ScottsdaleAZ.Gov

Public hearing May 21 for proposed changes to bus routes

  May 13, 2009

  Contact: Annie DeChance, Transportation, (480) 312-2526

 
  Public hearing May 21 for proposed changes to bus routes

The city of Scottsdale is proposing service changes to the Downtown Trolley and several local bus routes.

Proposed bus changes include modifying the hours of operation on routes 81 (Hayden), 76 (Miller Road) and 66 (68^th Street) as well as the potential elimination of service on routes 84 (Granite Reef) and 114 (Via Linda).

A public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 21 as part of the regularly scheduled Transportation Commission meeting in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Proposed changes for the Downtown Trolley would reduce the frequency of service from every 10 minutes to every 20 minutes with no service after 6 p.m. except on Thursdays. The proposed frequency of service is the same as the Neighborhood Trolley that serves the southern area of the city.

Here is a list of proposed bus route changes:

• Routes 81 (Hayden Road) and 76 (Miller Road) would reduce Saturday service levels to current Sunday service levels. A schedule for Sunday service can be found at www.valleymetro.org
• Route 66 (68^th Street) would reduce Saturday service levels to current Sunday levels. That schedule also can be found at www.valleymetro.org. The section on this route between Loloma Station and Scottsdale Fashion Square also is being proposed for elimination. Under the proposal, riders would still be able to access Fashion Square at Loloma with the free Downtown Trolley, or bus Route 72 (Scottsdale Road).
• Proposed changes also include the elimination of bus routes 84 (Granite Reef) and 114 (Via Linda). Both routes have limited ridership that has not grown during the last several years. Eliminating these routes could save more than $600,000 per year.

If Route 84 is eliminated, riders could still use the free Neighborhood Trolley, Route 41 (Indian School), Route 50 (Camelback) and Route 81 (Hayden Road) to reach many of the destinations that Route 84 currently serves. Alternatives for Route 114 include Route 106 (Shea Boulevard), and Route 81 (Hayden/McClintock).

The public is invited to attend the May 21 Transportation Commission meeting to provide input on these proposed changes.

If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to provide input, please call (480) 312-7644 or e-mail transportationinfo@scottsdaleaz.gov.

To learn more about the proposed changes including maps and alternative routes visit: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/traffic/alttransmethod/Bus_Service_Routes.asp.