Whether you use the Sun Shuttle transit services or just drive around town, you may have seen some new vehicles providing the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) Sun Shuttle dial-a-ride paratransit services. But new vehicles aren’t the only change to the RTA-funded transit service.
The RTA has partnered with MTM Transit to help operate not only the Sun Shuttle dial-a-ride services, but RTA’s Sun Shuttle fixed-route system and Sun Shuttle public dial-a-ride services.
MTM purchased 48 new hybrid vans, which comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as six new conventional vans that are also fully ADA-accessible.
“All these vehicles are used for the RTA’s paratransit services for people with disabilities who cannot travel through other modes of transportation,” said Pima Association of Government’s Mobility Manager Preston McLaughlin, who oversees many of the RTA’s transit services.
The new vehicles join a fleet of 26 ADA-accessible cutaway buses.
MTM is under contract for three years, with some additional option years. They will provide full-service facilities in Tucson and Ajo, professional drivers, dispatch and call center support, comprehensive vehicle maintenance and cleaning.
“We are honored to partner with the RTA to bring innovative and reliable transit solutions to Pima County,” said Brian Balogh, Chief Operations Officer of MTM Transit. “Our team is committed to enhancing the passenger experience and fostering a long-term relationship with the RTA, built on continuous improvement, sustainability and community engagement.”
The Sun Shuttle system operates 12 neighborhood circulator routes across the region with connections to the Sun Tran bus system. Sun Shuttle service is available for people of all ages and needs. Shuttles operate on scheduled routes to help commuters plan and make transfers to Sun Tran.
Sun Shuttle dial-a-ride provides door-to-door paratransit service to persons with disabilities living outside Tucson city limits or to City of Tucson residents needing to reach destinations outside city limits.
Under the 2006-voter approved RTA plan, transit services will receive RTA funds through June 2026. Props 418 (RTA Next plan) and 419 (funding for the plan), will be on election ballots in March. If approved, RTA Next would provide funding for transit services across the metro region for another 20 years.
If the plan doesn’t pass, RTA-funded transit services would be reduced by mid-year unless alternative funding sources are identified.
Ballots will be mailed around February 11 with the mail-in ballots due on March 10. Completed ballots should be dropped in the mail no later than March 3.
The County Recorder will have ballot drop-off sites for voters who would rather submit their ballot in person. The Recorder also will have ballot replacement locations for voters who need that service. More info at https://www.recorder.pima.gov/ElectionCalendar
Learn more about RTA Next at RTAnext.com