Title
October 2026 Proposed Bus Service Changes and Public Outreach - Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee with information on the proposed October 2026 transit service changes and related public outreach efforts. Staff will return to the City Council after the summer break with a recommendation on the proposed changes after completion of the public outreach process. If approved, the service changes will take effect October 26, 2026. October Service Changes include I-17 and 1-10W RAPID Service Expansion and implementation of Microtransit Service.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
The Public Transit Department (PTD) is proposing a pilot program which includes three microtransit zones within Phoenix and enhanced service on two RAPID routes by introducing weekday bi-directional service beginning in October 2026.
Microtransit is a shared, on-demand public transportation service that uses smaller vehicles, such as vans or shuttles, to provide trips within a designated service zone at an affordable flat rate. Riders request trips by phone or through a mobile app. Unlike fixed-route bus service, microtransit vehicles do not follow predetermined routes; instead, they operate on dynamically generated paths based on real-time demand. The service is intended to connect riders to and from a public transit hub for the initial and final legs of their journey, otherwise known as a “first-mile, last-mile” solution. The three microtransit pilot zones, located in North Phoenix, West Phoenix, and South Phoenix, will be paired with either a light rail connection or weekday RAPID service at designated transit centers. Once implemented, each microtransit zone will provide immediate improvements to transit accessibility, supporting both local and regional travel needs.
The enhanced RAPID routes will provide bi-directional service on the I-17 and I-10 West RAPID routes Monday through Friday by adding reverse-commute trips during peak hours and extending service into off-peak periods. The introduction of off-peak periods also creates the opportunity for reduced fares on RAPID trips for riders who meet regional reduced fare requirements, in alignment with Federal Transit Administration policy.
The pilot is planned for a three-year duration, which matches the federal grant performance period, after which PTD will evaluate the performance and effectiveness of both the microtransit zones and the expanded RAPID service hours. Findings from this evaluation will guide decisions on whether these services should continue as designed, be expanded, or be modified based on demonstrated demand and operational outcomes.
Background
In October 2024, PTD was awarded $12,944,400 through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Congestion Relief Grant Program. Phoenix’s application proposed implementing Project EASE (Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion), a three-pronged congestion-mitigation initiative designed to expand travel options and improve public transit accessibility. The total estimated program cost is $16,180,500. PTD will provide the required 20 percent local match of $3,236,100 using T2050 funds as part of the grant application. The City Council approved submission of the grant application on May 15, 2024.
The Project EASE Grant Proposal included:
- Implementing three microtransit service zones over a three-year period to expand transit coverage and improve first-mile/last-mile access.
- Enhancing commuter bus (RAPID) service with improvements that complement and connect to the microtransit zones.
- Integrating new and existing microtransit services into the region’s transit software application to support trip planning, real-time vehicle tracking, and fare payment.
These initiatives are designed to expand access to public transit by improving ease of use and enhancing the overall passenger experience, ultimately helping to reduce roadway congestion.
Project Elements
Microtransit Implementation:
Three microtransit zones were identified in the Project EASE grant application. Each zone is planned to operate with four microtransit vehicles and will cover approximately 12-16 square miles. The size and boundaries of each zone were designed to balance service coverage with operational efficiency.
The North Phoenix Zone is generally bounded by Union Hills Drive to the south, Happy Valley Road to the north, 51st Avenue to the west, and 16th Street to the east. Implementation of this zone will be coordinated with the launch of enhanced all-day I-17 RAPID service, which will provide direct connections to Downtown Phoenix from the Happy Valley Park-and-Ride and the Bell/I-17 (Deer Valley) Park-and-Ride.
The West Phoenix Zone is generally bounded by McDowell Road to the south, Camelback Road to the north, 107th Avenue to the west, and 75th Avenue to the east. This zone will be implemented alongside enhanced all-day I-10 West RAPID service, offering direct connections to Downtown Phoenix from the Desert Sky Transit Center and the 79th Avenue/I-10 Park-and-Ride.
The South Phoenix Zone is generally bounded by Elliott Road to the south, Broadway Road to the north, 59th Avenue to the west, and Central Avenue to the east. This zone will connect directly to the Valley Metro Light Rail B Line at the Central and Baseline Park-and-Ride, providing seamless access to the regional rail network.
Each pilot microtransit zone is designed to operate daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
As identified in the FHWA grant application, PTD is partnering with Via Transportation to implement microtransit service within Phoenix. This partnership is structured as a turnkey solution in which Via Transportation will provide the vehicles, operators, ride-hailing platform, and performance-monitoring software necessary to operate and evaluate the service.
RAPID Service Enhancement:
Current Route Description
I-17 RAPID: The I-17 RAPID is an express bus route connecting north Phoenix with Downtown Phoenix along the I-17 freeway corridor. Current service operates inbound to Downtown Phoenix during weekday morning peak hours, and outbound during weekday afternoon peak hours to the Thelda Williams Transit Center, the Bell/I-17 Park-and-Ride, and the Happy Valley Park-and-Ride.
I-10 West RAPID: The I-10 West RAPID is an express bus route connecting west Phoenix with Downtown Phoenix along the I-10 freeway corridor. Current service operates inbound to Downtown Phoenix during weekday morning peak hours, and outbound during weekday afternoon peak hours to the 79th Avenue/I-10 Park-and-Ride and the Desert Sky Transit Center.
Proposed Service Changes
See proposed service change maps in Attachment A.
PTD proposes improving both routes to operate bi-directionally Monday through Friday by adding reverse-commute trips during peak hours and extending service into off-peak periods. Once implemented, each route will operate in both directions from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Existing peak-hour frequent service will remain in place to accommodate high-demand travel periods.
Service Equity Analysis
Per Federal Transit Administration regulations, a Title VI Service Equity Analysis will be conducted for each proposed service change to determine whether the change would result in a disparate impact on minority populations or a disproportionate burden on low-income populations.
Public Outreach
The Public Transit Department will use the locally adopted public outreach process to solicit public feedback on the proposed service changes.
The public input process will take place from May 11, 2026, through June 12, 2026, during which Phoenix and Valley Metro staff will gather feedback through a combination of in-person and virtual outreach activities. Staff will use posters and bus stop signs placed at key locations along each affected route to notify the public of the proposed changes and direct passengers to the Valley Metro website to submit comments. The proposed changes will also be advertised through social media, interactive webinars, and a public hearing.
Location
Council District(s): 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Amber Williamson and the Public Transit Department.