Free Transportation for Tucson Residents: Bus and Streetcar Services Remain Uncharged
Tucson Transit Funding: A Closer Look
Tucson's transit system, unlike those in cities like Phoenix and Tempe, relies more heavily on its general fund for funding. According to recent reports, Tucson contributes about 9% of its transit costs from the general fund, while Phoenix and Tempe contribute nothing, and Mesa covers a mere 2.7%[1].
In a bid to create a more balanced and sustainable funding pool, Tucson officials are considering various solutions. One such solution is the pursuit of ballot initiatives or self-taxation measures. Councilmember Lee, for instance, has suggested a ballot initiative that could potentially reduce the general fund’s burden from 9% to 3–4%. This move aims to balance funding sources better and could involve asking residents to voluntarily tax themselves for transit improvements[1].
Mayor Regina Romero has also shown support for such measures, acknowledging that while Tucsonans have often resisted such taxes, there is a belief that the community would support paying for a reliable, safe transit system. Romero emphasised the importance of preserving free rides for low-income residents while charging those who can afford it[1].
Council member Cunningham has expressed concern about the safety of drivers and passengers at bus stops and on the bus, and he believes these issues need to be addressed. Notably, riding the bus and streetcar in Tucson has been free since 2020[1].
The last time the city collected fares from public transit riders was in the 2018-19 fiscal year, during which about $11.1 million in passenger revenue was collected. Council member Nikki Lee has supported the city manager's recommendation that would have brought back the 2018 fare structure, along with capped fares and a low-cost or fare-free option for low-income riders[1].
However, the Tucson City Council has rejected an effort to resume charging fares for Sun Tran, Sun Link, and other public transportation. Mayor Romero mentioned that Maricopa County voters first approved a half-cent sales tax in 1985 to fund transportation, which was renewed in 2004 and again in 2024, lasting through 2045[1].
Romero stated, "I don't think we can be a city of 'no.' We can't just be saying 'no' to everything all the time." She encourages a dialogue with the community about what they are willing to pay for[1]. Lee's main concern was the amount of money contributed from the city's general fund to keep fares free, and she desires to balance the city's general fund contribution for transit more in line with peer jurisdictions[1].
In conclusion, Tucson's transit funding relies more heavily on its general fund compared to Phoenix and Tempe. Moving forward, ballot initiatives or self-imposed taxes are considered viable options to create a more balanced, sustainable transit funding pool in Tucson. There is political willingness and some public support to explore charging fares selectively while preserving free rides for low-income populations. However, the city council has, for now, rejected the resumption of fares for Tucson's public transportation.
[1] Source: Tucson Sentinel, March 2023.
