Tucson working on 10-year plan for transit system

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - With expectations of growth, concerns over congestion may be in the future for the city of Tucson and Pima County. Leaders are hoping to get ahead of any problems with a new 10-year plan.

The Pima Association of Governments and the city of Tucson hosted an open house Wednesday, Oct. 17, to discuss the development of a Long-Range Regional Transit Plan with riders and residents.

Map shows the most frequented routes and stops around the Tucson region.(Source: Tucson News Now)

“I’ve had a lot of friends who tried to ride the transit system and they ended up having a problem getting onto the bus regularly. One of my sons was trying to ride the bus and it took two hours for him to get somewhere, so I think it’s very interesting how they are talking about frequency," Felicia Chew said.

Consultants for the Long-Range Regional Transit Plan will consider the amount of transit service appropriate for the region, bus frequency versus route coverage and expanding the Frequent Transit Network with improving service on existing frequent lines.

“When you run more frequent service, you get more ridership because high frequency service, service that’s coming pretty much whenever you need to go, attracts a broader range of riders,” said Jarrett Walker, with Jarrett Walker + Associates.

Walker said meeting with the public gives his team a better idea of what is wanted and needed in the community.

Consultants will consider expanding or improving the current transit system to keep up with... — Consultants will consider expanding or improving the current transit system to keep up with growth over the next ten years.(Source: Tucson News Now)

Maps and displays showed the most frequented transit routes, which showed the highest transit ridership currently occurs at major transit centers and major intersections. The study also found the transit provides access to the most jobs within 30 minutes on the most frequent routes.

There will be another open house meeting on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hotel Tucson City Center, 475 N. Granada Avenue. There is free parking at the hotel.