Transit funding in the Regional Transportation Authority’s proposed $2.67 billion RTA Next plan is 27%, over one-quarter of the plan budget of RTA funding. In addition to the RTA funding commitment of $726 million for transit, another $228 million is committed in non-RTA funds, providing nearly $1 billion to the region’s transit system over the next 20 years.
The RTA Next plan, if approved by Pima County voters in March 2026, will provide funds to continue expanded evening and weekend Sun Tran and Sun Van services. Sun Shuttle general public bus and dial-a-ride services, Sun Shuttle paratransit/ADA dial-a-ride services, and Sun Express services will continue to be funded as well.
The proposed plan also includes funds for transit expansion of routes and frequencies, as well as high-capacity transit and for continued streetcar operations and maintenance. Added safety and security improvements within the system for riders and drivers also will be funded.
The new $726 million RTA funding commitment will ensure that riders can depend on a continuation of transit and paratransit services for transit riders to access jobs, classes, medical facilities, grocery stores, or entertainment events to maintain independence and reach essential services. As our population ages, the need to access transit services may increase as individual needs change, whether that requires a single trip or an ongoing reliance on transit.
“While not everyone relies on transit, a reliable transit system is critical to maintaining a vibrant community and economy, whether it is by helping someone reach a doctor’s appointment or by supporting new services, such as restaurants, along fixed transit routes, which improve the quality of life for those who live on or near the transit route,” said RTA Mobility Manager Preston McLaughlin.
Without RTA Next, however, the region will lose over $30 million annually to fund expanded and enhanced transit services, including paratransit and dial-a-ride services which many have come to depend on over the last 20 years. Other funding sources to replace RTA dollars have not been identified, resulting in a significant impact on transit services that may be lost if RTA Next funding is not approved next March along with the plan for another 20 years.
Questions: Email info@RTAnext.com