The City of Tucson (Ariz.) Department of Transportation awarded incumbent Professional Transit Management/Veolia Transportation Inc. (PTM/Veolia) a contract to manage Sun Tran fixed-route operations and Sun Van paratransit services.

The two-year contract, which goes into effect May 17, 2012, also includes operation of the Downtown Loop circulator service, development of a seamless regional fare system, and management of the Special Services Office that sells fare products and evaluates applicants for the city’s Economy Fare Program. The City of Tucson has the option to renew the agreement for up to six additional years.

Sun Tran has been under PTM/Veolia’s direction since 1999, and has held the Sun Van management contract since 2004. Recent accomplishments include completion of a LEED Gold-certified regional transit facility, receipt of $15.6 million in federal discretionary energy grants since 2010, and an 18% expansion of fixed-route service delivered on-time and on-budget.