City of Tucson

Five-Year Strategic
Transit Plan
[A Guide for Enhancing Service, Increasing Efficiency, and Achieving
Sustainability]

Transit Task Force
October 5, 2012

Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Message from Transit Task Force and Tucson Department of
Transportation
Mayor and City Council Members:
We are pleased to present a first draft of a Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan and herewith
submit it to you for input and review. Your comments and suggestions on the Plan will
ensure that transit meets the travel and mobility needs of the Tucson area. Once you have
provided your input we will make revisions and issue a final Five-Year Transit Strategic Plan.
The Transit Task Force sees this plan as a working document which provides a framework
for monitoring the progress of transit in our community. The Plan does not directly answer
all your questions or address all of your concerns, but it does outline additional tasks needing
to be completed to do so. Thus the Transit Task Force requests that it be given permanent
status to ensure continuity in the transit planning and review process, and enabling it to
further develop policies identified in the Plan as needing more work.
We would like to thank everyone who has participated in this process thus far – you have
been instrumental in shaping the future of transit in our community. Specifically we would
like to thank the members of the Transit Task Force, Tucson Department of Transportation
staff, Sun Tran and Sun Van staff and transit advocates who took their time to attend
meetings and provide comments.

Gene Caywood, Chair Transit Task Force

Transit Task Force Members
Mayor
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
CTAC
CTAC
CTAC
CTAC

Michael Wall
Peggy Hutchison
Rob Blizzard
Carolyn Campbell
(Vacant)
Eugene Caywood
(Jeremy Papuga *resigned effective 10/2/2012)
Linda Dobbyn
Sami Hamed
Farhad Moghimi
(Vacant)

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Table of Contents
Message from Transit Task Force and TDOT……………………………..1
Executive Summary………………………………………………………..3
Community Profile………………………………………………………...5
Description of Existing Services and Resources…………………………....7
Related Plans, Programs and Policies………………………………………11
Transit System Goals and Objectives established by the Transit Task Force.13
Financial Plan………………………………………………………………25
Service Plan………………………………………………………………...30
Marketing Plan…………………………………………………………….33
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………38
Appendices
Appendix I – Regional Service Interconnectivity Map
Appendix II – Sun Tran and Sun Van Current Fleet Lifecycle Plan
Appendix III – Sun Tran Recommended Fixed Route Performance
Standards
Appendix IV – Five Year Financial Plan
Appendix V – Sun Tran Routes by Wards Served
Appendix VI – Sun Van Service Area Map
Appendix VII – Proposed RTA Transit Improvements
Appendix VIII – Sun Tran and Sun Van Five Year Performance Trends

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Executive Summary
Along with other City of Tucson core services (i.e. Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation and
Streets and Traffic Maintenance), the City of Tucson’s Mass Transit System serves an
integral part in how the City of Tucson looks and functions today and where it will be
positioned and perform in the future.
In 2008, the City’s Mayor and Council approved the initiation of a Transit Task Force (TTF)
whose function is to “. . . evaluate and monitor the City transit system’s finances,
expenditures, ridership data and assumptions, and sources of funding.” In 2009, the Mayor
and Council amended Sections 5 of Resolution 21023 to read “The Transit Task Force shall
evaluate and monitor the City transit system’s finances, expenditures, ridership data and
assumptions, and sources of funding, and analyze the long term viability and control of the
transit system as a regional entity.” While acknowledging that the City’s transit system
serves much of the Tucson Metropolitan Area, the vast majority of riders are City of Tucson
residents, and the transit system’s operations are funded primarily with City of Tucson
funds. It is the vision of the Transit Task Force to make public transportation, in its various
forms, a viable transportation of choice.
The Transit Task Force aspires to work together with community leaders, City Staff, and
transportation advocates to champion a safe, reliable, and economic public transportation
within the Tucson Metropolitan Area; and lead public transportation planning and
innovation by providing guidance and direction to the Tucson Metropolitan Area regarding
the development of innovative transportation solutions. As part of this process, the Transit
Task Force will utilize resources of Veolia Transportation, industry partners, as well as the
FTA to maintain full knowledge of current trends, and best practices to overcome obstacles
and challenges in meeting their mission.
To assist in the achievement of the vision and goal of the Transit Task Force, this Strategic
Plan has been developed to provide a roadmap for Mayor and Council as well as City staff.
This plan will provide the means to evaluate the performance of the system, determine the
direction the community wants to move in the future and outline a process to achieve set
objectives and to maintain a transit system that is productive, cost efficient and effective.
Along with defining goals, setting specific objectives, and establishing a policy framework for
the City’s transit system, the Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan incorporates the Mayor and
Council’s intent for the Transit Task force to, “evaluate and monitor the city transit system’s
finances, expenditures, ridership data and assumptions, and sources of funding”. It also
incorporates the guiding principles approved by Mayor and Council at the City Council
Meeting on June 5, 2012:





Efficiencies of Vehicle Types
Maintaining Farebox Recovery Rate at Above National Average
Segregating operating vs. capital: including financing mechanisms
Segregation of Modes: Fixed Route, Paratransit, Streetcar and Express

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan







Segregation of projected revenues for various Modes
Ridership: Low Income, Choice Riders
Conducting a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) within a two year period
Independent Audit of management company on a regular basis to ensure sound
fiscal management of system within the first six months of FY 2013
Evaluation of options for insurance and risk management, and
Documented service analysis from areas of the City that do not have the same
ridership opportunities.

As a working document, the Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan will be reviewed on an annual
basis and modified as the environment and/or conditions evolve. In addition, the Five-Year
Strategic Transit Plan may be used to prioritize transit projects and provide input pursuant to
Pima Association of Government’s Short Range Transit Program (SRTP) and
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Community Profile
Pima County, located in southern Arizona, covers an area of approximately 9,200 square
miles. The April 2010 Census population count was 980,263, with 353,264 or 36 percent
residing in the unincorporated area. The majority of the population lives in the eastern half
of the county, which contains all five incorporated jurisdictions and two Native American
tribal reservation areas. Pima County’s population is projected to reach 1.45 million by 2041.
Nearly 85 percent of the county’s land is federal, state or Native American owned. The
median age for residents is 35.7 years. The race and ethnicity breakdown in Pima County is:
White 57.2%, Hispanic/Latino 32.8%; Black 3.1%; American Indian 2.5%; Asian 2.4%.

Tucson Metropolitan Area
The 2010 Census lists a population of 520,116 for the City of Tucson, making it the 33rd
largest city in the nation. Since its incorporation in 1877, Tucson has grown from two
square miles to over 227 square miles in area, the center of a metropolitan area over 400
square miles. The median age for Tucson residents is 33.0 years. Race and ethnicity in

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Tucson include: White 47.2%; Hispanic 41.6%; Black 4.5%; Asian 2.7%; American Indian
1.7%.
As the primary transportation alternative to the motor vehicle, our public transit system
plays a vital role in the reduction of air pollution in the Tucson metropolitan area.
Information obtained by Pima Association of Governments illustrates that as an alternative
to single occupancy vehicle use; convincing motorists to ride Sun Tran can positively affect
air pollution levels in our area:
“Currently, air quality in the Tucson region is good and meets all of the federal
environmental health standards. However, several air pollutants (ground-level
ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide) are of key significance in our area. Of
these three, ground-level ozone is of the greatest concern since increasing levels may
exceed the total concentrations recommended by the federal health standard.
Although air pollutants are emitted from commercial and industrial sources, the
majority of air pollution in the county comes from motor vehicle use.”

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Description of Existing Services and Resources
Sun Tran – Fixed Route Service
With more than 600 employees and a fleet of 243 buses, Sun Tran provides award-winning
fixed route service within the City of Tucson, and through intergovernmental agreements,
delivers service into Unincorporated Pima County, the City of South Tucson, the Town of
Marana, the Town of Oro Valley, the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The system’s 40 fixed routes cover 296 square miles.
Sun Tran remains committed to helping the environment through the use of alternative
fuels. In 2007, Sun Tran reached a significant milestone with the entire bus fleet running on
cleaner-burning fuel technologies. Currently, 173 buses run on B5 biodiesel, 69 run on
Compressed Natural Gas, and one hybrid biodiesel/electric vehicle was added to the fleet in
2010. Hybrid technology helps to reduce emissions and saves on fuel by combining a
conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion
system. The current average age of the fleet is just over 6.6 years. Later this year, Sun Tran
will accept shipment of 23 replacement vehicles and 12 additions to the fleet. Of these 35
vehicles, 25 will run on Biodiesel and 10 will be run on hybrid technology.
In FY 2009, Sun Tran’s ridership peaked at 21.6 million passenger trips. Although ridership
has declined since that time due to a 2010 strike and 2011 fare increase, Sun Tran provided
19.9 million passenger trips in FY 2012. Per Mayor and Council direction, Sun Tran’s goal
for FY 2013 is to increase ridership by 10 percent. The SunGO implementation date is
scheduled for early 2013. It is anticipated that staff will be able to provide more specific
ridership information beginning in FY 2014. Of particular interest is the percentage of City
of Tucson residents utilizing the transit system compared to residents of surrounding
jurisdictions.
In February 2012, Sun Tran assumed management of the Special Services Office downtown,
which improves efficiencies, provides consistent communication to all transit passengers and
reduces the number of bus passes sold at City department locations. With a focus on
improving customer service, the average phone wait time is decreasing and abandoned call
rates are down dramatically. The Special Services Office sells bus passes, qualifies individuals
for the Economy Pass Program, and adds value to Sun Van passenger accounts.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

Sun Van – Paratransit Service
Sun Van, Tucson’s Paratransit agency since 1987, meets the standard set under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and provides transportation service to those
individuals unable to use Sun Tran’s fixed route service due to their disability. The service is
available to persons with disabilities whose disability prevents them from riding the fixed
route bus (Sun Tran) and who have a current ADA Paratransit Eligibility Card issued by the
City of Tucson. Serving the Tucson Metropolitan area and portions of Pima County, and in
accordance with the ADA, Sun Van provides service to and from points within three
quarters of a mile along each Sun Tran fixed route, excluding express routes, during the days
and times that Sun Tran operates. Sun Van also provides optional service, which is
paratransit service that goes above and beyond the stipulations of the ADA. Sun Van’s
optional service is provided in areas of the city without fixed route Sun Tran service, the
largest area being southeast Tucson.
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
With 238 employees and a fleet of 125 ADA accessible vehicles, Sun Van provides
complementary ADA service to the Sun Tran system. During FY 2011, Sun Van recorded
ridership of 484,373 passenger trips, an increase of 4.4 percent over the previous year, as
well as 4 million total system miles. Total passenger ridership in FY 2012 was 520,320 an
increase of 35,947 passenger trips or a 7.4% increase over FY 2011.
Sun Van

FY 2011
FY 2012

Total
Sun Van
ADA
Passenger
Trips
446,398
475,687

% Increase
over
Previous
Year
4.80%
6.60%

Total
Sun Van
Optional
Passenger
Trips
37,975
44,633

% Increase
Over
Previous
Year

Total
Passenger
Trips

-.03%
17.50%

484,373
520,320

Total %
Increase
Over
Previous
Year
4.4 %
7.4%

Downtown Loop
The downtown-area circulator provides free transit service to improve access to community
service, government offices, courts, educational facilities and area businesses. The service is
partially funded by a Federal Transit Administration Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC)
grant.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Additional Transportation Services Provided by Jurisdictional Partners (for
informational purposes only):
A map of the fixed route services provided by jurisdictional partners connecting to Sun Tran
is provided in Appendix I.
Sun Shuttle
Sun Shuttle is neighborhood transit service in Marana, Oro Valley, Catalina, Sahuarita, Green
Valley, San Xavier, Tucson Estates and Southeast Tucson/Rita Ranch. Provided with
funding from sales tax collected from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Sun
Shuttle is part of the regional seamless transit system. Since launching the first routes in May
2009, Sun Shuttle has added service and continued to increase ridership. Sun Shuttle
exceeded 234,000 passenger trips in the period of May 2011 through April 2012. Though
Sun Shuttle is an RTA service contracted through a separate private transit operator, Sun
Tran staff provides integrated marketing, planning, communications and customer service
functions to ensure a regional seamless system. The cost of providing these services is
reimbursed to the City of Tucson through an Intergovernmental Agreement with the RTA.
Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride
Sun Shuttle provides dial-a-ride service for individuals traveling in Oro Valley. Service areas
vary for seniors, persons with disabilities, or the general public. Currently this service is
provided by the Town of Oro Valley.
Ajo Transit Service
Weekday service is provided within the Ajo community via Ajo Dial-a-Ride. Connector
service from Ajo to Tucson and Ajo to Why allow persons living in the rural areas improved
access to the metropolitan area. All services are currently provided by Ajo Transportation
Company and funded through the Federal Transit Administration and the RTA.
RTA Special Needs Transit
RTA Special Needs Transit is the advance reservation door-to-door transportation service
provided by the RTA to persons who have disabilities and who reside within the special
needs eligibility area. The eligibility area comprises parts of Pima County including Central
Tucson and portions of Marana and Oro Valley. Currently, this service is handled by HandiCar and is funded through the Federal Transit Administration and the RTA.
Transportation Services in Development:
Sun Link
Sun Link, the Tucson modern streetcar, is the product of an extensive transit study and was
included in the RTA Plan approved by voters in 2006. The 3.9-mile streetcar will connect
major centers of social and economic activity where more than 100,000 people live and work
within a half-mile of the streetcar route, including the University of Arizona and downtown
Tucson. The streetcar is part of the area transportation system, and will be integrated with
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
other jurisdictional transit operations including Sun Tran. Sun Link is expected to be in
revenue service in late 2013.

Transit Expansion
Over the years, Sun Tran and Sun Van’s greatest challenge has been to fund service to meet
the increasing demand for transit. Transit expansion became a reality in May 2006, when
Pima County voters enacted a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation improvements.
Through 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority Plan earmarks nearly $533 million for
transit improvements, including expanding service hours, new service areas, greater weekday
frequency, more express service, fleet expansion, and the creation of the Sun Link modern
streetcar.

Related Plans, Programs and Policies


PAG’s Transit Improvement Program (TIP)
A five-year schedule and budget of proposed transportation improvements within
eastern Pima County.
http://www.pagnet.org/Programs/TransportationPlanning/PlansandPrograms/Tra
nsportationImprovementProgram/tabid/172/Default.aspx



PAG 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
http://www.pagnet.org/Programs/TransportationPlanning/2040RegionalTransport
ationPlan/tabid/809/Default.aspx



Regional Transportation Authority Plan

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
A $2.1 billion, 20-year multi-modal transportation plan approved by Pima County
voters in 2006, funded by a 1/2-cent excise tax, along with other regional and local
dollars, such as developer impact fees.
www.rtamobility.com


Clean Air Act
Federal law that defines the Environmental Protection Agency’s responsibilities for
protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.
http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/



RTA Regional Paratransit Study
Paratransit service evaluation conducted by the RTA Transit Working group to avoid
duplication of service, improve efficiency, and standardizes fares and policies



Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Provides for equitable distribution of public transportation resources.
http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Title_VI_FINAL.pdf



Environmental Justice
Provides equal protection for all environmental status and regulations without
discrimination.
http://fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_EJ_Circular_7.14-12_FINAL.pdf



City of Tucson Resolution 15460
Defines the City of Tucson’s public participation process in the event of transit fare
increases or services changes.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

Transit System Goals and Objectives established by the Transit Task
Force on October 4, 2012
In developing system goals and objectives the Transit Task Force has utilized the
following model:
Mode – identify the transit mode by fixed route, express route, paratransit and streetcar;
Program – the goal or tactic that has been identified to be accomplished:
Lead Responsibility – the entity responsible for taking the lead responsibility for the
identified program
Timeline – identifies that frequency of reporting, completion of goal or tactic and/or
identifies when the goal/tactic will be fully evaluated and recommendation provided to
decision making bodies.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Goal 1 – Improve Service Delivery and Enhance Amenities to Retain
Current Customers and Attract Choice Riders
Objective 1.1 - Expansion of Service Area
Improve services such as frequencies and realignment of bus routes as necessary to provide
additional service on major transportations corridors such as Broadway, Oracle, Speedway,
Grant and 22nd Street, while maintaining core services. Core services include the number of
days per week, minimum bus frequency, time spans, and routes that provide the majority of
Sun Tran ridership.
Maintain or improve bus routes and schedule adherence through operational improvements
as identified in route reviews, on-time performance reports, and/or Comprehensive
Operations Analysis (COA).
City of Tucson, Department of Transportation (TDOT) is to coordinate with Pima
Association of Governments (PAG)/Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and
surrounding jurisdictions to expand the existing service area and customer base,
implementing transit improvements that are outlined in the RTA 20-year transit plan
elements.
Mode
Fixed &
Route
Fixed &
Routes

Program
Express Route Reviews

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

Express RTA Plan Expansion Sun Tran/TDOT/
RTA Transit
Working Group
Fixed Route
COAS
Sun Tran
Express Route
COA
Sun Tran
Fixed Route
Market Research
Sun Tran
Paratransit
Customer Research
Sun Tran
Fixed
RTA Coordination
Sun Tran
Route/Paratransit
via TDOT/RTA
Transit Working
Group
Paratransit
Review of ADA
TDOT
Paratransit Eligibility
Process and Policies
Streetcar
Develop Operating
Rail Activation
Plan
Committee
Sun Shuttle
Coordinate
RTA/TDOT
connecting RTA
service with RTA
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Timeline
Quarterly
Quarterly
FY 2015
FY 2015
FY 2015
FY 2015
Quarterly

FY 2015
FY 2013
Quarterly

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Objective 1.2 - Enhanced Connectivity
Enhance local and area transit connectivity by developing transit stations/park and rides
where major transit corridors intersect such as Broadway at Wilmot and the Pima
Community College campuses. Plans should also include the integration of transit routes
and mode connections with corresponding service schedules to facilitate efficient passenger
transfer transitions. Care should be taken to improve the interconnection of Sun Tran fixedroute system with the area network of transit services including Sun Van, Sun Shuttle, and
Sun Link.
Mode

Program

Fixed Route

Identify Park and Ride/
Transit Station Needs
Meet ADA requirements
Identify Route
Coordination between
Modes

Paratransit
Streetcar

Lead
Responsibility
TDOT/Sun Tran

Timeline

TDOT/Sun Tran
TDOT/RTA/Sun
Tran/Sun Link

Quarterly
FY 2014

Annual

Objective 1.3 Infrastructure Improvements
Implement transit capital improvements that support the community’s land-use and
development goals. Review Transportation Plans to plan and recommend facilities and
infrastructures along future routings to insure success of service.


Support collaborative land use and transportation planning efforts that ensure the
community can develop in an efficient and sustainable way.



Maintain, replace, and upgrade current facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and
systems based on ongoing condition assessments, industry standards, ADA
requirements and City of Tucson policies and procedures and capital resources
available.



Encourage expanded use of Park and Rides within the metropolitan area.



Improve transit passenger facility access, shelter lighting, bus stop locations, and
other amenities to enhance the waiting area and offer a safe environment.

Sun Tran staff will provide recommendations to jurisdictional staff on needed infrastructure
and amenities at each bus stop. The requests and recommendations will be based on rider
and community communications, and spacing bus stops at one-quarter mile increments
wherever possible. As of June 30, 2012, (FY 2012) bus stops and amenities include:

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Bus Stops:
Total 2225
1615 have one or more of the amenities noted below:
937, additional seating at 190
 Bus Stops with shelters
506
 Bus Stops with only benches
464
 Bus Stops with lighting
1128
 Bus Stops with trash cans
Park and Rides, Sun Tran specific:
Mode
Fixed Route
Fixed Route
Fixed Route

Program
Review Bus Stop
Program
Review of Park and
Rides, Sun Tran
Contracts
Passenger Amenities

Total 25
Lead Responsibility
TDOT/Sun Tran

Timeline
Annual

TDOT/Sun Tran

Annual

TDOT/Sun Tran

Annual

Objective 1.4 - Analyze and implement cost efficiencies


Utilizing smaller and larger vehicles based on productivity and inter-connectedness
of routes to maximize efficiencies based on vehicle types. Future replacement and
expansion of bus and paratransit fleet should be consistent with service projections
and operating characteristics of the system. A current Fleet Lifecycle Status Report
is located in Appendix II.



Alternative Fuel (Biodiesel/CNG/Hybrid). Achieve more efficient and energy
friendly operations with features including efficient propulsion systems and nontraditional fuels.



Paratransit efficiencies – use of smaller 8 to 12 passenger vehicles/taxi voucher
program – Replace and expand paratransit vehicles to support efficient operations. –
Evaluate software programs to increase paratransit efficiency.



ADA Paratransit eligibility program – Review and revise as needed to include
application process, training, and policy development and enforcement.



Work to implement Bus Rapid Transit as called for in the Regional High Capacity
Transit Plan.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

Mode
Fixed Route
Paratransit
Streetcar

Program
Vehicle
and
Fuel Analysis
Analysis of Sun
Van trips
Bus/Rail
Interface

Lead Responsibility
Sun Tran

Timeline
FY 2014

Sun Van

FY 2013

TDOT/RTA/Sun Tran/Sun Link

FY2016

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Goal 2 - Create a plan to capture markets to increase ridership on all
modes of transit open to the general public
Objective 2.1 - Conduct Market Research
Issue an RFP and secure funding to engage a contractor to conduct full market research
study to achieve the goals of:






Expanding TDOT and Sun Tran’s staff’s knowledge of existing and potential
ridership market so that strategies and programs may be aligned to satisfy customer
needs and increase ridership.
Determining awareness levels and image of the transit system and its services.
Determining public perceptions and attitudes about the role and direction of transit
in the community
Determine effective strategies to help condition-eligible paratransit customers use
fixed route for some of part of their trips
Determine ridership by Ward and Jurisdiction

Mode

Program

Fixed & Express
Paratransit
Streetcar

Market Research Study
Customer Research
Market Research Study

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran
Sun Tran
Sun Link

Timeline
FY 2015
FY 2015
FY 2016

Objective 2.2 - Develop Integrated Marketing Plan
Based on market research, develop an annual integrated marketing plan that includes:






Outreach and community events
Advertising
Enhanced Customer Communications
Public relations efforts
Building meaningful relationships with the community that result in support for
future initiatives.

Mode

Program

Fixed Route
Fixed Route
Paratransit

Customer Information
Advertising Revenues
Customer Information

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Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran
Sun Tran
Sun Van

Timeline
Ongoing
FY 2013
Ongoing

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Objective 2.3 - Promote Use of New Technologies
Promote use of new technologies that enhance customer convenience:






Smart Card
Trip Planning
Live Bus Tracking
QR (quick-read) Codes, two-dimensional codes readable by QR scanners, mobile
phones with a camera, and smart phone.
Mobile Phone Applications

Mode

Program

Fixed Route
Fixed Route

SunGO
Real Time

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Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran
Sun Tran

Timeline
FY 2013
FY 2013

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Goal 3 – Identify a Sustainable Funding Strategy
Goal 3.1 Secure funding sources







Identify and pursue opportunities for joint development with private sector
(public-private partnerships)
Support changes in gas tax legislation.
Support efforts made by public agencies and jurisdictional entities to develop
local funds for transit purposes.
Determine favorability of various options for increasing local funds for transit,
including options for an additional sales tax to finance transit improvements.
Evaluate and recommend possible service improvement districts along the
streetcar line, and in the central city for providing enhanced transit service.
Develop an advertising plan to increase revenue.

Mode

Program

All

Identify
a
Dedicated TTF/TDOT/Sun Tran
Funding Source
Sun Van/Sun Link

To be
evaluated

All

Encourage Public/Private TTF/TDOT/Sun Tran
Partnerships
Sun Van/Sun Link

FY 2013

All

Research
and evaluate
Service Improvement
District Opportunities
Develop Advertising Plan
to increase advertising
revenues

TDOT/TTF/Sun Tran
Sun Van/Sun Link

To be
evaluated

Sun Tran/Sun Van
Sun Link

FY 2013

All

Lead Responsibility

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Goal 4 – Develop a System Wide Fare Policy
The goal of a fare policy is to establish guidelines for setting a uniform, fair and equitable
fare structure with revenue-producing requirements and established budgets. A fare policy
needs to consider financial and Title VI impacts of a fare change upon ridership, service
provisions and operating budgets.
Fare Increases will be based on Consumer Price Index, transit cost indicators and the ability
to meet farebox recovery goals.
Objective 4.1 – Establish regular reviews of Fare Structure and Policy
Fare Structure and Policy will be reviewed annually.
All impacted jurisdictions must be included in the process.
Transit Task Force shall review and provide fare recommendations as part of the annual
budget process, and if needed at other times for special circumstances.
Mayor and Council shall review and provide input on proposed changes to the fare structure
and solicit public input in accordance with City Charter.
Public notice of fare changes shall be provided as legally required, including written notice
on all public transit vehicles, and legal notices to newspapers. The public will be provided
with an opportunity(ies) to comment on proposed fare changes in accordance with the
Tucson Code of Ordinances.
Transit Agencies will continue to look for ways to make it easier for the general public to
purchase fares online.
Mode

Program

Fixed & Express
Paratransit

SunGO program
Voucherless Fare Payment
Program
SunGO program
Develop Fare Policy

Streetcar
All Modes

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October 5, 2012

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran
Sun Tran

Timeline
FY 2013
FY 2014

Sun Link
FY 2014
Transit
Task FY 2013
Force/TDOT

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Goal 5 - Maintenance and Monitoring of System Performance
Standards
Objective 5.1 - Monitor and Report System Standards
Performance measures are used by transit systems for the following reasons:
1. Systems are required by local, state, and national regulatory agencies to report on
various performance measures, (e.g. the National Transit Database Base, Federal
Transit Administration and OSHA).
2. Systems utilize performance standards to identify how well and how efficiently
service is provided. Performance standards provide the basis for self-improvement
for various elements including specific financial performance, departmental
performance, customer satisfaction and safety.
3. Performance measures provide decision making entities with information that help
them make decisions on the level of service that needs to be provided and decisions
on how to improve service. They also provide the means to inform the public of the
valuable benefits transit and paratransit provides to the community.
It is important that TDOT, Sun Tran, Sun Van and Sun Link are held accountable and
responsible for the financial health of the system, the service quality impact of long-term
commitments as well as managed growth and environmental stewardship. To ensure
accountability system performance indicators shall be maintained, reported and reviewed by
the Transit Task Force committee on a quarterly basis.
The following performance indicators are reported in Sun Tran/Sun Van’s
monthly operations report:











Ridership
Passenger Revenue
Passenger per Total Mile
Passenger per Hour
Revenue per Passenger
Revenue per Total Mile
Farebox Recovery Ratio
Cost per Passenger
Cost per Mile
Miles between Road Calls

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan















Miles between Bus Inspections
Vehicle Accidents per 100,000 miles
Complaints per 100,000 Passengers
Demand
Cancellations
No-Shows
Passengers per Revenue Hour
Passengers per Service Hour
Trip Length
Trip Time
Pick Ups
Pick Ups before Significantly Late
On-Time-Performance
Missed Trips

Mode

Program

Fixed & Express
Route
Paratransit

System Performance
Standards
System Performance
Standards
Streetcar
Develop Performance
Standards
Streetcar
System Performance
Standards
Fixed & Express Review and Revise
Route
Goals
Paratransit
Review and Revise
Goals

Lead
Timeline
Responsibility
Sun Tran
Qrtrly Reviews
Sun Van

Qrtrly Reviews

Sun Link

FY 2013

Sun Link

Qrtrly Reviews

Sun Tran

April

Sun Van

April

Objective 5.2 - Establish Route Performance Standards
Other tools for measuring performance and determining changes in service levels and areas
include Comprehensive Operational Analysis studies and Passenger Surveys.
Performance indicators such as ridership, farebox recovery rate and comparable energy
consumption are utilized to evaluate individual routes (See Appendix III Sun Tran Route
Profile used for Route Evaluation Purposes).

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Objective 5.3 - Conduct COT Independent Audit of Transit System
Sun Tran and Sun Van are reviewed by the Federal Transit Administration, the National
Transit Database, and Department Of Labor. TDOT is responsible for ensuring that the
operation of the systems meet all federal transit administration regulations and guidelines.
Beginning with FY 2013 Sun Tran/Sun Van will participate in a review with the City of
Tucson Independent Audit and Performance Commission.
Annual Reviews
The Transit System currently undergoes numerous regulatory reviews performed by external
agencies on a periodic basis. These reviews include:







FTA Triennial – last performed in FY 2011
FTA Financial Management Oversight - last performed in FY 2011
Single Audit of Grantee (per Circular A-133) – Performed Annually
FTA Drug and Alcohol – Last performed in FY 2011
National Transit Database Review – Performed Annually
Parts Inventory Audit – Performed Annually

There are also additional reviews that are performed in-house and others that are performed
in conjunction with the City of Tucson, (e.g., fare box collection review, annual facility
inspections that address employee and public safety issues, work environments and a review
of work practices and safety programs). The Transit System operation is also subject to the
City’s annual independent financial audit.
The Transit Task Force recommends that the Mayor and Council’s Independent Audit and
Performance Commission (IAPC) perform an independent review of the system during
fiscal Year 2013 to ensure sound fiscal management, and then as often as deemed necessary.
This review would include an examination of financial and system performance data in
addition to external audit reports, findings, and corrective actions.
Mode

Program

Fixed Route
Express
Paratransit
Fixed Route/Paratransit
Streetcar

Independent Review
Independent Review
Independent Review
FTA Triennial Review
Independent Review

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Lead
Responsibility
IAPC
IAPC
IAPC
Sun Tran/TDOT
IAPC

Timeline
FY 2013
FY 2013
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2014

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Financial Plan
Overview
The City of Tucson City Council approved Sun Tran/Sun Van’s FY 2013 operating budget
in June 2012.
For 2013, Sun Tran’s expected total operating cost is approximately $58.7 million. Sun
Van’s expected total operating cost is approximately $14.1 million. The operating budget is
made up of General Fund Investment, farebox revenues, IGA revenues and operating
grants. The City Council also approves funds for Mass Transit's capital expenses. For Fiscal
Year 2013, the Mass Transit planned capital expenditures are approximately $118.7 million.
The CIP budget includes Federal funding, RTA funding and General Fund Investment. Of
this amount $24.1 million funds Sun Tran's replacement and expansion buses and the CNG
fueling upgrade at the South Facility, $321,000 fund Sun Van's expansion vans, $6.6 million
fund two new Park and Ride facilities and the Downtown Intermodal/RTC improvements,
and $87.6 million fund the Streetcar project.
History of Sun Tran/Sun Van Funding
1969
1977
1980
1981
1985
1987
1992
1994
1997
1998
2000
2006
2009
2011
2011
2011

City took over Sun Tran
Fare Increase from $ .25 to $ .35
Fare Increase, base to $ .50
Local Transportation Assistance Fund established by Arizona Legislature based on
voter approval of lottery in 1980 election.
Fare Increase, base to $ .60
Sun Van established in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act
Fare Increase, base to $ .75
Fare Increase, monthly pass increase only
Fare Increase, base fare to $ .85
LTAF II - program was funded by Powerball earnings, due to state budget cuts
program was eliminated in 2010.
Fare Increase, base to $1.00
Voter approved one-half cent sales tax for RTA implemented
Fare Increase, base to $1.25; no economy fare increase
LTAF II funds eliminated (averaged $860,000/year)
(Funds eliminated in 2010; additional funds were made available in FY11 in the
amount of $436,400)
CNG Rebate eliminated (December 31, 2011 - Rebate averaged $700,000/year)
Fare Increase, base fare to $1.50

Contractor/Management-Executed Efficiencies
While the largest contributing factor to the increased farebox recovery in FY 2012 was the
July 1, 2011 fare increase, there were a number of efficiencies created in FY 2012 and prior
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
years that helped the system contain costs. Currently 83.7% of Sun Tran costs consisting of
labor, fuel and bus parts.
Though the list below illustrates the fact the Sun Tran/Sun Van organizations have
implemented a broad variety of measures to contain costs.
FY 2012
 Continued vacancy management
 Administrative employee wage freeze
 Solar Power generation at new facility reduced electrical costs
 Exempt management employees worked nights and weekends to staff UA football
shuttles, saving on operational costs
FY 2011
 Layoff of administrative employees, closure of transit center booths
 Vacancy management
 Operated with a 22 percent reduction in administrative staff compared to budgeted
staffing levels for FY 10
 Increased use of part-time coach operators
 Negotiated lower rates for administrative employee health care policies, which
resulted in health and welfare benefit reductions (employees bearing costs of higher
co-pays, reduced pay-outs, fewer covered services)
 Exempt management employees worked nights and weekends to staff community
event shuttles
 PTM/Veolia management fee held flat for previous three years
 New labor agreement negotiated resulting in additional cost savings
 Deferred purchase of capital expenditures (replacement buses)
FY 2010
 Negotiated decrease in administrative health care premiums
 Deferred purchase of capital expenditures (replacement buses)
 Reduced the Marketing budget by 12 percent and partnered with RTA to promote
regional transit use
 PTM opened a second Sun Tran transit facility, saving deadhead miles by
geographically deploying buses throughout the region
 PTM decreased overtime at Sun Tran by 60,000 hours over a three-year period
 PTM researched and instituted use of new products for graffiti deterrent and
abatement, saving both time and materials in our maintenance department
Highlights of the 2013 Budget
The budget for FY 2013 was adopted in June 2012. The FY 2013 budget reflects Sun Tran
and Sun Van’s ongoing efforts to control costs and deliver the most value possible for the
public’s tax and fare dollars. Through discussions between Sun Tran, Sun Van and TDOT,
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
just over $1 million of new operating efficiencies were incorporated into the FY 2013
budget.
Sun Tran included the following efficiency measures in the FY 2013 adopted budget:
 Decreased the budgeted cost per mile from $ 0.47 to $0.44 due to anticipated savings
from the use of newer vehicles. Further decreased the budgeted cost per mile to
$0.42 in order to reduce the general fund contribution, saving a total of $193,000
 Saved $60,000 from the new management contract
 Coordinated between private security and TPD in regards to the hours Tucson
Police Department was present at the centers, resulting in a savings of $83,200
Sun Tran continues to seek cost-saving measures beyond those allocated in the FY 2013
budget:


Facilitated an agreement between Gillig and Cummins to replace/repair the diesel
particulate units on the 2700 and 2800 Gilligs. The project is completely funded by
Gillig and Cummins, and will save Sun Tran approximately $150,000 a year relative
to out-of-service buses and labor costs

Though Sun Tran has identified further savings in FY 2013 as mentioned above, it is
important to note that there may be certain unplanned costs that will attribute to the
expenditures coming in over budget.
Sun Tran/Sun Van’s Financial Situation
Since FY 2010 Sun Tran/Sun Van has experienced a loss of funding i.e. LTAF, CNG rebate
as stated prior on an annual basis this accounted for over one million dollars a year.
Sun Tran and Sun Van have managed this difficult financial situation and core service has
been preserved. Steps taken to manage the financial situation include practicing vacancy
management, lay-off of administrative staff, and finding efficiencies within the budget.
The City Council approved two fare increases in the past four years, for a total fifty percent
increase to regular base fare. In August 2009, the base fare increased 25 percent, while there
was no increase to the economy fare. In July 2011, the base fare increased 20 percent and
the economy fare increased by 25 percent.
Budget Planning
Sun Tran, Sun Van and Transit Services have been identified as “Program Areas” of the City
of Tucson’s Department of Transportation in recent annual adopted budget documents. It
is anticipated that Sun Link will be identified similarly in future City budgets. Typically,
administrative and financial staff members who oversee program areas are responsible for
preparing their own budgets and submitting them to appropriate City departmental staff. To
develop a budget, Sun Tran/Sun Van forecasts expected revenues from fares and other
sources, and expected expenditures for fuel, wages and benefits, inflation, and costs for
services. Based on these assumptions and established financial policies, Sun Tran/Sun Van
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
makes and submits budget recommendations. Current funding sources include the City of
Tucson General Fund, Farebox Revenue, Advertising Revenue, Intergovernmental
Agreements, and Capital Grants.
City staff reviews Sun Tran/Sun Van’ proposed budget and may modify it before compiling
it into the whole TDOT budget. City staff submits the proposed TDOT budget to the
Budget Office within the scheduled budget submission time frame. Per City Charter, the
City Manager submits the Recommended Budget to the Mayor and Council on or before the
first Monday in May of each year, or on such date in each year as fixed by the Mayor and
Council. The Mayor and Council reviews and amends the budget before adopting it on or
before June 30th for the fiscal year beginning July 1st.
Five Year Operating Plan
Beginning in 2011, Sun Tran/Sun Van has been required to annually prepare a five-year
operating plan.
A draft Five Year Operating Plan for FYs 2014-2018 is included as Appendix IV; it is
important to note that these projections are provided in a working document. Staff will
continue revising these Operating Plan projections as updated information becomes
available during development of the Recommended FY 2014 operating budget and the FYs
2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program budget.
Per Mayor and Council direction, this Operating Plan working document segregates the
following summary and detail information:
1. System Modes: Fixed Route (Sun Tran), Paratransit (Sun Van), Express (Sun Tran)
and Sun Link (Streetcar)
 Revenues
 Expenditures
2. Operating vs. Capital Budgets, including funding mechanisms
Mode
Fixed Route
Paratransit
Express
Sun Link

Program
Budget Development
Budget Development
Budget Development
Budget Development

Lead Responsibility
COT/TDOT/Sun Tran
COT/TDOT/Sun Van
COT/TDOT/Sun Tran
COT/TDOT/Sun Link

Timeline
FY 2013
FY 2013
FY 2013
FY 2013

The Five Year Operating Plan projections currently include the following assumptions for
FY 2014:




Passenger revenues increase 3%
Advertising revenues increase 5%
Raytheon revenues increase slightly based on FY 2012 actuals

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan




Other (miscellaneous) revenues decrease up to $500,000 each year due to no longer
receiving federal fuel tax credits.
Sun Link operations will start in latter FY 2014
PTM/Veolia will work with TDOT on an alternate liability reserve structure

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Funding:
Majority comes from Section 5307 – Urbanized Area Formula Funds. The Formula is based
on the following:




50% Bus revenue vehicle miles
25% Population
25% Population X Population Density

2010 Census Map of Urbanized Area (UA)
The Federal Register dated August 24, 2011 provides detailed criteria relative to the 2010
Census urbanized areas, and defines urbanized area as “A statistical geographic entity
consisting of a densely settled core created from census tracts or blocks and contiguous
qualifying territory that together have a minimum population of at least 50,000 persons.”
According to the March 27, 2012 Federal Register, as a result of the 2010 Census, there are
497 urbanized areas in the United States. Within this same Federal Register, the Tucson
urbanized area is defined as having an Urbanized Area population of 843,168 and is ranked
52nd in U.S. population.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Service Plan
Current service provided can be found under Description of Existing Service and Resources
of this document. Sun Tran currently operates 40 routes throughout the Tucson
metropolitan area. Appendix V lists Sun Tran routes and the Wards that are serviced and
provides a current system map. Also found in Appendix VI is a map of the Sun Van service
area.
Service Studies recommended to be performed:
Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA)
Purpose:
 Evaluate the performance of individual routes and system wide operations
 Evaluate schedule adherence of individual routes
 Provide information on boarding’s and alighting’s by route and stop
 Provides recommendations on operational improvements
Route Reviews
Staff has committed to complete a review of all routes, starting with routes that have been
identified as underperforming, as documented in the Sun Tran Route Profile (Appendix III),
or identified to have service issues. The profile focuses on four areas: Ridership (passengers
per hour), financial (farebox recovery) and energy (pounds of CO2 per passenger). These
measures and their standards were suggested by staff and approved by the Transit Task
Force. Underperforming routes are those routes not meeting the standard on two out of the
three categories. Staff will review a minimum of one route per month. The entire system
will be completed within a three-year period. Specific routes may be reviewed more than
once if need be. Changes to the Sun Tran system may have an effect on other modes. The
following opportunities for efficiency will be reviewed:
Fixed/Express Service





Routing changes
Frequency adjustments
Running time
Infrastructure improvements to bus stops, pedestrian access routes, shelters, etc.

Paratransit
Implement changes to service areas and hours due to adjustment and upgrades to the
fixed/express system and review ADA optional service, e.g. taxi voucher system.

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Investigate expanding the use of Conditional Eligibility for Sun Van ADA eligible clients
when possible and appropriate. Encourage use of Sun Tran for trips that an individual is not
conditionally eligible. Identify and address conditions that are determined to be
environmental barriers that prohibit passengers with disabilities from riding Sun Tran.
Streetcar
Opportunities to become more efficient/cost effective by integrating other modes with the
streetcar via transfers or shifting of service area to the streetcar line
Neighborhood Circulators
Replacing 40-foot bus service from neighborhood streets and replacing with smaller buses
which would feed fixed route service on main arterials. Advantages include:


Smaller buses traverse narrower side streets better than larger buses and are general
more acceptable by neighborhoods than larger vehicles



Main street routes operate at a higher rate of speed and become more cost efficient



Circulator routes can be operated in many different fashions such as fixed, flex or
dial a ride service



Service can be implemented in new areas with potential ridership. As need increases
the expanded area would be moved to larger buses

Cost savings realized in the review process will be reallocated to service areas in need or to
provide new or upgraded service.
RTA Plan and Expansion
As the RTA Plan was developed prior to 2006, it should be reviewed annually to determine
current needs of the community. Staff will prepare recommendations for updates to the
plan as well as a reprioritization of the plans projects.
The RTA has for six years funded new and improved upon transit service to the Tucson
area. The table in Appendix VII identifies the service frequency and route expansions that
have been identified for each fiscal year. These improvements may be reviewed each year to
reevaluate the priorities and resources available in coordination with the Pima Association of
Governments (PAG) Regional Transportation Planning Committee (TPC) and Transit
Working Group (TWG). Additionally these improvements may enhance the core services
and increase capabilities for Sun Tran to provide additional services throughout the
metropolitan area.
See Appendix VII for Proposed RTA Transit Improvements.
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

Mode

Program

Fixed Route

Review of Current Routes

Fixed Route

Recommendations for
Efficiencies
Review of current operating
Policies and procedures
Recommendations for
Efficiencies
COA
Review of RTA Transit Plan

Paratransit
Paratransit
Fixed Route
Fixed Route

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Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

Timeline

Sun Tran

Ongoing/all routes
by FY 2015
Annually

Sun Van

FY 2014

Sun Van

Annually

Sun Tran

FY 2014
Annually

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Marketing Plan
The purpose of a marketing plan is to develop a road map that assists the system grow. The
plan identifies objectives and marketing strategies. Marketing ensures that current and
potential customers are aware of the services available and how to use them.
These objectives will steer the annual development of all marketing activities, including
communications, public relations, promotions, and advertising campaigns.
Objectives:
1. Increase awareness of integrated seamless area transit options to increase
ridership
Background
Though ridership on Sun Tran has fluctuated in the past five years, it increased
14.9% between FY 2006 and FY 2009. In FY 2009, with the help of later weeknight
and weekend service additional express routes and rising gas prices, the system
peaked with ridership of 21.6 million passenger trips. In FY 2010 and FY 2011, the
national recession, two fare increases, and a labor strike negatively affected ridership.
In FY 2012 ridership loss was predicted to fall as much as 10 percent due to a July 1,
2011 fare increase. Surprisingly, ridership slipped only 2.5 percent to 19,971,230
passenger trips.
Though no RTA-funded services are scheduled for implementation in FY 2013, the
system expects to attract new riders and expand its discretionary rider base with the
launch of the new SunGO SmartCard fare payment system.
Sun Van ridership grew by 11% between FY 2006 and FY 2012, peaking at more
than one-half million rides, an all-time high for the paratransit system.
Approximately four of five passengers qualify for the economy fare, and economy
ridership growth is outpacing regular fare ridership growth.
Due to the high cost of providing paratransit trips, Sun Van does not actively market
to increase ridership on the system. However, efforts can be made to encourage
paratransit riders with conditional eligibility to use Sun Tran when possible.
Strategies
o Promote Get On Board program and expand employer outreach
o Promote U-Pass college program and expand campus outreach
o Communicate benefits that Sun Tran provides to individuals and families
o Encourage Sun Van riders with conditional eligibility to ride Sun Tran, when
possible
o Communicate the availability of new transit services
o Conduct community outreach
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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
o Coordinate with City of Tucson and RTA to develop marketing plan for
launch and ongoing promotion of Sun Link
Timelines
o Ridership goals should be determined by mode on an annual basis,
considering a variety of factors including but not limited to: historical
ridership, anticipated changes in service levels and fares, status of labor
negotiations, the state of the general economy and consumer fuel trends.
o Based on the available human and financial resources, the annual marketing
plan shall determine the activities best designed to meet the annual ridership
goal.
Mode

Program

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

Fixed Route, Get On Board
Express,
Streetcar
Fixed Route, U-Pass
Sun Tran
Express,
Streetcar
Paratransit
Promote START program to Sun Tran/Sun Van
Sun Van riders
Fixed Route, New service promotions
Sun Tran/Sun Link
Express,
Streetcar
Fixed Route, Community outreach
Sun Tran
Express,
Streetcar,
Paratransit

Timeline
Annually
Annually
Annually
As new service is
implemented
Annually

2. Attract and retain riders by boosting confidence, enhancing convenience
and building relationships with customers
Strategies
o Promote SunGO fare payment system
o Capitalize on improved communications and information technologies such
as a mobile website, real time information, online fare payment system, etc.
o Support internal programs to foster customer-focused service
o Enhance internal communications to inform employees of company
priorities, goals and initiatives
Timelines
o The SunGO fare system is scheduled to launch in early 2013
o Sun Tran’s mobile version of the website is scheduled to be completed in the
fall of 2012.
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o If sufficient funding is available, an update of Sun Tran’s current website
should occur in FY 2014.
o Customer-focused internal programs and communications efforts should be
assessed and adjusted on an annual basis.
o Communication technologies change very quickly. At minimum, an annual
assessment should be made to determine priorities and available resources to
implement programs.
Mode

Program

Timeline

SunGO

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

Fixed Route,
Express
Fixed Route,
Express
Fixed Route,
Express
Fixed Route,
Express,
Paratransit
Fixed Route,
Express,
Streetcar,
Paratransit
Streetcar

Mobile website

Sun Tran

Fall 2012

Early 2013

Open Data Feed/Google Sun Tran/Sun Van
Transit (static data)
Internal
communication Sun Tran
enhancement

Early 2013

Website upgrade

Sun Tran

FY 2014

Incorporate streetcar info
into Sun Tran website, trip
planning, Web Tracker and
other collateral pieces

Sun Tran

FY 2014

FY 2013, updated
annually

3. Improve public perception and support of Sun Tran’s family of transit
services
Strategies
o Promote organization’s focus on customer service and reliability
o Communicate transit’s benefits to the city and surrounding area residents
o Communicate organization’s financial and operational efficiencies
o When communicating to the public about transit improvements, emphasize
how they are delivered in relation to city or jurisdictional initiatives, voterapproved plans, timelines and/or budgets
o Build relationships with key stakeholders
o Position Sun Tran as a mid-size transit industry leader
Timeline
o Specific tactics to meet these objectives should be included in the annual
marketing plan.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
Mode

Program

All

Public and Media Relations

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

All

Outreach

Sun Tran

All

Monthly Compliance
Reports, Monthly
Operational Reports, Annual
Reports

Sun Tran/Sun Van

Timeline
Evaluated and
updated annually
Evaluated and
updated annually
Monthly and
annually

4. Obtain current demographics, attitudes and awareness measurements for
riders and non-riders to effectively implement and market transit services
Strategies
o Conduct market-wide research
o Conduct customer satisfaction studies
Timeline
o Major market studies should be undertaken every three to five years,
depending on funding availability. The RFP for the next major market study
will be written in FY 2013, anticipating a contractor will be engaged to
conduct the study in FY 2014.
o Customer satisfaction studies should be conducted by mode, and gauge
perception of the current rider base. Optimally, customer satisfaction
surveys for Sun Tran should be conducted every one to two years, based on
available funding. Sun Van should conduct customer satisfaction surveys
every two to three years.
Mode

Program

Fixed,
Express,
Streetcar
All

Market Research
Customer Satisfaction
Studies

Lead
Responsibility
Sun Tran

Timeline

Sun Tran

FY 2014-2015

FY 2014

5. Increase advertising revenues
Background
Sun Tran currently has four buses with full bus wraps. The chart below provides
information regarding advertising revenue over the past seven years.

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

Advertising products available to the public are being reviewed and expanded on in
order to increase the amount of advertising revenue. FY 2013 goal is to increase
advertising revenue by 77 percent over FY 2012 revenues.
Strategies
o Evaluate product mix
o Contact new and existing clients on a regular basis
o Develop sales tools to provide information to clients
o Provide valid research on impact of bus advertising
o Conduct market research
Timelines
o Revenue targets should be analyzed on an annual basis.
Mode
Program
Lead
Timeline
Responsibility
Fixed
Bus Advertising exteriors,
Sun Tran
FY 2013
interiors and collateral
materials
Paratransit
Evaluate revenue potential Sun Tran/Sun Van FY 2014
and level of community
support

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan

In Conclusion:
This Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan is the product of months of research, analysis,
development and numerous meetings and discussions. It is the desire of the Transit Task
Force that this is a continuation of a successful partnership between Transit Advocates,
Community members, City Staff and transit providers working together to improve the
community’s quality of life by providing safe, efficient, reliable, customer-focused public
transportation.

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APPENDICES
I.
II.

Regional Service Interconnectivity Map
Sun Tran/Sun Van Current Fleet Lifecycle Plan

III.

Recommended Fixed Route Performance Standards

IV.

Five Year Financial Plan

V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.

Sun Tran Routes by Wards Served
Sun Van Service Area Map
Proposed RTA Transit Improvements
Sun Tran and Sun Van Five Year Performance Trends

Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
APPENDIX I

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
APPENDIX II

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Five-Year Strategic Transit Plan
APPENDIX III

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APPENDIX IV
Five Year Financial Plan

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APPENDIX V
Sun Tran Routes by Ward

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APPENDIX VI

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APPENDIX VII
Proposed RTA Transit Improvements
Year 7 Budget 12 -13
P48 - Weekday Frequency and Service Area Enhancements - Feb 2013 (Phase I)
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
8-Broadway (Improvements/Extension Tanque Verde)
3 15,515
187,294
8
4-Speedway - Frequency
8,925
120,309
5
P50 - 4-Kolb/PCE & Speedway/Houghton
3
5,667
74,419
6
Total Annual Core Service
6 30,107
382,022
19
P48 - Weekday Frequency and Service Area Enhancements- May 2013 (Phase II)
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
3-6th Street/Wilmot - Frequency
3
6,375
87,529
4
7-22nd Street - Frequency
4
7,650
105,035
8
P50 - 39-Houghton
4 16,230
253,581
8
Total Annual Core Service
11 30,255
446,144
20
Year 8 Budget 13-14
P48 - Weekday Frequency and Service Area Enhancements - August 2013 (Phase III)
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
16-Oracle/12th Frequency
5 13,338
171,793
7
6-Park/1st - Frequency
12,113
153,351
2
312X - Frequency
5
9,550
110,685
5
Total Annual Core Service
10 35,001
435,829
14
P48 - Weekday Frequency and Service Area Enhancements - February 2014 (Phase IV)
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
11-Alvernon - Expansion to TTC
3
7,650
98,532
4
9-Grant - Frequency
2
6,034
86,201
2
11-Alvernon - Frequency
3 11,392
115,412
6
Total Annual Core Service
8 25,076
300,145
12
P49 - Weekday Frequency and Service Area Enhancements - May 2014
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
10-Flowing Wells - Frequency
3
7,013
91,590
4
15-Campbell - Frequency
2
4,463
56,903
3
19-Stone - Frequency
2
6,375
64,579
4
15-Campbell - Extension to TIA along Campbell
5
6,375
64,579
7
Total Annual Essential Service
12 24,226
277,651
18
Year 9 Fiscal Year 14-15 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 10 Fiscal Year 15-16 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 11 Budget 16-17
P50 - Service Area Enhancements - August 2016
Annual
Route Number-Name
Vehicles
Hours Annual Miles Operators
P50 - 40-S. Kolb (10 years of Service)
4 12,690
173,571
7
Total Annual Area Enhancements
4 12,690
173,571
7
Year 12 Fiscal Year 17-18 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 13 Fiscal Year 18-19 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Five Year Strategic
Transit Plan - DRAFT
Year 14 Fiscal Year 19-20 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
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Year 15 Fiscal Year 20-21 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 16 Fiscal Year 21-22 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 17 Fiscal Year 22-23 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 18 Fiscal Year 23-24 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented
Year 19 Fiscal Year 24-25 NoTransit Service Improvements Implemented

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APPENDIX VIII
Five Year Operating Trend Charts

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