The Salvation Army is preparing to make the holiday spectacular for thousands of area families in need. iHeartMedia, KGUN 9 and Sun Tran are helping the nonprofit with a Stuff-The-Bus toy drive on Friday, December 10. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Walmart on Speedway and Kolb between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Santa will make a special appearance from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monetary donations can be made online at: SalvationArmyTucson.org.
Stuff-The-Bus Toy Drive
Friday, December 10
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Walmart on Speedway and Kolb.
El Salvation Army se está preparando para que estos días festivos sea espectacular para miles de familias necesitadas del área. iHeartMedia, KGUN 9 y Sun Tran ayudarán a la organización sin fines de lucro con una colecta de juguetes Stuff-The-Bus el viernes 10 de diciembre. Deje juguetes nuevos sin envolver en Walmart de Speedway y Kolb entre las 6 a.m. y las 6 p.m. Santa hará una aparición especial de 2 p.m. a 6 p.m. Las donaciones monetarias se pueden hacer en línea en: SalvationArmyTucson.org.
Join forces with Mayor Regina Romero, the U.S. Marine Corps and Sun Link to help make the holidays magical for local children. Donate new, unwrapped toys at this year’s Stuff-The-Streetcar event on Friday, December 3. Stop by the festive streetcar on 8th Street and 4th Avenue anytime between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Enjoy music during a live radio broadcast from Larry Mac with 96.1 KLPX and plan to visit with Rockin’ Santa at 4 p.m.
The toy drive benefits the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Last year, Tucson Toys for Tots distributed more than 40,000 toys.
“Every child deserves to feel special this holiday season,” said Mayor Romero. “We know a lot of Tucson families have had a tough year and may need a helping hand celebrating the holidays. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps and know that a streetcar full of toys will go a long way in helping them accomplish this year’s mission.”
Spread hope and holiday cheer in our community by supporting this year’s Stuff-The-Streetcar.
Tucson’s micro-transit pilot service turns 1-year-old on November 8th. In 2020, Sun Van launched the door-to-door transportation pilot option to provide a flexible way for riders to travel to nearby destinations within Ward 1 or Ward 5 service areas, designated as Zones 1 and 2.
“We’re here to serve,” said Michelle McCarty, one of the drivers.
She is a Sun Van driver who cross-trained for the Sun On Demand service and has spent more than six months providing transportation in the zones. A true people-person, McCarty says she likes that the service makes public transportation more personable.
“I have had such great fulfillment learning how people operate, giving them a chance to get to know me a little bit,” said McCarty. “Now, as soon as they approach the van they’re like, ‘Hi, Michelle, how’s your mom?’ They all check in with me like we’re family. Here in Tucson we really like to make everybody feel like they belong. We’re all a team, we’re all here together.”
Sun On Demand uses a smaller shuttle-style van instead of the standard 40’ bus for increased mobility within residential streets. It combines the convenience of an uber with the accessibility of public transportation.
“We go right to the outside of your house, apartment, your medical center, wherever you’re getting picked up and we leave you right outside of wherever you’re getting dropped off,” said Luz Navarrete, the Community Outreach Manager for Sun On Demand. “You don’t have to walk to get to a bus stop, you don’t have to cross major streets, you don’t have to worry about any of that when you’re using On Demand.”
Another benefit over similar ridesharing services is that all of the operators are professional drivers who have passed rigorous background checks and completed operational and safety training programs.
Since its launch, Sun On Demand has expanded the Zone 1 service area to increase ridership and better meet the needs of riders in that area. The expansion included areas in Ward 3 like Barrio Blue Moon, Old Pascua neighborhood and the Tucson House.
First Month: November 2020 – 283 rides
Busiest Month: May 2021 – 690 rides
Total Ridership for FY21: 2,842
Total Service Miles: 38,432
In July, Sun On Demand debuted a ride booking and tracking app. The mobile app rivals technology used by ridesharing providers. Working with Spare, Sun On Demand implemented the platform to simplify the transit experience for passengers.
“It is very exciting because now our passengers have the ability to book their own trips. They can decide their own schedule without having to go through a call center,” said Louie Romo, the Operations and Scheduling Manager for Sun Van. “With the app you can track your vehicle in real time, get push notifications and know exactly when your vehicle will be arriving.”
The technology is also used for driver assignments and gathering service metrics. An app demo event was held shortly after the launch to help riders set up their app profiles and to take a ride through Zone 2. You are invited to download the Sun On Demand app now, available for Apple and Android devices.
“Rides are no charge through 2021,” said McCarty. “It would give you an opportunity to check out the ride, see if it’s something that works with your busy schedule.”
With twelve months of the pilot project complete, Sun On Demand continues to shape the future of transit in Tucson. It may not be too long before this pilot is here to stay.
Sun Tran and Sun Link Team Up to Provide Ride Options for the Annual Event.
All Souls Procession participants can enjoy free public transportation options to and from the event on Sunday. Sun Tran buses will provide a direct route from the Ronstadt Transit Center to Grande Avenue and Speedway Boulevard, near the procession starting line. This service is available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The downtown pick up location is on 6th Avenue in front of the Ronstadt Transit Center.
After the procession, riders are encouraged to use the Sun Link streetcar to travel from the Mercado district 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 until 10:30 p.m.
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.
Opciones de autobús y tranvía para la Procesión de Todas las Almas (All Souls Procession)
Sun Tran y Sun Link se unen para brindar opciones de transporte para el evento anual.
Los participantes de All Souls Procession 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. 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 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.
We invite you to join Sun Shuttle and the Regional Transportation Authority for a series of in-person and virtual meetings to learn more about how we plan to improve shuttle service in the Marana area. We would like to provide quality service that is faster and covers a broader area. We look forward to your feedback on the proposed service options.
Public Input Meetings:
Thursday October 28th: 11:30 a.m. ‒ 12:30 p.m. Picture Rocks Community Center 5615 N. Sanders Rd.
Tuesday November 2nd: 6 p.m. ‒ 7 p.m. Marana Municipal Complex, Police Community Room 11555 Civic Center Dr.
Friday November 5th: 4:30 p.m. ‒ 5:30 p.m. Dollar General 12355 N Trico Rd, Marana, AZ 85653
There was no missing it; a 40-foot bus secured to a flatbed trailer, waiting at the gate. When the security arm stood at attention, the tow truck slowly rumbled into Sun Tran’s north yard. Pulling around to the maintenance shop, the truck driver got to work unchaining tires, adjusting mirrors and ever so gently, inching the whisper-quiet bus off the trailer bed. Excitement thickened as a group of employees gathered to watch and document the occasion. A previous delivery truck had already left and another was on the last leg of a roughly 850-mile haul. This delivery method was not the norm. Most GILLIGs are driven into Tucson. But the newest bus on the block was different, giving us all a peek into the future. The all-electric, zero-emissions big boy and his four brothers are already making a mark in the community.
“The introduction of electric buses in Tucson is a step toward a cleaner environment and a sustainable energy future,” said RATP Dev USA CEO Arnaud Legrand. “Your creativity to assemble this cooperative venture, and your willingness to embrace cutting edge technology are examples of the values of the Tucson community.”
In the days after the delivery, more buzz surrounded the battery-electric buses. All five were subjected to multiple inspections, road tests and a variety of equipment installations, like bicycle racks. Mechanics and drivers attended important training sessions. The battery-electric Low Floor Plus buses have some key difference to their bio-diesel or CNG-powered counterparts. Electric vehicles thrive in stop-and-go traffic, thanks in part to regenerative braking. When mechanics tinker around, they discover a Cummins battery where the gas tank is positioned on other buses. Two more are in the powertrain compartment and three batteries are located on the roof. A test port at the rear of the bus allows technicians to check that power has been successfully disconnected prior to maintenance or repair work. Another important component is a cooling system used to regulate battery temperature, a must in the desert heat. Instead of a gas cap, you will find two charging ports on the electric buses.
Out in the bus yard, a concrete area sheltered by solar panels is sectioned off for the Siemens charging stations. In true pandemic-era fashion, a back-ordered part is holding the construction project hostage. Nevertheless, plans for a party began to take shape. On September 30, 2021, Sun Tran welcomed members of the public, city officials and community partners to celebrate the battery-electric fleet and enjoy a ride on the new buses.
“Since 2005, Sun Tran has chosen GILLIG to provide clean-energy transit for their communities,” said Bill Fay, GILLIG Vice President of Sales. “We’re proud to provide these new zero-emission buses. They’re going to provide exceptional performance and environmentally friendly public transportation that’s reliable, safe and quiet in operation.”
While other buses let out a distinctive rumble, drivers cannot solely rely on their ears when hitting the ignition switch on an electric model. An indicator lets the driver know when the bus engine is actually running. Instead of a fuel tank gauge, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard monitor when the bus reaches 10% remaining battery life. The vehicles also feature a hill hold aid, which prevents roll-back after stopping on an incline.
“Sun Tran is excited to introduce electric buses in the community,” said Sun Tran General Manager Steve Spade. “These buses represent cutting edge technology in the transit industry focused on energy self-sufficiency and a cleaner environment.”
As the launch party guests chattered about the new buses, many in attendance felt a sense of accomplishment. It took grant applications, planning and collaboration to get to this day. Sun Tran introduced an electric apparatus to Tucson in 2019, with the temporary addition of a battery-powered bus leased from GILLIG. The first of its kind to service a fixed bus route in the city, the vehicle was easy to spot with a red, white and blue wrapper. The Route 8 regular served as a project pilot as local decision-makers planned the next step. They had bigger plans than the one show-pony driving back and forth on Broadway. The ultimate goal: an eventual electrification of the entire fleet.
“Electrifying our city’s vehicle and transit fleet is an important step to make our city more climate resilient,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “Electric transit buses will benefit all members of our community and help reduce transit tailpipe emissions. These emissions are the primary cause of harmful ozone levels, an issue that disproportionally affects low-income families.”
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has also been a steadfast supporter of electric vehicle projects. The power company has a robust renewable energy portfolio and already advanced the Sun Link streetcar and an all-electric Sabino Canyon tram, to name a few investments. TEP also contributed to the purchase and installation of five charging stations that will be used for the new buses. The equipment is located at Sun Tran’s north bus yard and can charge up to ten buses.
“At TEP, we like to say that we’re energized about electric transportation. We’re really proud to be part of leading the way to make this major shift in our community,” said Susan Gray, the CEO of TEP. The [battery electric buses] will get greener every year, as we continue to add renewable resources to charge these buses. We’ve committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 80% by 2035.”
Along with zero-emissions advantages, another big reason transit companies across the globe purchase electric vehicles includes cost benefits. Fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs over the lifetime of the bus can really add up. Research indicates that for every 1,000 electric buses on the road, 500 barrels of diesel are saved per day. Sun Tran’s new buses cost $911,000 each and were funded as part of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low No Emissions Grant Program.
“We’re also very pleased and appreciate the support we’re getting from FTA Region 9, helping us move our electrification initiatives forward and reaching that goal of being carbon neutral by 2035,” said the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility Director Diana Alarcon. “This is an exciting moment and look for [more] great things to come.”
Sun Tran is the first transit company in Arizona to launch fully electric buses. Reports from early this year indicate that between 650 to 1,000 electric buses are currently in service in the United States. Globally, China boasts the largest number of electric buses in use, close to 600,000. Colombia and the United Kingdom are each estimated to have around 1,000 electric buses in service, with orders expected to greatly increase their number in the next few years.
“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 is placing the five battery-electric buses in service this fall. Five more are already on order with GILLIG and will join the fleet in 2022.
The iconic community pep rally Bear Down Fridays returned for a 15th season this fall. The free event brings together thousands of UA students, alumni, fans and Tucsonans on the Friday night before every home football game. Everyone is encouraged to bring their Wildcat pride and team colors as we cheer on Arizona Football!
Every pep rally begins at 6 p.m. starring the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, UA Poms, Twirlers and Guard, Wilbur and Wilma and UA Cheer. A variety of University of Arizona coaches and staff make guest appearances at each pep rally. Arrive early to enjoy food specials, happy hour pricing, giveaways, games, activities for all ages and discounts.
“Arizona Football has been known to inspire the best in Tucson. With 15 years of community spirit, Bear Down Fridays is a free event that helps unite the city with its flagship university. It will be fantastic to see the community after a year off due to the pandemic,” says Kris Siuda, Event Coordinator at Marshall Foundation, “We remain mindful of the community’s health and encourage everyone not yet vaccinated for COVID-19 to wear a mask, or to stop in for a convenient and easy vaccine at Main Gate Square’s CVS Pharmacy.”
Main Gate Square is located on University Boulevard between Euclid Avenue and Park Avenue on the east and west, and between 2nd Street and 4th Street on the north and south, and features over thirty restaurants and twenty-five retailers and salons. The location is also along the streetcar route. Not only do Sun Link employees prepare for increased ridership around the event, the streetcar is also featured in the procession.
“Ahead of the parade we filter trains throughout the area to keep service going for the general public. We also stage one streetcar to be part of the procession,” said Sun Link Lead Rail Supervisor Nelson Hall. “We actually get to tell the band director when it’s time to start the parade.”
Hall walks alongside the streetcar as the line of cheerleaders, band members and athletes march to the main stage. He ensures participants stay a safe distance from the streetcar. This is Hall’s sixth season to help with Bear Down Fridays.
“The empty trains last year were depressing,” said Hall. “Now that we have the public back out and we’re moving people again, it just shows that Sun Link provides an important service. I feel valuable again.”
For Streetcar Operator Luis Gonzalez, working the event is a first. He has been with Sun Link since October 2020 but is no stranger to UA spirit.
“My dad helped build the sky boxes at the stadium and I’d go to games with my grandpa,” said Gonzalez. “There’s a lot of great memories around Wildcat football season.”
While Gonzalez is waiting for his turn to operate the streetcar used in the Bear Down Fridays parade, he’s happy to do his part to provide service to the rest of the route. He thinks the tradition will continue to spark camaraderie in the community.
“Bear Down Fridays is a great benefit for Tucson in general. It’s a good way to extend our hand to students,” said Gonzalez. “I look at it as the students are our guests and we should welcome them into our community. Here at Sun Link, we make sure the streetcars are ready for our riders. As part of our community, we care about everyone’s health and safety.”
Four more Bear Down Fridays will take place at Main Gate Square this season. Ride the streetcar free, with service offered through 2 a.m. Parking is free in the Tyndall Garage after 4 p.m. on Bear Down Fridays with a merchant validation. The Garage entrance is located at 4th Street & Euclid Avenue or on Tyndall Avenue & 4th Street. Visit beardownfridays.com ahead of each event to learn more about merchant specials.
Event: Bear Down Fridays 2021
Dates: October 8, 21 (Thursday), November 5, 12
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Main Gate Square
On University Blvd. between Euclid & Park
Price: Free & Open to the Public
Parking: Free streetcar rides and free in the Tyndall Garage after 4 p.m. with a merchant validation.
Transit improvements are coming to Broadway in May of 2022. The goal of the project is to improve service quality from the east side to downtown. A proposed rapid bus service on Broadway would offer a more efficient way to travel from Houghton Road to Sixth Avenue. At a series of in-person and virtual meetings, the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed service elements and amenities, service frequency, bus stop locations and more.
Virtual Public Input Meetings: October 22, 9:30 a.m. Meeting information
The Ronstadt Transit Center located on Congress Street downtown reopened just after 5 p.m. Monday, following an unexpected closure. Passengers may experience minor delays as Sun Tran buses work to get back on schedule. Sun Tran, Sun Express and Sun Shuttle services previously impacted in the downtown area will resume normal operations Tuesday morning. Passengers may experience short delays if detours around closed roads are still in effect on Tuesday.
Passengers needing trip planning assistance can contact customer service at:
