TMD is in the final stages of developing a COA for the Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle systems in Greater Tucson. The goal of the COA was to identify cost-neutral service improvements that would better align service delivery with customer priorities. One of the main themes heard during the public outreach phase was a desire for more weekend and evening service. The plan prioritizes expanding service later on weekends and adding frequency, doubling service on many routes from 60 to 30 minutes. Sun Tran operates a hybrid system that largely operates as a grid but also has heavy reliance on transfers at transit centers. Many of the recommendations involved consolidating routes through transit centers to minimize transfers and route duplication. The draft COA plan was shared with the community in the summer of 2023. Many of the recommendations were updated based on community feedback and incorporated into the final plan which was presented to the City of Tucson mayor and city council in June 2024.
Relevant Project Materials
We are very pleased with the support and partnership TMD has provided throughout the Comprehensive Operational Analysis process. China, Melissa, and Anna have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the analysis, responsiveness to community concerns, and creativity in formulating final recommendations. Their innovative and thoughtful approach has exceeded our expectations. The team’s professionalism and strategic insights have been instrumental in guiding improvements to our transit operations, and we look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.
– James Castañeda, Project Manager – Special Projects