The City of Tucson is taking a closer look at how to fund its public transportation system, including Sun Link, Sun Tran, and Sun Van. City leaders are exploring new funding options and service adjustments, like eliminating Route 5 and re-aligning Route 22 .
Route 5 in Tucson operates along Pima Street and West Speedway Boulevard. It connects Udall Transit Station to Pima Community College West. Route 5 overlaps with other routes like 4 and 22. While the route serves a big part of Tucson, it’s identified as low-performing by Sun Tran.
Tucson invests about 9% of its general fund in mass transit. That’s higher than other cities in Arizona, like Mesa, which contributes nearly 3%. If Route 5 is eliminated, it would save the city $1.6 million, according to a mayor and council memo …