Tucson Rapid Transit Stone Ave BRT Online Open House

The City of Tucson, in cooperation with the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority, is designing a new rapid transit service on Stone Ave between downtown Tucson and Tohono Tadai Transit Center.

Benefits

Increased safety for all modes of travel

Faster, more frequent service

Improved connectivity

Improved landscaping and beautification

Improved boarding experience

Increased Safety

Dedicated BRT lanes reduce the risk of collisions with other vehicles
Fewer drivers on the road create a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists

Environmental Health

Reduces greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions by replacing individual passenger car trips with high-capacity shared transit

Improved Connectivity to Key Destinations

Improved access to jobs, education, and essential services
Access to high-capacity transit attracts employers and encourages investment along the corridor

Increased Cost Efficiency

BRT vehicles carry more passengers than a regular bus, and dedicated lanes help the bus operate faster, reducing the number of vehicles needed while still providing frequent service

Faster and More Frequent Service

Dedicated BRT lanes remove the bus from mixed traffic and keep passengers moving

Improved Landscaping and Beautification

Enhanced sidewalks, modern stations, trees, flowers, and public art beautify the corridor, creating a more pleasant environment for residents and riders

A Sidewalk Assessment conducted in 2024 as part of the Norte-Sur Study identified gaps in the pedestrian network throughout the area. Sidewalk gaps along the BRT corridor can influence access to transit, destinations, and neighborhoods. While improvements have been made since the 2024 assessment, some sidewalk gaps still remain.

2024 Norte-Sur Sidewalk Assessment

Current Conditions

The proposed roadway cross section reflects a "minimum footprint" design that accommodates Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) while remaining within the existing right-of-way, which is limited to approximately 79 feet. The design focuses on providing essential transportation improvements with minimal widening.

The proposed configuration allows transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicle travel to be accommodated while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties.

This graphic illustrates a conceptual roadway cross section at a future BRT station location and demonstrates how bicycle and pedestrian facilities may transition around a bus stop. To provide safe and convenient access to transit, the bicycle lane and sidewalk may be reconfigured in the station area to separate bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders while maintaining connectivity through the corridor.

The exact layout of these facilities will vary by location and will depend on the availability of space, site conditions, and access requirements. As a result, some elements shown in this graphic are conceptual and intended to illustrate a potential bus stop configuration rather than a final design.

The station area design will continue to balance the needs of transit riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and adjacent properties while working within available right-of-way and minimizing impacts where feasible.