Starting August 16, Sun Tran, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle will implement route and schedule adjustments. Meanwhile, a new three-year contract with Teamsters Local 104 aims to stabilize operations.
Sun Tran, the primary public transit provider for the City of Tucson, has announced a series of updates that will affect riders starting this month. The agency will implement service and route changes on Sunday, August 16, affecting Sun Tran, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services. Riders are encouraged to review the changes and plan trips accordingly.
Service Changes Effective August 16
According to the agency’s August newsletter, several routes will receive adjustments. While the specific routes are not detailed in the announcement, Sun Tran advises passengers to check the updated schedules before traveling. These changes are part of routine service adjustments, but they come as students return to school, a peak period for transit use.
New Labor Agreement with Teamsters Local 104
In a separate development, Sun Tran and Teamsters Local 104 have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. Negotiations began on March 26, and the agency says it bargained in good faith with a commitment to a fair and equitable contract. The agreement covers wages, benefits, and working conditions for transit workers, though specific terms have not been disclosed. This deal is crucial for maintaining stable service and avoiding disruptions.
Safety and Security Action Plan
Sun Tran also released its Transit Safety and Security Action Plan, a systemwide roadmap to enhance safety for operators, riders, and the community. Developed in response to Mayor and Council direction, the plan outlines coordinated measures to address safety concerns. While details are not fully outlined in the announcement, the plan signals a proactive approach to transit security.
Other Updates
- Sun Tran Boulevard Closure: Beginning the week of June 15, Sun Tran Boulevard will be closed for construction. Visitors can access the facility via the east entrance at Romero Road and Smoot Drive, with visitor parking available nearby.
- Rider Recognition: Sun Van driver Dee retired after 33 years of service, highlighting the agency’s long-tenured workforce.
- Community Engagement: Sun Tran is hosting Stuff-the-Bus, Learn to Ride sessions, and Safe City public meetings. Riders can also rate their transit system.
What Riders Should Do
With changes taking effect August 16, riders should check the Sun Tran website for updated schedules and route maps. The agency also encourages signing up for its newsletter to receive alerts and detours. For those needing paratransit, Sun Van services continue to operate.
These updates reflect Sun Tran’s ongoing efforts to improve service and safety, but riders should be aware of potential disruptions during the transition. The labor agreement, if ratified, will provide labor peace for the next three years.