PAG seeks public input at upcoming events on microtransit services in greater Tucson region

October 18, 2024

Pima Association of Governments (PAG), a metropolitan planning organization for the greater Tucson region, is developing a transit study to determine the possibility of implementing microtransit regionwide and evaluating existing dial-a-ride services.

Microtransit is an innovative transit service alternative used to serve areas that have no access to or difficulty in accessing a transit service network, such as regular bus service.

Similar to private on-demand services, such as Uber and Lyft, microtransit users can reserve and pay for trips online or with an app and receive same-day service, usually within a 10- to 30-minute window. Reserving a ride is streamlined by using personal computers or personal mobile devices.

Riders are typically picked up at their preferred location and taken to their destination (curb-to-curb service). Microtransit trips are often shared with other riders that have destinations within the same service area.

The study will also evaluate existing dial-a-ride services and include recommendations for potential service improvements, including opportunities to incorporate microtransit into the service model.

Lastly, a Comprehensive Transit Planning Study for the Picture Rocks and Vail areas will be completed to address specific transit needs in those communities.

As part of the study, PAG will hold several engagement events in the region to gather input from riders and community members about their individual mobility choices, and to gain an understanding of their mobility needs. PAG invites all residents to attend one of these events to share their experiences and provide input.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Oct. 22

  • Tohoni Ta’dai Transit Center, from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
  • University of Arizona Student Union, from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
  • W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Vail Public Library Open House, from 5 to 6:30p.m.

Oct. 23      

  • Roy Laos Transit Center, from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
  • Ronstadt Transit Center, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Picture Rocks Community Center Open House, from 5-6:30 p.m.

The public is invited to complete a short survey at the following link : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2HB5PGT