Reunión Virtual de Comentarios

Sun Van está organizando una conversación comunitaria donde los clientes y las partes interesadas pueden brindar comentarios sobre el servicio de paratránsito. La reunión virtual del miércoles 19 de octubre permitirá a los participantes compartir sus opiniones sobre cómo se podría mejorar el servicio y resaltar lo que va bien. La reunión comenzará a las 5:30 p.m. y es parte de una serie de eventos que Sun Van inició en agosto.

“Queremos brindar otra oportunidad para que la comunidad participe”, dijo el subgerente general de Sun Van, Shawn Mangan. “Estas conversaciones son muy importantes y nos ayudan a medir los niveles de satisfacción del cliente al mismo tiempo que recibimos sugerencias de nuestros pasajeros sobre las formas en que podemos hacer mejoras, tanto grandes como pequeñas”.

La reunión virtual se llevará a cabo en Microsoft Teams. Para unirse a la reunión, haga clic en el enlace disponible en: suntran.com/sunvan. El evento incluirá un intérprete de ASL, personal que habla inglés y español y una opción de transcripción en vivo.

Información de la reunión

Únase en su computadora, aplicación móvil o dispositivo de sala

Miércoles 19 de octubre a las 5:30 p.m.
Haga clic aquí para unirse a la reunión
Identificación de la reunión: 228 340 973 421

Código de acceso: GtBq6p
Descargar Equipos | Únete en la web | Más información

Página de inicio de Sun Van

Para activar la función de subtítulos en la reunión, seleccione el botón de menú en la parte superior de la pantalla que tiene los tres puntos “…” y luego seleccione “activar subtítulos en vivo” (turn on live captions).

Se sugiere a quienes no puedan participar en la reunión a compartir su opinión llamando al Servicio de atención al cliente de Sun Tran al: (520) 792-9222 o enviando un correo electrónico a: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov

Sun Tran Using Clean Fuel Technology to Promote Climate Resilience in Tucson

Sun Tran, which provides public transportation in Tucson via bus, the Sun Link streetcar and Sun Van, has set purposeful goals to contribute to a cleaner, healthier community. To reach the goals of reducing emissions and improving air quality throughout Tucson, the transit system has undertaken a number of sustainability initiatives such as using alternative fuel vehicles and retrofitting facilities. Each month, the transit system provides approximately 1.2 million rides via bus, the streetcar and paratransit services.

“Public transportation provides a valuable opportunity to help diminish climate change within the Tucson community,” said Sun Tran General Manager, Steve Spade.

One of the targeted approaches Sun Tran takes to improve climate resiliency is by reducing harmful emissions. Sun Tran and the City of Tucson began experimenting with alternative fuels more than two decades ago. As early as 1987, Sun Tran converted a bus to use both compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel fuel. This was one of the first such buses in the country. Since 2006, 100 percent of Sun Tran’s fleet has utilized clean fuel technology.

Sun Tran Bus Fleet:

57% Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

27% B5 Biodiesel/Urea

8% B5 Biodiesel

5% Hybrid

3% Electric

Currently, more than half of Sun Tran’s active fleet is powered with CNG. This is the same fuel used by many furnaces, stoves and water heaters. CNG buses lower air pollution by emitting 90 percent less carbon monoxide, 90 percent less hydrocarbons and 50 percent less nitrogen oxides than diesel-fueled buses. This fuel source also offers significant cost savings over diesel.

The next-largest fuel source for the bus fleet is B5 bio-diesel. Bio-diesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. These buses help preserve Tucson’s air quality, as bio-diesel emits significantly fewer particulates than traditional diesel-fueled vehicles. The majority of Sun Tran’s bio-diesel buses are also equipped with technology that utilizes a urea solution injected into the exhaust gases to meet tighter Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards. This section of the fleet will continue to shrink as Sun Tran buys new vehicles.

“Sun Tran is committed to building a sustainable fleet that contributes to a cleaner environment,” said Spade. “Currently, Sun Tran purchases both CNG and battery electric buses. Based on the current fleet carbon neutral plan, all-diesel buses will be replaced with either CNG or electric by 2028.”

Sun Tran also currently uses hybrid electric technology in 5 percent of the active fleet. These buses utilize a 600-volt battery pack, which is recharged while the bus is coasting and braking. Hybrid buses offer low emissions and can achieve up to 60 percent better fuel efficiency when compared to a bus with a conventional diesel engine.

The newest clean fuel source for the bus fleet is electricity. Sun Tran made history in 2021 by being the first transit system in Arizona to launch fully-electric buses. Five electric buses are in service now and five more will join Sun Tran’s active fleet this fall. New funding from the Federal Transit Administration is allowing the electric fleet to continue to grow.

“This grant will make history by allowing Sun Van to launch its first set of electric vehicles,” said Spade. “It also doubles Sun Tran’s electric fleet and makes new Sun Shuttle service options possible.”

The battery-electric buses manufactured by GILLIG, LLC emit zero emissions. Research indicates that an electric transit bus can save an average of one-half barrel of diesel every day.

In addition to buses, the Sun Link streetcar is another public transportation mode fully powered by electricity. With peak ridership nearing 150,000 per month, the streetcar is able to provide all of those rides without producing any harmful emissions.

Transit facilities throughout Tucson provide another opportunity to go green. Sun Tran, Sun Van and Sun Link installed solar panels at their facilities to harness the power of the sun and generate clean energy. Sun Van has also implemented xeriscaping at the paratransit facility to help conserve water. Meanwhile, solar panels installed at dozens of bus shelters in 2018 power light panels at the stops.

These efforts help the transit system save money and resources, while also reducing its impact on the environment. Sun Tran is committed to continually improving sustainability efforts in order to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for the Tucson community now and in the future.

You can help Sun Tran and the environment by doing your part:

Ride one of the 185 Sun Tran buses or 8 streetcars instead of driving. Every passenger counts!
Be prepared to board the bus or streetcar so that the driver does not have to idle while waiting for you.
If possible, use a Park & Ride location. This helps reduce traffic and pollution in our city center.

Read the City of Tucson’s Climate Action Report here:

Septmeber report

Picture Rocks Residents to get Their First Taste of Public Transportation

Route 414P Schedule

all schedules

The new Sun Shuttle pilot program with service to Picture Rocks launches Tuesday, October 25. Check the route and schedule by clicking the blue link above.

There are three ways to plan your trip:

1. Visit Us Online!

Log on for schedules, fare information to learn how to ride.

SUN SHUTTLE INFO

2. Call Us!

Contact our Customer Satisfaction Center for help planning your trip, or to ask about route information.

(520) 792-9222 | TDD: (520) 628-1565

3. Download the app!

Use the free TripShot app to track your shuttle.

Apple Download

ANDROID DOWNLOAD

Sun Shuttle is expanding its services and will soon provide public transportation to the Picture Rocks area for the first time. A one-year pilot program will launch October 24. Transit planners are working out the schedule and frequency of the new service and need help from the community. The public is encouraged to attend an input meeting on Monday to weigh in.

Input Meeting
Monday, September 19
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Picture Rocks Community Center
5615 N Sanders Road
(Near the Park)

Sun Shuttle is a neighborhood transit service funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) through its voter-approved 20-year regional transportation plan and sales tax through June 2026.

“The Regional Transportation Authority has listened to residents of Picture Rocks and their call for public transportation,” said RTA Executive Director Farhad Moghimi. “We are interested in working with the community through this pilot project to test the interest in using Sun Shuttle. We encourage residents to provide their input at the upcoming meeting to be part of the process to deliver the best possible service to the community.”

Census data estimates at least 14% of the Picture Rocks population has unmet transportation needs. Community members have spoken up about the importance of public transportation to provide access to social services, medical services, and as a way for residents without a vehicle to reach employment opportunities. The new Sun Shuttle pilot program will meet many of these needs with service to destinations such as the park-and-ride at the local Dollar General, Safeway, the Tucson Premium Outlets and connection points to additional transit routes.

“This pilot program is part of our ongoing commitment to providing quality transit service throughout southern Arizona,” Moghimi said. “The shuttle service will be open to anyone, and will be a great time to try this neighborhood transit option.”

Program managers will use the pilot program to assess the success of the service and evaluate how to best serve the area after the initial 12-month pilot. Transit fares for the service will remain free through December 31, 2022.

Residentes de Picture Rocks prueban por primera vez el transporte público

Sun Shuttle está ampliando sus servicios y pronto brindará transporte público al área de Picture Rocks por primera vez. El 24 de octubre se lanzará un programa piloto de un año. Los planificadores de tránsito están determinando el horario y la frecuencia del nuevo servicio y necesitan la ayuda de la comunidad. Se alienta al público a asistir a una reunión de aportes el lunes para opinar.

Reunión de entrada
lunes, 19 de septiembre
13:00 – 14:00
Centro Comunitario Picture Rocks
5615 N Sanders Road
(Cerca del parque)

Sun Shuttle es un servicio de tránsito vecinal financiado por la Autoridad de Transporte Regional (RTA) a través de su plan de transporte regional de 20 años aprobado por los votantes e impuestos sobre las ventas hasta junio de 2026.

“La Autoridad de Transporte Regional ha escuchado a los residentes de Picture Rocks y su pedido de transporte público”, dijo el director ejecutivo de RTA, Farhad Moghimi. “Estamos interesados en trabajar con la comunidad a través de este proyecto piloto para probar el interés en usar Sun Shuttle. Alentamos a los residentes a que brinden su opinión en la próxima reunión para ser parte del proceso para brindar el mejor servicio posible a la comunidad”.

Los datos del censo estiman que al menos el 14% de la población de Picture Rocks tiene necesidades de transporte insatisfechas. Los miembros de la comunidad han hablado sobre la importancia del transporte público para brindar acceso a servicios sociales, servicios médicos y como una forma para que los residentes sin un vehículo lleguen a oportunidades de empleo. El nuevo programa piloto de Sun Shuttle satisfará muchas de estas necesidades con servicios a destinos como el estacionamiento y viaje en el Dollar General local, Safeway, Tucson Premium Outlets y puntos de conexión a rutas de tránsito adicionales.

“Este programa piloto es parte de nuestro compromiso continuo de brindar un servicio de tránsito de calidad en todo el sur de Arizona”, dijo Moghimi. “El servicio de transporte estará abierto a cualquier persona y será un buen momento para probar esta opción de tránsito del vecindario”.

Los administradores del programa utilizarán el programa piloto para evaluar el éxito del servicio y evaluar cómo servir mejor al área después del piloto inicial de 12 meses. Las tarifas de tránsito para el servicio seguirán siendo gratuitas hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022.

Sun Tran to Receive $15 Million for Electric Fleet Expansion

A Sun Tran electric bus drops off a passenger with the Tucson city skyline is visible in the background.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced that Sun Tran will receive a $12 million Low or No Emissions Grant for the purchase of 19 electric vehicles and ten charging stations. The City of Tucson, Tucson Electric Power, Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority are also contributing funds, which brings the total investment in this project to $15 million.

“This represents a major step forward in our efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality in Southern Arizona. We would like to thank our partners who helped make this happen,” said Sun Tran General Manager Steve Spade.

The Low or No Emissions FTA grant and local match funds will be used to purchase ten electric buses, seven electric vehicles for Sun Van, and two electric vehicles for a new transit route to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Five dual-sided charging bays will be constructed at the Sun Tran north yard, while four stations will be installed at Sun Van. An additional charging station is dedicated for the new service to Sabino Canyon.

“We are honored and humbled that the FTA and our partners support these efforts for clean transit in Tucson,” said Spade. “This grant will make history by allowing Sun Van to launch its first set of electric vehicles. It also doubles Sun Tran’s electric fleet and makes new service options possible.”

Sun Tran was the first public transportation system in Arizona to launch electric buses in 2021. The feat was proceeded with an electric bus pilot program that started in 2019. The upcoming electric fleet expansion aligns with the current fleet carbon neutral plan, where Sun Tran’s all-diesel buses will be replaced with either electric or compressed natural gas (CNG) buses by 2028.

Sun Tran Recibirá $15 Millones para la Expansión de Autobuses Eléctricos

TUCSON — La Administración Federal de Tránsito (FTA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que Sun Tran recibirá una subvención de $12 millones para emisiones bajas o nulas para la compra de 19 vehículos eléctricos y diez estaciones de carga. La Ciudad de Tucson, Tucson Electric Power, la Asociación de Gobiernos Pima y la Autoridad Regional de Transporte también están contribuyendo con fondos, lo que eleva la inversión total en este proyecto a $15 millones.

“Esto representa un gran paso adelante en nuestros esfuerzos por reducir las emisiones y mejorar la calidad del aire en el sur de Arizona. Nos gustaría agradecer a nuestros socios que ayudaron a que esto sucediera”, dijo el gerente general de Sun Tran, Steve Spade.

La subvención FTA de bajas o nulas emisiones y los fondos equivalentes locales se utilizarán para comprar diez autobuses eléctricos, siete vehículos eléctricos para Sun Van y dos vehículos eléctricos para una nueva ruta de tránsito hacia el área recreativa de Sabino Canyon. Se construirán cinco bahías de carga de dos lados en el patio norte de Sun Tran, mientras que se instalarán cuatro estaciones en Sun Van. Se dedica una estación de carga adicional para el nuevo servicio a Sabino Canyon.

“Nos sentimos honrados y honrados de que la FTA y nuestros socios apoyen estos esfuerzos para un tránsito limpio en Tucson”, dijo Spade. “Esta subvención hará historia al permitir que Sun Van lance su primer conjunto de vehículos eléctricos. También duplica la flota eléctrica de Sun Tran y posibilita nuevas opciones de servicio”.

Sun Tran fue el primer sistema de transporte público en Arizona en lanzar autobuses eléctricos en 2021. La hazaña se llevó a cabo con un programa piloto de autobuses eléctricos que comenzó en 2019. La próxima expansión de la flota eléctrica se alinea con el plan neutral de carbono de la flota actual, donde Sun Tran -Los autobuses diésel serán reemplazados por autobuses eléctricos o de gas natural comprimido (GNC) para 2028.

You gotta know it, it’s ELECTRIC!

READ MORE: Sun Tran Launches Electric Bus Fleet

Meet Sun Van’s “Aquaman”

Sun Van driver John Spicker shows off his swimming medals.

Shiny silver and gold medallions hang from bright red and blue ribbons around John Spicker’s neck. His swimming medal collection is growing! The prizes are proof he has skill in the water. It is no wonder some coworkers fondly refer to him as Aquaman.

His time in the water started when John was just 3-years-old. His whole family enjoyed swimming and would compete annually in a watermelon relay at their community pool. His family won the laughter-filled contest eight times. John seems to have taken that winning streak with him over his six decades on earth. This year John nabbed four medals at the Tucson Senior Olympic Festival.

“I wish I knew about the competition sooner,” said John. “The events are good motivation to stay in shape and practice at the pool. One thing I know is if you don’t move it, you lose it. Swimming helps me stay active.”

He has been competing since 2017, the same year he joined Sun Van. Born at St. Mary’s hospital here in Tucson, he often shares the personal story when driving Sun Van clients near the facility. He credits his family for getting him into swimming, along with creating a soft spot for our neighbors who need an extra hand.

John became the main caregiver to his parents in their late years. A former Meals on Wheels delivery driver, John was looking for a job with flexibility so he would have time to take care of his parents. A hiring banner on Ajo was his sign to try Sun Van.

While his parents have now passed on, John says he is grateful for the time he had with them. He strives to show the same tenderness to his Sun Van clients now.

“I’ve worn a lot of different hats in my life, but the one thing that I try to keep the same is helping people with what I do.”

Clients have taken notice. John received this compliment in June:

“He is always very polite and generous with assisting me. I feel privileged to use Sun Van and want to compliment John.”

John says swimming helps him keep in shape and ready for his tasks at Sun Van. Driving for a paratransit company requires operators to maneuver vehicle lifts, assist with loading and unloading mobility devices, and using a strap system to secure them. Swimming helps John stay loose and strong for getting in and out of the vehicle, bending and reaching during his shift.

“My inspiration is another swimmer who was 92-years-old and still going strong,” said John. “I hope I can keep swimming and making a difference with my work for years to come.”

Along with swimming and driving for Sun Van, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 21-year-old son. He regularly swims at the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center. The Tucson Senior Olympic Festival is a city-sponsored event and is typically held in January each year.

Behind the Scenes: Sun Tran Parts Department

John Baker moves boxes in the parts department.

Visitors to building five at the north yard are greeted with the soft sound of mechanics’ voices bouncing off the expansive work bays. The hum of radios offer harmony while clinking tools serve as percussion. Breezing down the hallway, a parts clerk is at the service window turning over an order. From the window, you catch a glimpse of shelves with boxes and packages waiting to be claimed. What is visible at the window is just a taste of the hidden treasures in the storeroom. An adjoining room acts as a parts warehouse. Rows of organized drawers and shelves are meticulously marked. You will find everything from sheets of windshield glass to hoses and bindings. Kevin Motzkin points to the letters and numbers at the end of a row of drawers, explaining how to find a particular part. As the parts manager, Motzkin oversees six parts clerks.

Kevin Motzkin, Sun Tran Parts Manager sits at his desk.

“Our job is to receive things efficiently and correctly, to control the inventory and to make sure that when the mechanics need something, we have it available and it’s delivered to them immediately.”

A software program is one of the main tools the parts department uses. A mechanic working on a bus will put in a parts order on the computer. The parts clerk will receive a pending request and print a picklist. This sheet of paper includes part numbers and where each item is stored. The clerk will pull the parts, arrange them on a cart and have them ready for pickup.

“The program tells you how many of an item you have on hand, what they cost and if there are any outstanding orders,” said Motzkin. “If I didn’t have a part and really needed one, I could check to see if they have one over at Garage One (South Yard) and borrow from them if necessary.”

Parts clerks, along with shop supervisors and mechanics, can search bus numbers and review previous work history, engine type, warranties and other important information. This function is also useful for crosschecking items to ensure the right part is pulled, depending on bus model.

Weekly, Motzkin submits a reorder for parts that must be kept in stock. Orders are also submitted for a variety of purchases for the shop, administrative employees and operations. Once orders arrive, parts clerks will receive the shipment and follow protocol for accepting the order.

“We take the packing slip, make sure everything that’s supposed to be in the box is in the box,” said Motzkin. “For bus parts, we make sure we get everything that was ordered and then we enter it into the computer so the inventory is updated.”

The parts department works closely with the procurement team, turning in receiving records, packing slips and any other paperwork. There is also a reporting process if they receive a damaged item and need a replacement.

Motzkin’s role involves a lot of planning ahead and working to minimize wait times for essential items. He looks at needs, order patterns and previous wait times to anticipate which items could be in demand in the future.

“You have to make sure that what the mechanics need for the buses is provided to them,” said Motzkin. “That is an important step in keeping buses out on the road and ready for the public.”

Being ahead of the curve improves efficiency for his department, along with maintenance staff. The benefits of this hard working team may go unnoticed by the public, but the parts department is an example of what it takes behind the scenes to keep Sun Tran moving forward.

New Sun Tran Schedules Kick Off Back to School Season

Student riders doing homework while on a Sun Tran bus.

Two students do homework while riding on a Sun Tran bus.

Sun Tran is rolling out a new bus schedule just in time for back-to-school. Starting August 7, four regular bus routes will have schedule changes and three Sun Express routes will add new timepoints at Congress/Granada. Bus routes with changes include Route 7, 12, 15, 18, 103X, 105X and 109X.

There are 3 ways to check your schedule:

Click here: Sun Tran Schedule | Sun Express Schedules
Contact customer service to request an emailed or mailed copy of the schedules for your routes
Pick up a ride guide at a transit center or onboard your bus

(520) 792-9222 | TDD: (520) 628-1565

Email: 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

With all of these resources at your fingertips, getting back into the swing of things this school year will be a breeze. Additionally, Tucson Unified School District students can find bus routes with convenient service to their school by visiting SunTran.com/tusd.

Sun Link streetcar riders will also notice a schedule change in August. Late-night service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings will resume beginning August 18. On evenings when late-night service is available, the streetcar will remain in service through 2 a.m.

Los Nuevos Horarios de Sun Tran dan Inicio a la Temporada de Regreso a Clases

Sun Tran está implementando un nuevo horario de autobuses justo a tiempo para el regreso a clases. A partir del 7 de agosto, cuatro rutas regulares de autobús tendrán cambios de horario y tres rutas de Sun Express agregarán nuevos horarios en Congreso/Granada. Las rutas de autobús con cambios incluyen las rutas 7, 12, 15, 18, 103X, 105X y 109X.

Hay 3 formas de consultar tu horario:

Haga clic aquí: Horario de Sun Tran | Sun Express
Póngase en contacto con el servicio de atención al cliente para solicitar una copia por correo electrónico o por correo de los horarios de sus rutas
Recoja una guía de viaje en un centro de tránsito o a bordo de su autobús

(520) 792-9222 | TDD: (520) 628-1565

Email: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov

Los representantes de servicio al cliente están disponibles de lunes a viernes de 6 a. m. a 7 p. m. y los fines de semana de 8 a 17 hs. Se puede comunicar con el personal por teléfono al: 520-792-9222 (TDD: 520-628-1565) o enviando un correo electrónico a: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov

Con todos estos recursos a su alcance, volver al ritmo de las cosas este año escolar será mut facil. Además, los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Tucson pueden encontrar rutas de autobús con un servicio conveniente a su escuela visitando SunTran.com/tusd.

Los pasajeros del tranvía Sun Link también notarán un cambio de horario en agosto. El servicio nocturno los jueves, viernes y sábados por la noche se reanudará a partir del 18 de agosto. En las noches cuando el servicio nocturno esté disponible, el tranvía permanecerá en servicio hasta las 2 a.m.

Sun Van to Hold Virtual Meetings on Paratransit Service

Sun Van is offering clients and stakeholders two opportunities to provide feedback about the paratransit service. The virtual meetings will allow clients to join the team online to voice ideas, concerns, and share what is going well. During the community conversation, meeting participants can take a survey on transit fares. Feedback from this meeting will help Sun Van improve paratransit service throughout the community.

“Our services must evolve to meet new demands, especially in this time when people need us most,” said Shawn Mangan, Sun Van Assistant General Manager. “This community conversation will help Sun Van focus internally, and on what clients want out of a service experience; it could even inspire innovations for future projects.”

The first virtual meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams on Thursday, August 4 at 1 p.m. The second meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the same day. To access the meetings, visit: SunTran.com/sunvan. Accessibility features available at the meetings include an ASL interpreter, Spanish-speaking staff and closed captioning capabilities.

Those who cannot participate in the meetings are encouraged to share input by calling Sun Tran Customer Service at: (520) 792-9222 or sending an email to: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.

Sun Van realizará reuniones virtuales sobre el servicio de paratránsito

Sun Van ofrece a los clientes y partes interesadas dos oportunidades para proporcionar comentarios sobre el servicio de paratránsito. Las reuniones virtuales permitirán a los clientes unirse al equipo en línea para expresar ideas, inquietudes y compartir lo que va bien. Durante la conversación comunitaria, los participantes de la reunión pueden realizar una encuesta sobre las tarifas de tránsito. Los comentarios de esta reunión ayudarán a Sun Van a mejorar el servicio de paratránsito en toda la comunidad.

“Nuestros servicios deben evolucionar para satisfacer las nuevas demandas, especialmente en este momento en que la gente más nos necesita”, dijo Shawn Mangan, subgerente general de Sun Van. “Esta conversación comunitaria ayudará a Sun Van a centrarse internamente y en lo que los clientes quieren de una experiencia de servicio; incluso podría inspirar innovaciones para proyectos futuros”.

La primera reunión virtual se llevará a cabo en Microsoft Teams el jueves 4 de agosto a la 1 p.m. La segunda reunión comenzará a las 5:30 p.m. En el mismo día. Para acceder a las reuniones, visite: SunTran.com/sunvan. Las características de accesibilidad disponibles en las reuniones incluyen un intérprete de ASL, personal que habla español y capacidades de subtítulos.

Se recomienda a quienes no puedan participad en las reuniones a que compartan sus opiniones llamando al Servicio de atención al cliente de Sun Tran al: (520) 792-9222 o enviando un correo electrónico a: SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.