Commuters who live and work in the Marana and Avra Valley area may consider a new Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride service which may be more convenient to their travel needs.
The previous flex-route shuttle service was replaced by the dial-a-ride, fee-based model on June 13. It allows passengers to schedule either curb-to-curb or stop-to-stop trips within the service area, which has has 22 stops and covers much of Marana north of Avra Valley Road. It also includes the Marana Regional Airport, Marana Municipal Complex and Marana Health Center as well as three Marana Unified School District schools.
Riders also can transfer to Sun Tran Route 413, which travels from Marana to the Interstate 10 commerce area near Ina and Thornydale roads, with access to other Sun Tran transit options. Riders can also access other Sun Express and Sun Shuttle options from the same stop in downtown Marana.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) created and funds Sun Shuttle services throughout the Tucson metro area to provide mobility options for those who wish to travel within outlying, populated areas, and to connect them with other Sun Tran transit options in the metro area.
The area was previously served by a more traditional transit service, but service data indicated that it was one of the region’s most underused routes, despite modifications to the route to attract riders.
“We’re hoping that with a curb-to-curb, demand-response service, we’ll be able to capture and get more individuals on the bus if they need it,” said RTA’s Mobility Services Administrator Amber Wagner.
The RTA used the Green Valley Dial-a-Ride service as a model for these Marana-area service changes. In Green Valley, the dial-a-ride and fixed-route service work well together.
“We believe riders will find this option more suitable to meet their transportation needs,” said RTA Senior Transportation Planner Preston McLaughlin.
In addition to Marana/Avra Valley and Green Valley/Sahuarita, Oro Valley has a Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride option. Sun Shuttle Express service also is available in eight outlying areas across the region.
To schedule a ride on the new Marana/Avra Valley shuttle or any of the other Dial-A-Ride services, call (520) 791-9222, visit SunTran.com/sunshuttle or download the Sun Shuttle dial-a-ride app.
