Transit Solutions Training Schedule Follow the link to see the schedule for 2006.
Learn the ins and outs of the Sun Tran bus system in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. A variety of subjects is covered, including: how and where to get your disability ID card for reduced bus fares; how to read the Ride Guide schedules; using the lift or kneeler to board and disembark; finding your way around a transfer center; the different types of bus passes and which type is best for you; how to plan trips around town; and more.
After lunch, you will find out more about the Americans with Disabilities Act and what bus companies must do to make transit accessible. We talk about what it's like to have a disability and what it's like to be a bus driver. Both drivers and consumers learn some tips about communicating with sensitivity and respect.
For more Information go to the Sun Tran website.
Additional Transit Solutions Services
Secure Loops
Secure Loops are bright yellow nylon straps which, when attached to a mobility device, indicates to bus and van drivers where best to fasten the securement belts or hooks. The loops help minimize both potential damage to mobility devices and the time it takes for drivers to secure your device in the bus. Secure Loops are offered free and can only be installed by DIRECT staff. If you are a current Sun Tran rider, come by DIRECT and we'll get your straps installed in minutes. If you're a new rider attending Transit Solutions, the loops will be installed during the training.
Complaints and Accidents
While we hope every trip aboard Sun Tran will be pleasant, sometimes things go wrong. When you have a complaint, please call Sun Tran's Customer Service at 792-9222 and report the incident. You can also call us and we'll report for you. Remember to note the time of the incident, the direction you were traveling, and the route number of the bus. With just this information, Customer Service can identify the driver involved.
All of us like to hear good things about ourselves, too. Please remember to call in a compliment for a driver you think is special.
If you are involved in an accident on the bus and are hurt, tell the driver immediately. Ask him to give you a "blue card" to report the information. Then call us and we'll help you through the process of obtaining reimbursement for medical costs, mobility device repair, etc.
Barriers to Using the Bus?
No sidewalks? Sidewalks but no curb cuts? No shaded bus stop? Tell us about the physical barriers that prevent you from using the bus. We'll help you report those barriers and work to eliminate them. Visit the Tucson Department of Transportation
Transportation System Advocacy
Statewide
Over the past year, DIRECT has participated in regional foras and focus groups whose purpose is to provide the Arizona State Department of Transportation with information from the public to be included in a statewide transportation plan. In November 2002, two DIRECT staff members attended a regional forum held in Tucson. A number of ideas to improve the state transportaiton system were discussed and prioritized. In April 2003 DIRECT staff joined a focus group specifically aimed at improving transit systems and rural transportation options throughout the state. The information is available on the Move Az website.
Local/Regional Long-Term Transportation Plan
Late in 2002, the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) began the process of creating a long-term transportation plan for Tucson and eastern Pima County. The plan will be based upon information DIRECT and other organizations provided PAG regarding the type of transportation system we need over the next thirty years to sustain our quality of life. In addition to collecting this community-wide information, PAG has formed a Task Force comprised of regional government officials, businesses, and community leaders--including DIRECT. The 2030 RTP Task Force will use the information provided by the public to devise a long-range regional transportation plan which will include more and better transportation options for everyone. For more information on PAG and the long-range regional transportation task force, please visit PAG's website.
