A report released concludes that Tucson is the 4th highest-ranking city for effectively connecting people with jobs using public transit.
The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program report Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America analyzes route and schedule information from 371 transit systems in the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas, and examines how well these systems serve residents and connect them to employment.
“Sun Tran is a vital infrastructure that helps link people to jobs in the Tucson area,” observed Sun Tran General Manager Katrina Heineking. “The region’s investment in a more convenient, affordable and accessible system is reinforced by these findings. Tucson-area residents can feel confident that every dollar invested in transit is used effectively and efficiently.”
Tucson joins notable transit systems in the West such as Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas ranking highly on a combined score of transit coverage, service frequency and job access.
“The report’s findings confirm the value of transit in our region,” noted Heineking. “We will continue to strive to be safe, innovative and customer-focused. We value our employees and work hard to meet the demands of our customers.”
In addition to Sun Tran, the analysis included assessment of Sun Shuttle, the Regional Transportation Authority’s neighborhood circulator system; and the City of Tucson’s free downtown shuttle, Downtown Loop, formerly known as TICET (Tucson Inner City Express Transit). The complete report may be found at:http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2011/0512_jobs_and_transit.aspx for the complete report.
Sun Tran is Tucson’s award winning regional public transportation system, which is operated by Veolia Transportation, and under contract with the City of Tucson. With more than 600 employees, 40 fixed routes and a fleet of 240 buses, Sun Tran’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, well maintained and cost effective public transportation with a team of innovative and diverse employees, dedicated to our customers, the environment and the community.
