Valley Metro Bus[7] is the public transit bus service in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. Valley Metro Bus provides local, regional, express, and rural bus services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, covering a service area of 525 sq mi (1,360 km2). In 2023, the system had a ridership of 24,215,700, or about 83,300 per weekday in the first quarter of 2024.
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Parent | Valley Metro |
---|---|
Founded | 1993 |
Headquarters | U.S. Bank Center Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.[1] |
Service area | Maricopa County |
Service type | Local, express, shuttle, paratransit |
Routes | 104[2] |
Hubs | 17[3] |
Fleet | 1,061 buses[4] |
Daily ridership | 83,300 (weekdays, Q1 2024)[5] |
Annual ridership | 24,215,700 (2023)[6] |
Fuel type | Diesel, Diesel-electric Hybrid, CNG, LNG |
Operator | See below |
Website | valleymetro |
Valley Metro, officially known as the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, is responsible for coordinating the bus system. Bus services are operated by private contractors and individual municipalities in the Phoenix area, branded as Valley Metro.
All Valley Metro Bus services are accessible to persons with disabilities, with ramps or lifts installed on all buses. Additionally, all fixed-route buses are equipped with bicycle racks.
Operations
editThere are over 100 bus routes contracted by Valley Metro, including regular routes, limited-stop routes, and community circulators. Bus frequency, hours, and days of operation vary by route. The most heavily used routes have peak service frequency of every 10 minutes and run as late as 1:00 am,[8] while less used routes run every 30 minutes off-peak, with service ending at midnight.
Route types and naming conventions
editThere are currently 60 local bus routes that form Valley Metro's super-grid bus system. They are numbered roughly according to the address on the Phoenix area's street grid on which they travel. For example:
- Route 35 is a north–south route which runs along 35th Avenue, which is the 3500 block, west, on the street grid.
- Route 0 runs north–south along Central Avenue, which is the dividing street or "zero point" separating east and west Phoenix on the street grid.
- Route 50 runs east–west along Camelback Road, which is the 5000 block, north, on the street grid
- Route 72 runs north–south along Scottsdale and Rural Roads, which are the 7200 block, east, on the street grid.
- Route 104 runs north–south along Alma School Road, which corresponds to the 10400 block, east, on the street grid (but not in the city of Mesa itself, which uses a different street numbering/zero point origin from the city of Phoenix).
- Routes 7 and 8 each run on 7th Street and 7th Avenue respectively. Given that Phoenix has numbered thoroughfares designated as "Avenues" west of Central and "Streets" east of Central, Route 8 is one digit higher to avoid confusion with Route 7 which are both the 700 blocks.
- Route 17 runs east–west along McDowell Road, which actually is the 1600 block, north, on the street grid. Route 17 is one digit higher to avoid confusion with Route 16, which runs north–south along 16th Street which is the 1600 block, east, on the street grid.
- Route 81 runs north-south on Hayden Road and McClintock Drive, which is the 8000 block, east, on the street grid. Route 81 is one digit higher to avoid confusion with Route 80, which runs east-west along Northern Avenue, which is the 8000 block, north, on the street grid.
The community circulator routes are mostly a free service, the exceptions being the Avondale Zoom routes with a 50 cent fare each; formerly the Glendale Urban Shuttle (GUS) routes had a 25 cent fare each to ride; this fare was eliminated on October 23, 2017. They supplement the standard grid service with routes that connect neighborhoods to nearby business districts. Circulator vehicles are typically minibusses, with the Avondale Zoom routes, Scottsdale Trolley routes, and select Tempe Orbit routes using mid-size buses and the DASH circulator serving Downtown Phoenix using 40-foot buses. The naming convention varies by the communities they serve, such as the Scottsdale Neighborhood Trolley, Tempe Orbit Jupiter, and Phoenix SMART.
The LINK routes were limited-stop, streamlined bus connections to transit centers served by Valley Metro Rail. These routes used upgraded bus shelters that have LED "Next Bus" signs and bus rapid transit-styled vehicles with traffic signal priority. They were named after the street they travel on. The two routes were the Main Street LINK and the Arizona Avenue LINK. LINK service was discontinued on October 24, 2016, and was replaced by enhanced local service on Routes 40 and 112.
The six RAPID routes are limited-stop commuter routes in the city of Phoenix that travel from Park and Ride lots in outlying neighborhoods near major freeways to RAPID stops in the downtown business core (including the Arizona State Capitol complex). These routes are mostly named for the freeway on which they travel, such as RAPID I-10 East and South Mountain RAPID routes (two routes connect newly developed neighborhoods along Baseline Road with downtown via 19th Avenue or 24th Street). They are unidirectional, traveling toward downtown in the morning and out of downtown in the afternoons. These routes use NABI 45C-LFW suburban buses with a special paint scheme.
The express routes are also limited-stop commuter routes. They operate similarly to the RAPID routes, from outlying Park and Ride lots and pick-up points in suburban areas outside the city of Phoenix, with higher fares than standard routes, but the same as RAPID routes. They are numbered in the 500s, with the second digit indicating the area they serve, using the following scheme:
- 51x – Scottsdale
- 52x – Tempe
- 53x – Mesa and Gilbert
- 54x – Chandler
- 56x – Southwest Valley (Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Tolleson)
- 57x – Northwest Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Sun Cities)
These routes use a mix of bus types, ranging from transit-style buses with hard seats to "semi-suburban" buses (with highback, non-reclining seats) to full suburban buses (with a single door, luggage racks, and personal reading lights). These routes are also unidirectional, traveling into downtown Phoenix and the State Capitol in the morning (using the major freeways after traveling on surface streets for part of the trip) and out of downtown in the afternoons.
Route list
editRoutes marked with an asterisk (*) are a part of the Frequent Bus Network (15 minute-or-better headways on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Color key:
Color | Operator | Note |
---|---|---|
Red | Transdev-Phoenix | Formerly Veolia-Phoenix. Operates the North and South Phoenix facilities. |
Orange | Transdev-Phoenix (Formerly First Transit) | Operates the West Phoenix facility. |
Pink | Keolis-RPTA (Formerly First Transit) | Operates the Mesa and Tempe facilities. Replaced Veolia-RPTA (Mesa) and Veolia-Tempe on July 1, 2013. |
Purple | Total Transit | Contracted by the RPTA. Operated from the Total Transit facility in southeast Glendale. |
Turquoise | City of Glendale | Only non-contracted routes in the system. Also operates Glendale Dial-a-Ride. |
Olive | RTW Management | Operations only, maintenance performed in-house. |
Brown | National Express (Formerly Ajo Transportation) | Contracted by the RPTA. |
No. | Name | Type | Operator | Facilities | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Length | Annual Ridership (FY2023)[9] | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0
|
Central Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Central City Central Station |
Sunnyslope Sunnyslope Transit Center |
8.2 miles (13.2 km) | 433,341 -4.7% | |
0A*
|
South Central Ave | South Mountain Heights S Central Av & Dobbins Rd |
9 miles (14 km) | ||||||
South Mountain Heights S Central Av & Baseline Rd |
5.3 miles (8.5 km) |
| |||||||
Washington/Jefferson St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | East Phoenix Priest Drive/Washington station |
7.1 miles (11.4 km) | 78,792 8% | |||
3*
|
Van Buren St | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Camelback East Phoenix Zoo |
Avondale La Canada Bl & 4th St (Weekdays and Saturdays) |
24.8 miles (39.9 km) | 682,802 -13% |
|
Tolleson Van Buren St & 83rd Av (Alternate Saturday trips and Sundays) |
16.9 miles (27.2 km) | ||||||||
Camelback East Van Buren St & 44th St |
West Phoenix Van Buren St & 35th Av |
8.5 miles (13.7 km) |
| ||||||
7*
|
7th St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Deer Valley Deer Valley Rd & 19th Av |
South Mountain Heights 7th St & Dobbins Rd |
25.3 miles (40.7 km) | 730,202 2.7% | |
North Mountain Village 7th St & Dunlap Rd |
South Mountain Village 7th St & Baseline Rd |
14.5 miles (23.3 km) |
| ||||||
8
|
7th Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Sunnyslope Sunnyslope Transit Center |
South Mountain Heights Baseline Rd & Central Av |
15.3 miles (24.6 km) | 338,549 -2.3% | |
10*
|
Roosevelt St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | East Phoenix 32nd St & Roosevelt St |
Central City Central Station |
4.1 miles (6.6 km) | 102,194 3.1% | |
12
|
12th St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Sunnyslope Sunnyslope Transit Center |
Central City Jefferson St & 12th St |
11 miles (18 km) | 200,715 2.9% | |
Buckeye Rd | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Central City Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |
Estrella Village Buckeye Rd & 75th Av |
12.3 miles (19.8 km) | 226,204 0.9% | ||
15
|
15th Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Alhambra 19th Avenue/Montebello station |
Central City South 15th Av & Pima St |
6.5 miles (10.5 km) | 186,701 2% | |
16*
|
16th St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Paradise Valley North Paradise Valley Community College |
South Mountain Heights Dobbins Rd & Central Av |
22.6 miles (36.4 km) | 602,323 1.6% | |
Camelback East 16th St & Northern Av |
South Mountain Village 16th St & Baseline Rd |
12.2 miles (19.6 km) |
| ||||||
17
|
McDowell Rd | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Scottsdale McDowell Rd & Pima Rd |
Goodyear McDowell Rd & Pebble Creek Pkwy (Weekdays and Saturdays) |
28.9 miles (46.5 km) | 810,057 -11.4% |
|
Tolleson McDowell Rd & 99th Av (Alternate Saturday trips and Sundays) |
22 miles (35 km) | ||||||||
19*
|
19th Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Norterra Happy Valley Rd & 23rd Av |
Laveen Village 27th Avenue/Baseline P&R |
25.8 miles (41.5 km) | 1,190,672 2.8% | |
27
|
27th Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Deer Valley 23rd Av & Rose Garden Ln |
Estrella Village Lower Buckeye Rd & 27th Av |
24.1 miles (38.8 km) | 633,755 -0.8% |
|
Deer Valley 27th Av & Deer Valley Rd | |||||||||
28
|
Lower Buckeye Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Bradley Ranch 22nd Av & Lower Buckeye Rd |
South Tolleson Lower Buckeye Rd & 99th Av |
9.8 miles (15.8 km) | 60,351 25% | |
29*
|
Thomas Rd | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Scottsdale Pima Park |
Maryvale Village Thomas Rd & 93rd Av |
21 miles (34 km) | 983,672 -9.9% | |
Camelback East Village Thomas Rd & 44th St |
Maryvale Village Desert Sky Transit Center |
14.3 miles (23.0 km) |
| ||||||
30
|
University Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa University Dr & Power Rd |
South Mountain Heights 24th Street/Baseline P&R |
25.2 miles (40.6 km) | 359,706 28.8% |
|
32nd St/40th St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Camelback East 28th St & Camelback Rd |
South Mountain Heights Baseline Rd & 40th St |
11.9 miles (19.2 km) | 301,036 0.7% | ||
35*
|
35th Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Norterra Happy Valley Rd & 23rd Av |
South Mountain Heights 27th Avenue/Baseline P&R |
27.8 miles (44.7 km) | 914,114 5.7% | |
North Mountain Village Thelda Williams Transit Center |
Estrella Village 35th Av & Lower Buckeye Rd |
11.7 miles (18.8 km) |
| ||||||
39
|
North 40th St | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Paradise Valley North Paradise Valley Community College |
Paradise Valley Village Dreamy Draw P&R |
4.6 miles (7.4 km) | 35,055 -17% | |
40*
|
Main St | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa Sycamore/Main station |
Superstition Springs Superstition Springs Transit Center |
13 miles (21 km) | 304,582 -2.9% | |
Mesa Gilbert/Main station |
8.3 miles (13.4 km) |
| |||||||
41*
|
Indian School Rd | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Scottsdale Indian School Rd & Granite Reef Rd |
Villa de Paz Indian School Rd & 107th Av |
22.7 miles (36.5 km) | 842,963 -12.2% | |
Arcadia Lite Indian School Rd & 32nd St |
Maryvale Village Indian School Rd & 59th Av |
10.1 miles (16.3 km) |
| ||||||
43
|
43rd Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Deer Valley Union Hills Dr & 43rd Av |
Estrella Village Lower Buckeye Rd & 43rd Av |
16 miles (26 km) | 315,869 -12.1% | |
44th St/Tatum Blvd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Desert Ridge Desert Ridge Marriott |
Central City 44th Street/Washington station |
18.5 miles (29.8 km) | 374,894 5.5% | ||
45
|
Broadway Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Superstition Springs Superstition Springs Transit Center |
South Mountain Village 19th Av & Broadway Rd |
26.3 miles (42.3 km) | 464,385 7.5% |
|
48
|
48th St | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Mesa Grande Mesa Riverview |
South Tempe Priest Dr & Baseline Rd at Arizona Mills |
12.8 miles (20.6 km) | 92,219 29.7% | |
50*
|
Camelback Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South, Phoenix North |
Scottsdale Scottsdale Community College |
Camelback Ranch 107th Av & Camelback Rd |
24.8 miles (39.9 km) | 1,021,318 6% | |
Camelback East Village Camelback Rd & 44th St |
Glendale Camelback Rd & 67th Av |
12.5 miles (20.1 km) |
| ||||||
51
|
51st Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | North Mountain Village Arizona State University West campus |
Laveen Village 51st Ave & Baseline Rd |
16.8 miles (27.0 km) | 375,760 -8.1% |
|
Komatke Pecos Rd & 51st Ave via Komatke Health Center |
26.5 miles (42.6 km) | ||||||||
52
|
Roeser Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Patio Homes East 48th St & Roeser Rd |
Park Phoenix 19th Av & Roeser Rd |
7.1 miles (11.4 km) | 87,484 6.4% | |
56
|
Priest Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Camelback East Desert Botanical Garden |
Foothills Park Place Ray Rd & 48th St |
12.6 miles (20.3 km) | 195,459 3.9% |
|
59
|
59th Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Glendale 59th Av & Beardsley Rd |
Freeport Center 59th Av & Buckeye Rd |
16.7 miles (26.9 km) | 271,546 -7.9% | |
60
|
Bethany Home Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Biltmore Camelback Rd & 24th St |
Glendale 83rd Av & Bethany Home Rd |
12.9 miles (20.8 km) | 365,545 7% | |
61
|
Southern Ave | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Superstition Springs Superstition Springs Transit Center |
Laveen Village 51st Av & Southern Av |
28.8 miles (46.3 km) | 702,335 11.6% | |
62
|
Hardy Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Tempe Marketplace |
South Tempe Ruby Dr & IKEA |
12 miles (19 km) | 170,998 49.2% | |
66
|
Mill Ave/Kyrene Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Tempe Transit Center |
Gila River Indian Community Lone Butte Casino |
10.2 miles (16.4 km) | 198,382 12.3% |
|
67
|
67th Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Arrowhead Ranch Union Hills Dr & 67th Av |
Sierra Vista Sierra Linda High School |
15.9 miles (25.6 km) | 220,202 -20.7% | |
24th St/Glendale Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Glendale Luke Air Force Base |
South Mountain Heights 24th Street/Baseline P&R |
30.7 miles (49.4 km) | 958,196 5% |
| |
Alhambra/Glendale Glendale Av & 43rd Av |
18.3 miles (29.5 km) |
| |||||||
Scottsdale Rd/Rural Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Grayhawk HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center |
Chandler Chandler Fashion Center |
28.6 miles (46.0 km) | 613,408 30.6% | ||
75
|
75th Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Maryvale Village Camelback Rd & 75th Av |
Tuscano Lower Buckeye Rd & 75th Av |
5.9 miles (9.5 km) | 110,488 -10.5% | |
77
|
Baseline Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa West Mesa P&R |
Laveen Ranch 75th Av & Baseline Rd |
22.3 miles (35.9 km) | 404,367 52% |
|
80
|
Northern Ave/Shea Blvd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Scottsdale Mustang Transit Center |
Glendale 59th Av & Northern Av |
18.7 miles (30.1 km) | 322,838 10.6% | |
81
|
Hayden Rd/McClintock Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Chandler Chandler Fashion Center (Weekdays and Saturdays) |
25.9 miles (41.7 km) | 335,796 16.6% |
| |
Tempe ASU Research Park |
20.2 miles (32.5 km) | ||||||||
83
|
83rd Ave | Local | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Glendale Arrowhead Towne Center |
Tolleson 83rd Av & Van Buren St |
16.2 miles (26.1 km) | 149,940 -11.1% | |
90
|
Dunlap Ave/Cave Creek Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Paradise Valley Village Rose Garden Ln & Cave Creek Rd |
Glendale 67th Av & Olive Av |
17.3 miles (27.8 km) | 455,116 1.9% | |
96
|
Dobson Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa Grande Mesa Riverview |
Silverton Ranch Dobson Rd & Pecos Rd (Weekdays and Saturdays) |
10.9 miles (17.5 km) | 241,503 -2.1% |
|
Dobson Ranch Dobson Rd & Baseline Rd |
4.3 miles (6.9 km) | ||||||||
South Chandler Snedigar Sports Complex |
16.8 miles (27.0 km) | ||||||||
104
|
Alma School Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Chandler Morelos St & Hamilton St (weekdays) |
12.5 miles (20.1 km) | 141,079 9.1% | ||
Fiesta District Alma School Rd & Southern Av (weekends) |
3.7 miles (6.0 km) | ||||||||
106
|
Peoria Ave | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Sunnyslope Sunnyslope Transit Center |
Sun City Santa Fe Dr & 105th Ave (weekdays) |
19.2 miles (30.9 km) | 334,061 -5.6% | |
Sun City/Peoria Peoria Av & 99th Av (weekends) |
14.7 miles (23.7 km) | ||||||||
108
|
Elliot Rd/48th St | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Superstition Springs Superstition Springs Transit Center |
Ahwatukee Foothills Village Chandler Blvd & 48th St |
23.7 miles (38.1 km) | 151,317 11.8% | |
112*
|
Country Club Dr/Arizona Ave | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | North Center Neighborhood Center St & McKellips Rd |
Chandler Chandler P&R |
14.9 miles (24.0 km) | 498,586 11.7% | |
Mesa Center/Main station |
10.9 miles (17.5 km) |
| |||||||
120
|
Mesa Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | Escobodo Neighborhood District Fitch Park |
Mesa Lewis & Coury Av |
3.9 miles (6.3 km) | 89,273 49.4% | |
122
|
Cactus Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | North Mountain Village 19th Avenue/Dunlap station |
Glendale ASU Western Campus |
7.7 miles (12.4 km) | 121,621 -7% | |
128
|
Stapley Dr | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | North Mesa McKellips Rd & Stapley Dr |
Mesa Inverness Av & Stapley Dr |
5.7 miles (9.2 km) | 83,972 72.4% | |
136
|
Gilbert Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | Lehi Community Improvement Gilbert-McDowell P&R |
Chandler Gilbert Rd & Ryan Rd (Weekdays and Saturdays) |
13.8 miles (22.2 km) | 184,020 12.3% | |
Mesa/Gilbert Gilbert Rd & Baseline Rd (Sundays) |
6.2 miles (10.0 km) | ||||||||
138
|
Thunderbird Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Paradise Valley Village Thunderbird Rd & 32nd St |
Sun City Santa Fe Dr & 105th Ave |
19.2 miles (30.9 km) | 280,720 1.2% | |
140
|
Ray Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Gilbert Ray Rd & Gilbert Rd |
Foothills Park Place Ray Rd & 48th St |
11.2 miles (18.0 km) | 68,285 14.6% |
|
154
|
Greenway Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Paradise Valley Village Scottsdale P&R |
Sunburst Farms 51st Av & Greenway Rd |
16.8 miles (27.0 km) | 229,140 4.3% | |
156
|
Chandler Blvd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa Arizona State University Polytechnic campus |
Ahwatukee Foothills Village Chandler Blvd & 48th St |
21.4 miles (34.4 km) | 206,488 18.3% |
|
170
|
Bell Rd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Northsight Raintree Dr & Northsight Blvd |
Glendale Arrowhead Towne Center |
21.3 miles (34.3 km) | 490,497 -8.4% | |
Power Rd | Local | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Mesa Power Road P&R |
Mesa ASU Polytechnic Campus via Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport |
14.3 miles (23.0 km) | 108,466 32.8% | ||
186
|
Union Hills Dr/Mayo Blvd | Local | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Windsong Mayo Blvd & Scottsdale Rd |
Glendale Arrowhead Towne Center |
20.8 miles (33.5 km) | 167,753 -6.1% | |
Glendale Union Hills Dr & 51st Av |
16.3 miles (26.2 km) |
| |||||||
514
|
Scottsdale | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | Central City 17th Ave & State Capitol (last drop-off) Jefferson St & 18th Ave (first pick-up) |
Scottsdale Mustang Transit Center |
23.2 miles (37.3 km) | ||
515
|
Fountain Hills-Mesa | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Lehi Community Improvement Gilbert-McDowell P&R |
Fountain Hills Fountain Hills Library |
12.7 miles (20.4 km) | ||
521
|
Central Tempe | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Central City 17th Ave & State Capitol (last drop-off) Jefferson St & 18th Ave (first pick-up) |
South Tempe Tempe Library P&R |
15.7 miles (25.3 km) | ||
522
|
South Tempe | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | South Tempe Tempe Sports Complex |
17.6 miles (28.3 km) | |||
531
|
Mesa/Gilbert | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Gilbert Gilbert P&R |
25.9 miles (41.7 km) | |||
533
|
Mesa | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | Superstition Springs Superstition Springs TC |
29.7 miles (47.8 km) | |||
535
|
Northeast Mesa | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa | Mesa Power Rd P&R |
28.4 miles (45.7 km) | |||
542
|
Chandler | Express | First Transit-RPTA | Mesa, Tempe | Chandler Chandler P&R |
28.2 miles (45.4 km) | |||
562
|
Goodyear | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Goodyear Goodyear P&R |
18.2 miles (29.3 km) | |||
563
|
Avondale/Buckeye | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Buckeye Buckeye P&R |
27.1 miles (43.6 km) | |||
571
|
Surprise | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Central City Adams St & 17th Ave (last drop-off) Jefferson St & 18th Ave (first pick-up) |
Surprise Surprise P&R |
30.4 miles (48.9 km) | ||
573
|
West Glendale | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Central City 17th Ave & State Capitol (last drop-off) Jefferson St & 18th Ave (first pick-up) |
Glendale Glendale P&R |
19.1 miles (30.7 km) | ||
575
|
North Glendale | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Central City Central Station (last drop-off) Van Buren St & 1st St (first pick-up) |
Glendale Arrowhead Towne Center |
28.3 miles (45.5 km) | ||
685
|
Gila Bend Regional Connector | Rural Route | National Express | Ajo | Maryvale Village Desert Sky Transit Center |
Ajo 2nd Ave & 5th St (Ajo Transportation Center) |
109.6 miles (176.4 km) | No Sunday service | |
GL
|
Grand Avenue Limited | Express | Total Transit | Southeast Glendale | Central City Central Station |
Peoria Peoria P&R @ Old Town |
15.3 miles (24.6 km) | Provides express service, but with a local fare. | |
GUS 1
|
Glendale Urban Shuttle 1 | Circulator | City of Glendale | Northwest Glendale | |||||
GUS 2
|
Glendale Urban Shuttle 2 | Circulator | City of Glendale | Northwest Glendale | |||||
GUS 3
|
Glendale Urban Shuttle 3 | Circulator | City of Glendale | Northwest Glendale | |||||
DBUZ
|
Mesa Downtown BUZZ | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Mesa Grande Mesa Riverview |
Mesa 1st St & Centennial Way |
|||
FBUZ
|
Mesa Fiesta BUZZ | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Fiesta District Southern Ave & Alma School Rd |
Also serves Sycamore/Main Street station | |||
ALEX
|
Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator – ALEX (Ahwatukee) | Circulator | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Ahwatukee 51st St & Elliot Rd |
Foothills Desert Foothills Pkwy & Liberty Ln |
16.8 miles (27.0 km) |
| |
DASH
|
Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator – DASH (Gov. Loop) | Circulator | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Governmental Mall 19th Ave and Jefferson St |
Center City 4th Ave and Washington St |
2.84 miles (4.57 km) |
| |
MARY
|
Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator – MARY (Maryvale) | Circulator | First Transit-Phoenix | Phoenix West | Maryvale Village Desert Sky Transit Center |
25 miles (40 km) |
| ||
SMART
|
Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator – SMART (Sunnyslope) | Circulator | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Sunnyslope 19th Ave & Cholla St |
Sunnyslope 15th St & Cinnabar Ave |
24.5 miles (39.4 km) |
| |
68CM
|
Scottsdale 68th Street/Camelback Trolley | Circulator | RTW Management | Scottsdale | Scottsdale Hayden Rd & Indian School Rd |
Scottsdale Granite Reef Senior Center |
7.6 miles (12.2 km) | ||
MLHD
|
Scottsdale Miller/Hayden Trolley | Circulator | RTW Management | Scottsdale | Scottsdale Mustang Transit Center |
10.18 miles (16.38 km) | |||
OLDT
|
Scottsdale Old Town Trolley | Circulator | RTW Management | Scottsdale |
| ||||
MSTG
|
Scottsdale Mustang Trolley | Circulator | RTW Management | Scottsdale | Northsight Raintree Dr & Northsight Blvd |
Scottsdale Ranch Via Linda Senior Center |
7.84 miles (12.62 km) |
| |
FLSH
|
FLASH Forward (Arizona State University) | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe |
| ||||
FLSH
|
FLASH Back (Arizona State University) | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | |||||
EART
|
Tempe – Orbit Earth | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Tempe Transit Center |
Tempe Tempe Marketplace |
8.80 miles (14.16 km) | ||
JUPI
|
Tempe – Orbit Jupiter | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe McClintock High School |
6.48 miles (10.43 km) | Originally one bi-directional route split into two | ||
MARS
|
Tempe – Orbit Mars | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Southern Ave & Evergreen Rd |
6.98 miles (11.23 km) | |||
MERC
|
Tempe – Orbit Mercury | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Escalante Community Center |
5.88 miles (9.46 km) | |||
VENU
|
Tempe – Orbit Venus | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | 5.49 miles (8.84 km) | Bidirectional route serving West Tempe neighborhoods | |||
STRN
|
Tempe – Orbit Saturn | Circulator | First Transit-RPTA | Tempe | Tempe Tempe Public Library |
South Tempe Priest Dr & Elliot Rd |
5.82 miles (9.37 km) | ||
SR-51
|
SR-51 Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Central City 17th Ave & State Capitol (last drop-off) Jefferson St & 18th Ave (first pick-up) |
Desert Ridge Deer Valley Rd & Marriott Dr |
24.5 miles (39.4 km) |
| |
I-10E
|
I-10 East Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Ahwatukee 40th St/Pecos Rd P&R |
20.7 miles (33.3 km) | |||
I-10W
|
I-10 West Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | Maryvale Village Desert Sky Transit Center |
12.6 miles (20.3 km) |
| ||
I-17
|
I-17 Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix North | Deer Valley Deer Valley P&R (I-17 & Happy Valley Rd) |
18.8 miles (30.3 km) |
| ||
SME
|
South Mountain East Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | South Mountain Heights 24th Street/Baseline P&R |
9.1 miles (14.6 km) | |||
SMW
|
South Mountain West Rapid | Rapid | Transdev-Phoenix | Phoenix South | South Mountain Heights 27th Avenue/Baseline P&R |
5.8 miles (9.3 km) |
Note that the listed facility assignments for Transdev-Phoenix operated routes are normal assignments, however, routes normally operated from the South facility may occasionally be substituted with buses from the North facility and vice versa.
Route history
editRoute | History |
---|---|
0 |
|
0A |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
7 |
|
8 | |
10 |
|
12 |
|
13 | |
15 |
|
16 |
|
17 |
|
19 |
|
27 |
|
28 | |
29 |
|
30 |
|
32 |
|
35 |
|
39 |
|
40 |
|
41 |
|
43 | |
44 | |
45 |
|
48 |
|
50 |
|
51 |
|
52 | |
56 |
|
59 | |
60 |
|
61 |
|
62 |
|
66 |
|
67 | |
70 |
|
72 |
|
75 |
|
77 |
|
80 |
|
81 |
|
83 | |
90 | |
96 |
|
104 |
|
106 |
|
108 |
|
112 |
|
120 | |
122 |
|
128 | |
136 |
|
138 |
|
140 |
|
154 | |
156 |
|
170 | |
184 | |
186 | |
514 |
|
515 |
|
521 | |
522 | |
531 | |
533 |
|
535 |
|
542 | |
562 | |
563 | |
571 |
|
573 |
|
575 | |
685 | |
GL |
|
SR-51 |
|
I-10E |
|
I-10W |
|
I-17 | |
SME | |
SMW |
|
Transit centers
editValley Metro Bus serves the following transit centers:[48]
- 19th Ave and Montebello Transit Center, Phoenix
- Arrowhead Transit Center, Glendale
- Central Station, Phoenix
- Chandler Fashion Center Transit Center, Chandler
- Desert Sky Transit Center, Phoenix
- Ed Pastor Transit Center, Phoenix
- Gilbert Rd/Main St Transit Center, Mesa
- Main St and Sycamore Transit Center, Mesa
- Metrocenter Transit Center, Phoenix
- Mustang Transit Center, Scottsdale
- Paradise Valley Mall Transit Center, Phoenix
- Sunnyslope Transit Center, Phoenix
- Superstition Springs Transit Center
- Tempe Transportation Center, Tempe
Customer service
editThe Transit Book (known until December 2008 as the Bus Book, and mentioned above) is updated twice yearly and contains maps and schedules for all routes. Copies are available at no charge at Valley Metro ticket offices, many public libraries, community colleges, and other civic facilities around the metropolitan area, and on the buses themselves. Because the Transit Book is difficult to carry around easily (the size is similar to a medium-sized catalog, averaging about 250 pages), patrons often use it to quickly reference the time when their next bus will arrive and simply leave the book sitting at their bus stop when finished, for the use of other riders.
Additionally, route schedules are posted at most bus stops in Tempe, selected bus stops in Scottsdale and Glendale, and at major transit centers in the city of Phoenix and throughout the Valley. On RAPID routes, schedules are electronic and are based on real-time information.
An automated next scheduled arrival service, NextRide, provides future arrival times for routes that serve a bus stop or light rail station. Each bus stop and light rail station has a five-digit "STOP#" found on a sign affixed to the bus stop sign post, shelter, or rail station. By calling the customer service number or by sending a text message, the passenger will be provided with the next three scheduled arrival times. If it is within 15 minutes of a scheduled arrival, a real-time estimate of when the bus or train will arrive will be provided, based on the vehicle's current location along the route.[49]
A customer service call center is operated for passengers to plan their bus trips with the assistance of either an automated voice response system or a live customer service representative. The Valley Metro website [1] also has an online trip planning function, and includes all schedules and maps featured in the Transit Book; since 2006, Valley Metro is relying more on the website to post schedule information and is printing fewer paper copies of the Transit Book.
Passenger information systems
editLike most major cities, all buses (except for the non-Phoenix circulator vehicles) include the Route Scout on-board passenger information system, which includes a lighted marquee displaying the correct date and time, and an audio and visual Stop Requested announcement. Automatic Voice Annunciation (AVA) for audio and visual announcements for each major intersection, as well as minor cross streets.
Previously, these were voiced by longtime Phoenix radio personality, Liz Boyle [2] [3], however, these prerecorded announcements are slowly being phased out in favor of speech synthesis, to allow for easier updates. This same system is used by the LA Metro fleet and was introduced on the 2004 New Flyer D60LF buses.
Valley Metro Rail vehicles feature a similar passenger information system that uses speech synthesis technology, rather than a recorded voice, to announce approaching stations and give other travel-related announcements. Train operators may also use the vehicle's public address system at their discretion.
The RAPID bus stops as well as the former LINK bus stops include a display with real-time predictions for the next arrival at that stop. Additionally, all Valley Metro Rail platforms feature annunciation for the approximate arrival of the next train, while also allowing for messages regarding potential delays and general service information.
Valley Metro service providers
editName of Provider | Service Contracted By | Local Routes | Express Routes | RAPID Routes | Local Area Shuttles | Paratransit | Routes Previously Operated |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transdev (formerly Veolia Transport) | City of Phoenix | 0, 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 27, 28, 32, 35, 39, 44, 50, 52, 60, 70, 80, 90, 106, 122, 138, 154, 170, 186, Light Rail (ATC) | SR-51, I-10 East, I-10 West, I-17, Central Ave/South Mountain East, Central Ave/South Mountain West | ALEX (Ahwatukee Local Explorer), DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle), SMART (Sunnyslope Multi-Access Residential Transit) | Red Line (Weekday operations, route discontinued December 29, 2008), Blue Line (Route discontinued December 29, 2008), 581 (Route discontinued in 2012) | ||
MV Transportation | City of Phoenix | Phoenix Dial-a-Ride | ALEX (Service transferred to Transdev-Phoenix on July 1, 2016) | ||||
First Transit (formerly Laidlaw Transit Services) | City of Phoenix | 3, 13, 17, 29, 41, 43, 51, 59, 67, 75, 83 | MARY (Maryvale Area Ride for You) | Green (Renamed Route 29 on December 29, 2008), 560 (Route discontinued in 2012), I-10 West RAPID (Service transferred to Veolia/Transdev-Phoenix in July 2012), 19C (Route discontinued in October 2015), GL (Service transferred to Valu Trans/RPTA in April 2016)[50] | |||
First Transit | RPTA, City of Tempe | 30, 40, 45, 48, 56, 61, 62, 66, 72, 77, 81, 96, 104, 108, 112, 120, 128, 136, 140, 156, 184 | 514, 520, 521, 522, 531, 535, 542 | BUZZ (Downtown Mesa BUZZ), FLASH Forward/Back (Free Local Area Shuttle), ORBIT | Red Line (Weekend operations as Veolia-Tempe, route discontinued December 29, 2008), 76 (as Veolia-Tempe, Service transferred to Ollie the Trolley and now known as Miller Road Trolley), 84, 92, 114, 277, 510 (as Veolia-Tempe, Route discontinued July 2012 and replaced by Route 514 due to budget crisis), 511 (Route discontinued October 2014 due to low ridership), 512 (as Veolia-Tempe, Route discontinued July 2012 and replaced by Route 514 due to budget crisis), 532 (as Veolia-RPTA, Route discontinued in July 2012 due to budget crisis), 534 (as Veolia-RPTA, Route discontinued in 2008 due to low ridership), 540 (as Veolia-RPTA, Route discontinued July 2012 due to budget crisis), FLASH McAllister (route discontinued on December 14, 2015, due to low ridership), Main Street LINK (Route discontinued on October 24, 2016, replaced by enhanced service on Route 40), Arizona Avenue LINK (Route discontinued on October 24, 2016, replaced by enhanced service on Route 112), 541 (discontinued on October 23, 2022) | ||
TotalTransit (formerly Valu Trans) | RPTA | 562, 563, 571, 573, 575, GL | 70X, 572, 251 (Merged with Route 51 in April 2018), Avondale Zoom (discontinued on October 23, 2023) | ||||
RTW Management (operations only) | City of Scottsdale | OLDT (Old Town Trolley), MLHD (Miller Hayden Trolley), 68CM (68th Camelback Trolley), MSTG (Mustang Trolley) | Downtown Trolley, Miller Road Trolley, Neighborhood Trolley, Talking Stick Trolley, Resort Trolley (all the above routes were realigned in 2019) Hospitality Trolley (Seasonal route discontinued after 2014–2015 winter season due to low ridership) | ||||
National Express | RPTA | 685 | 660 (Route discontinued October 2011 due to low ridership) | ||||
City of Glendale | City of Glendale | GUS 1, GUS 2, GUS 3 | Glendale Dial-a-Ride |
Unification of Tempe bus operations with the RPTA
editIn 2012, the City of Tempe introduced a proposal that would unify its transit operations with the RPTA.[51] Under the new agreement, all Tempe bus operations would be handed over to the RPTA, where the Tempe transit facility would be utilized by the RPTA to reduce costs and improve efficiencies for certain routes by reducing deadheads due to its more central location than the existing RPTA facility in Mesa.
On November 24, 2012, the City of Tempe agreed to move forward with unifying its transit operations with the RPTA.[52] The contract for both agencies was initially planned to be awarded to First Transit on December 13, 2012, however, Veolia Transport protested the award because First Transit wasn't releasing information of where their cost savings would come from. The protest was denied and the contract was officially awarded to First Transit on January 24, 2013.[53]
Bus fleet
editValley Metro and member cities maintain a growing fleet of over 800 vehicles for public bus routes and nearly 200 for paratransit.
References
edit- ^ "Valley Metro | Contact Us". Archived from the original on March 4, 2011. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ "Valley Metro Transit Book, October 2017" (PDF). Valley Metro. p. 3. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
- ^ "System Map" (PDF). Valley Metro.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 1, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Transit Ridership Report First Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
- ^ Valley Metro Bus page
- ^ "Valley Metro – Route 17 Schedule" (PDF). Valley Metro RPTA. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Ridership Reports". Valley Metro. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Service Changes Effective January 23, 2012". Archived from the original on January 28, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "October 2021 Service Changes". Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Schedule for October 13 Bus Service Changes Now Available". Archived from the original on December 3, 2003. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "July 25, 2005 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on November 22, 2005. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac "Service Changes Effective July 23, 2012". Archived from the original on July 5, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Service Changes Effective January 28, 2013". Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "July 22, 2013 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "October 27, 2014 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "April 25, 2016 Service Changes". Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "April 2018 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on December 19, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "July 23 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on September 9, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Service Changes Effective July 26, 2010". Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "October 2023 Service Changes". Valley Metro. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "January 2006 Service Changes". Archived from the original on February 17, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "January 2014 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "April 2020 Service Changes". Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "October 2018 Service Changes". Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on April 8, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Transit Service Changes Effective January 24, 2005". Archived from the original on April 11, 2005. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "January 22, 2007 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on February 28, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Proposed Transit Service Changes For October 26, 2015" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Transit Service Changes for October 23, 2017". Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "April 2023 Service Changes". Valley Metro. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "July 23 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on July 8, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "January 25 Service Changes". Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Service Changes Effective January 24, 2011". Archived from the original on January 30, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "October 2022 Service Changes". Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "April 2021 Service Changes". Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Service Changes Effective July 25, 2011". Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c "April 24, 2017 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "October 24, 2016 Service Changes". Archived from the original on November 20, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Route-by-route Service Changes". Archived from the original on January 24, 2004. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "Route-by-route Service Changes". Archived from the original on July 14, 2004. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c "July 23 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on March 6, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c "July 24, 2006 Transit Service Changes". Archived from the original on August 13, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bus Service Changes Effective July 28, 2008". Archived from the original on August 1, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "October 2020 Service Changes". Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ a b "MONDAY, JULY 14, 2003 TRANSIT SERVICE CHANGES SUMMARY". Archived from the original on December 3, 2003. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ "Transit Centers". Valley Metro. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
- ^ "Valley Metro NextRide". December 26, 2017.
- ^ "Valley Metro Board Packet, August 2016" (PDF). Valley Metro. p. 21. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ^ "Unification of Bus Contracts Being Explored". Valley Metro. June 22, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ Michelle Peirano (November 24, 2012). "Valley Metro to operate Tempe buses under service contract". East Valley Tribune. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ "Approval of Bus Contract Unifies Bus Service Operations". Valley Metro RPTA. January 24, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2013.