Starting August 16, Sun Tran introduces Route 124X, linking Oro Valley and Marana to downtown Tucson, along with other route adjustments and a new on-demand zone.
Oro Valley commuters will have a new direct transit option starting Sunday, August 16, when Sun Tran launches Route 124X, the Northwest-Downtown Express. The new route provides service between Oro Valley, Marana, and downtown Tucson, according to the agency’s August newsletter.
The introduction of Route 124X is part of a broader set of service changes affecting Sun Tran, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle. Several routes will see routing updates, and multiple schedules will be adjusted.
Key Route Changes
- Route 11 will now serve Udall Transit Station, replacing service to South Kolb Road.
- Route 12 will merge with Route 108X, extending service to Houghton Road and increasing frequency to every 15 minutes.
- Route 18 will be extended to Pima Community College East, replacing service to Udall Transit Station.
- Sun Express Routes 102X and 108X will merge into a single route. Service along Speedway Boulevard will be discontinued; riders can use Route 103X instead.
- New Route 124X will provide express service from Oro Valley and Marana to downtown Tucson.
In addition, Routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 19, 34, 37, 61, and 62 will receive schedule adjustments. At Ronstadt Transit Center, the boarding location for one route will relocate to Sixth Avenue, with wayfinding maps available to help riders.
Sun On Demand Expands to East Side
Sun On Demand, the free curb-to-curb transit service, is launching a new zone on Tucson’s east side, covering approximately double the size of existing zones. The new zone serves the area from Tanque Verde Road to Golf Links Road and Wilmot Road to Houghton Road, connecting riders to Sun Tran Routes 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, and 37.
Service hours are Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–8 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday/Holidays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Riders can book trips one to seven days in advance via the Sun On Demand app or by calling Sun Van Reservations at (520) 792-9222.
Safe City Connect Meetings
The City of Tucson is hosting Safe City Connect: Transit meetings to gather feedback on the Transit Safety and Security Action Plan. Topics include security services, police patrols, bus stop improvements, incident tracking, and the new Transit Ambassador Program. Transit fares will not be discussed. Meetings are scheduled for August 10, 11, 12, and 13; registration is required for the virtual session.
Learn to Ride and School Resources
Sun Tran is offering free Learn to Ride sessions, including one on Wednesday, August 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ward 5 Council Office (4300 S. Park Avenue). Participants can learn trip planning, schedule reading, safe boarding, and app navigation. Another session will be held at the Sun Tran Administration Building (3910 N. Sun Tran Boulevard).
For students, Sun Tran reminds riders to plan routes in advance and arrive at stops at least five minutes early. The Transit app provides real-time arrivals and trip planning.
Stuff-the-Bus School Supply Drive
Sun Tran and The Salvation Army are hosting a Stuff-the-Bus school supply drive on August 15 at 7150 East Speedway Boulevard. Donations will be collected all day, with a Tucson Fire Department truck display from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Riders are encouraged to check Suntran.com for updated maps and schedules, and to use the Transit app for real-time tracking. For trip planning help, call Customer Service at (520) 792-9222 (TDD 520-628-1565) or email SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.