NEWS RELEASE : July 3, 2007

Survey to Gather Public Input on Potential Transit Solutions in Central Tucson
Will Be First Step in Federally Sponsored 'Major Transit Investment Study'

On Thursday, October 14, 2004 the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) will begin a three-week survey to gather information on transit customers travel behavior and obtain their input on transit issues. . The survey is the first step in an 18-month Major Transit Investment Study that will identify potential transit solutions to connect the University of Arizona to Downtown and the Río Nuevo revitalization district.

The federally sponsored study, also known as an Alternatives Analysis, will not only define the most promising route in this area and mode for transit, including the options of historic and modern streetcars, but will also build a solid foundation for possible future transit expansion within the Tucson region. The boundaries of the study area are Grant Road to the north, 22nd Street to the south, Grande Avenue to the west, and Campbell Avenue to the east.

The On Board survey has been designed by TDOT, with the help of the Federal Transit Administration and independent consultants, to better understand how Tucson's existing transit systems serve the community, and identify areas and ideas for improvement. Starting Thursday, surveyors will be present on University of Arizona Cat Tran shuttles, Sun Tran busses and transit centers and the TICET shuttles asking riders to fill out a short questionnaire. Surveys can be filled out and returned at that time, or by mail. The survey can be filled out multiple times by the same person because it is designed to evaluate information on per trip basis, not per individual.

"We're encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to participate in this survey," said TDOT Director Jim Glock. "The information we gather will be incredibly valuable in addressing transit issues that will affect the entire community for a long, long time."

When the study is complete, the Mayor and Council will review the findings and make the final selection of the locally preferred alternative. The potential exists, through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Start Program, to receive federal funding to develop a transit system within the study area that would become the nucleus of a potentially greatly expanded system.

For more information about the Alternatives Analysis and On Board survey, please call the project hotline at (520) 624-5656 or visit www.tucsontransitstudy.com.

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