Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The new contract was ratified with a vote of 212 to 69.

Despite a down economy, operation realized enhanced financial performance for the current fiscal year through February 2012 as compared to the same period in fiscal year 2011.

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 Tucson streetcar line will serve a population of more than 85,000 people who live and work within walking distance of 17 planned stops. The service also fills a gap by offering direct, high-capacity transit connections between downtown Tucson, the University of Arizona, the Arizona Health Sciences Center and points in between.

Northwest Bus Facility now has the capacity to operate and maintain 250 buses for the entire Tucson region.

Funding will enable patrols of Sun Tran’s transit facilities, with more than $200,000 of this funding dedicated to pay for Tucson Police Department personnel over the next three years. The grant also funds a public awareness campaign to educate riders on transit safety and security.

The National Transit Institute recognized Mary McLain’s 26 years of service to public transit and commitment and dedication to the importance of training in the transit industry, with its 2011 Champions Award, at its Transit Trainers' Workshop held in Tampa, Fla. last month.

The agency’s television commercial, promoting the use of express service for commuters, titled, “Marion and Kate,” recently won a Gold ADDY award from the Tucson Advertising Federation at the 30th Annual ADDY Awards Ceremony.

Transit system provided more than 3,000 passenger trips to the event, featuring a speech by President Barack Obama.

Teamsters bargaining unit employees will receive no wage increases, but will continue to have their health and welfare costs completely covered over the two-year term. Cost to the City of Tucson for the increases in health and welfare expenses is approximately $1.2 million over the two-year contract.