Council directs outreach on Route 5 major service change, launches fare equity study and asks staff to evaluate transit funding options

The Tucson City Council on April 8 approved multiple, related transit directives: staff will begin the public‑outreach and Title VI process for a proposed major service change affecting Route 5 and Route 22, the council authorized a Title VI fare equity analysis of five scenarios for fares, and it directed staff to return with options to study new or increased funding sources for Sun Tran.

Major service change outreach — Route 5/22: The council voted to start the formal process for a major service change that staff says would eliminate Route 5 (a low‑productivity route) and instead realign and extend Route 22 to Pima Community College West to preserve needed connections while removing service from neighborhood streets. Transit staff estimated the annual net operating savings at about $1 million if Route 5 were removed and Route 22 extended; staff emphasized any change would require a Title VI service equity analysis, a public hearing, and formal approval by council before taking effect.

Fare equity analysis: Council also directed staff to complete a fare equity analysis under federal Title VI requirements on five scenarios: (1) returning to the 2018 fare structure, (2) fares for SunLink and SunExpress only, (3) a simplified base fare (50¢), (4) fare capping (pay‑as‑you‑go with daily/monthly caps), and (5) a free low‑income pass (a targeted free pass). Transit Director Sam Credio told council the FTA requires a Title VI analysis for any fare change and noted those analyses must examine impacts on minority and low‑income riders. Councilmember Lane Lee moved the Title VI analysis motion and it passed after debate (final tally 4–2).

Study of funding options: Separately, the council voted to direct staff to return with processes to evaluate several funding options to support transit, including pursuing partnership agreements with major institutions (Pima College, University of Arizona, large employers), the hotel/motel surcharge (the manager proposed a $1 per night increase as one option and staff was also asked to model a percentage‑based structure), a half‑percent increase in the city public‑utility tax baseline (the city last increased that tax in 2016), pursuing Local Transportation Assistance Funds (LTAF) and other state lottery‑derived funds, adjustments to parking pricing, and other options such as an advertising tax. The motion also instructed staff to look at whether Pima County and the state could be asked to contribute. The council asked staff to return with revenue projections for each option and legal constraints.

Council reaction and votes: Supporters of the Title VI study and funding analysis framed the motions as steps to build a sustainable funding base while being mindful of equity; supporters of maintaining fare‑free transit warned that reinstating fares would reduce ridership and disproportionately affect low‑income residents. The Title VI motion passed 4–2; the motion to study partnership and funding options passed unanimously.

Next steps and timeline: Staff said the Route 5 major service change would require public outreach, a Title VI service‑equity study and a public hearing prior to any implementation. The fare equity analysis was expected to take about 6–8 weeks and will return to council with scenario results and potential revenue projections.

Ending: Council members asked for clear revenue‑model comparisons and Title VI findings so they can weigh equity impacts alongside operational savings and potential new revenues before any fare or major service decisions are made.