KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Valley Metro Temporarily Reduces Bus Services

Commuter buses have seen massive drops in ridership as Arizonans stay home during the coronavirus pandemic. Valley Metro is making several adjustments in response.

Starting April 6, Valley Metro will reduce weekday morning and evening trips on RAPID and Express commuter bus routes. But Brittany Hoffman with Valley Metro said no routes will be eliminated completely.

“We understand people are staying home, but we are keeping our services open for those essential workers," Hoffman said.

In an effort to keep riders and drivers at a safe distance, buses are loading passengers from the rear doors and riders are being asked to sit farther back from drivers.

“We’re encouraging riders to only take the essential trips, as in grocery store, work, things that are absolutely necessary,” Hoffman said.

Valley Metro is also limiting most paratransit trips to just one rider, but adding some grocery and pharmacy delivery services for paratransit users.

Hoffman encourages riders to check  Valley Metro’s website for up-to-date schedules before planning a trip. Hoffman said Valley Metro plans to return to its previous schedules when pandemic restrictions are lifted and demand increases. 

Affected Routes

  • I-10 East RAPID
  • I-10 West RAPID
  • I-17 RAPID
  • South Mountain East RAPID
  • South Mountain West RAPID
  • SR-51 RAPID
  • Route 514-Scottsdale Express
  • Route 520-North Tempe Express
  • Route 521-Central Tempe Express
  • Route 522-South Tempe Express
  • Route 531-Mesa/Gilbert Express
  • Route 533-Mesa Express
  • Route 535-Northeast Mesa Express
  • Route 541-Chandler/Mesa Express
  • Route 542-Chandler Express
  • Route 562-Goodyear Express
  • Route 563-Avondale/Buckeye Express
  • Route 571-Surprise Express
  • Route 573-West Glendale Express
  • Route 575-North Glendale Express

→  Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease 

Katherine Davis-Young is a senior field correspondent reporting on a variety of issues, including public health and climate change.