City News

NewsNet 07-29-14

Posted July 29, 2014

CITY, MERCHANTS EXCITED ABOUT NEW STREETCAR - More than 60,000 people rode the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar during its first three days of operations and Sun Link officials and merchants are still talking about the success. Businesses along the streetcar enjoyed a steady stream of customers as people took advantage of special discounts. “We were pleasantly surprised that the traffic was steady all day long, and there was a mixed crowd of people,” said Jane McCollum, general manager of the Marshall Foundation, which manages most of the real estate at Main Gate Square on University Boulevard. “We had one merchant who commented that it felt like school had just opened,” she said, adding that most Main Gate tenants have enjoyed strong sales all summer. Merchants downtown and along 4th Avenue expressed similar sentiments. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.

ENJOY SUMMER DISCOUNTS AT MANY MERCHANTS ALONG THE STREETCAR ROUTE - Many businesses along the 3.9 mile streetcar route continue to celebrate Sun Link with special deals until the end of August via the “Connect in the City” discount card. The card costs $5 and offers hundreds of dollars in discounts this summer at restaurants, bars, and stores along Fourth Avenue, Main Gate, Downtown Tucson and at the Mercado San Augustin. The card is valid though the end of August and is good for unlimited use. You can buy a "Connect in the City" card online.

SUNGO CARDS ACCEPTED ON BOTH SUN LINK STREETCAR AND SUN TRAN BUSES - The SunGO card is the best way to pay fares when riding public transit in Tucson. The card works on both the Sun Tran bus system and the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar. A SunGO card with unlimited rides for a month is just $42. If you're an occasional rider, you can load the SunGO card with a cash value to pay the $1.50 one-way fares whenever you use transit.  In addition, there are many discounts available for students, low-income residents, seniors and others. If you ride the streetcar, you must have a SunGO card, or purchase a day pass with cash or a credit card from a vending machine at the stop. Cash is not accepted on the streetcar. 
Watch How to Ride video for streetcar
Cómo Viajar video
 
GIRLS SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT IN TUCSON THIS WEEK - The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Arizona Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and Visit Tucson, will be hosting the ASA 18 and under girls fastpitch Class A Western National Championship tournament starting tomorrow, through August 3, at Lincoln Park (8116 E. Escalante Road) at the new Lincoln softball complex. The complex features four lighted softball fields, bleacher seating with shade, and a concessions building with restrooms. The tournament features 17 teams from across the west coast. Read the news release/schedule.
 
NEED HELP STARTING OR EXPANDING A BUSINESS IN TUCSON? CALL THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE LINE - The City of Tucson's Small Business Assistance Line, (520) 837-4100, is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Help is available in both English and Spanish. Staff from the City Manager's Office of Economic Initiatives answer the calls. The Small Business Assistance Line is one of a number of City initiatives, along with 21 new business incentives, streamlined permit processes and more, to make the City of Tucson more business-friendly.

Sun Tran and Teamsters sign contract extension

Posted July 29, 2014

Sun Tran officials and representatives from Teamsters Local 104 have agreed to extend the current labor contract until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014, to allow negotiations to continue. Buses will run as scheduled through the contract extension date. The current contract was to expire at midnight Thursday, July 31.

“Negotiations will continue this week and we are hopeful an agreement can be reached prior to the expiration of the contract extension,” said Sun Tran General Manager Kate Riley. “The public can expect business as usual through August 6.”

NewsNet 07-28-14

Posted July 28, 2014

STREETCAR'S OPENING WEEKEND A HUGE SUCCESS -  Approximately 60,000 people rode the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar during its first three days of operation. Free fares, curiosity, fun activities, and merchant specials brought out the riders, who got their first taste of the 3.9 mile route between the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue, Downtown, and the Mercado area just west of Interstate-10. "The Sun Link streetcar system had a great first day of service,” said Sun Link Project Manager Shellie Ginn.

NewsNet 07-25-14

Posted July 25, 2014

TUCSON STREETCAR NOW OPEN! -  With a variety of celebrations at various stops and a grand opening kickoff downtown, Tucsonans this morning got their first chance to ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar. Rides are free through Sunday. There are about 11,000 places to park along the route that make parking and riding easy. Many merchants along the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona, are offering specials during the streetcar's opening weekend.

Sixth Street - Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road Resurfacing Project

Posted July 25, 2014

On Monday, July 28, 2014, crews from Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin work to improve the roadway conditions on Sixth Street from Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road. The pavement improvement project is part of the $100 million, five-year street bond program - Road Recovery. The Road Recovery program is funded by voter-approved bonds.

SIXTH STREET - CAMPBELL AVENUE TO COUNTRY CLUB ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT

Posted July 25, 2014

ROAD RECOVERY

SIXTH STREET - CAMPBELL AVENUE TO COUNTRY CLUB ROAD

RESURFACING PROJECT

On Monday, July 28, 2014, crews from Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin work to improve the roadway conditions on Sixth Street from Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road. The pavement improvement project is part of the $100 million, five-year street bond program - Road Recovery. The Road Recovery program is funded by voter-approved bonds.

NewsNet 07-24-14

Posted July 24, 2014

TUCSON STREETCAR SERVICE BEGINS TOMORROW, FREE RIDES FOR ALL THROUGH SUNDAY - The much-anticipated launch of passenger service on the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar begins at approximately 10 a.m. tomorrow. Opening celebrations will take place along many of the stops on the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona. Rides will be free Friday through Sunday. Starting Monday, payment for rides will be required. Riding a streetcar is different than riding a bus. Cash is not accepted on the car (but you can use it at machines at the stops to buy a $4 one-day pass), and you can bring your bike on the streetcar. The City of Tucson has a video that tells you everything you need to know about how to ride the streetcar. Please take a look at it before your first ride.
Cómo viajar video
Opening morning riding tips and more
Opening weekend events
 
TRAFFIC ALERT: STREETCAR CELEBRATIONS TO CLOSE SOME ROADS BRIEFLY - Beginning tonight at approximately 6:30, the right lane of Congress Street, between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue, will be closed, leaving one travel lane open on Congress. Also, at approximately 6:30 tonight, Fifth Avenue will be closed between Toole Avenue and Broadway. In order to facilitate downtown business traffic, the left lane of Congress will remain open until approximately 5 a.m. tomorrow. At 5 a.m., Congress Street will be closed completely, from Toole Avenue to Sixth Avenue. Toole will be converted to one-way westbound travel between Fourth Avenue and Pennington Street (similar to the traffic pattern that was utilized for the streetcar construction). All streets should reopen to traffic by noon on Friday. Read the news release.
 
TUCSON SEES BIG BOOST IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION USE - While the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar will no doubt increase public transportation use in Tucson, the pattern already has emerged. A study of statewide transportation trends found Tucson and Phoenix residents are driving less and seeking alternative modes of transportation. In the Tucson area, the number of public transit trips increased by nearly 25 percent between 2005 and 2010, according to the report by the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (ArizonaPIRG), with funding from the St. Luke's Health Initiative. In addition, annual driving miles per capita in Arizona decreased by 10.5 percent between 2005 and 2012, according to federal highway usage statistics and census data cited by researchers. Much of the shift is being led by people between the ages of 18 to 34. Read more from azcentral.com.
 
DESIGN CONCEPTS BEING SOUGHT FOR TUCSON’S JANUARY 8TH MEMORIAL - The January 8th Memorial Foundation and the Tucson Pima Arts Council invite designers to submit their qualifications and design interests to create a Master Plan Concept for El Presidio Park downtown and a schematic design for a January 8th Memorial. The memorial will commemorate both the tragic events of January 8, 2011 and the ways in which the Tucson community proved that "Together We Thrive." The application deadline to submit a design is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014 at 11 p.m. The budget for the scope of work is $90,000, and each finalists will receive a $5,000 stipend. Read more from the Tucson Pima Arts Council.
 
CATCH UP ON CITY NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED - Mayor Jonathan Rothschild works to strengthen ties with Mexico; it’s time to get streetcar street smart; and a dream comes true for Menlo Park residents. Those stories are featured in this month's edition of Tucson City News in Review, produced by Tucson 12.

NewsNet 07-23-14

Posted July 24, 2014

WEEKEND PACKED WITH FUN EVENTS ALONG STREETCAR ROUTE - As Tucson kicks off the historic launch of the Sun Link streetcar, the districts along the route are ensuring this upcoming weekend will be one to remember. Each of the five districts--Downtown, 4th Avenue, Mercado, Main Gate, and the University of Arizona--will be sponsoring free activities, music, and entertainment, while many shops and restaurants will offer discounts. Some of the many events include a pop up beach, outdoor movie screen, an instrument petting zoo, farmers' markets, and karaoke on the new Luis Gutierrez Bridge over the Santa Cruz River. Find a full listing of activities at the Friends of the Tucson Streetcar website. The streetcar will be free to ride July 25-27 starting at approximately 10 a.m. Friday. View Sun Link streetcar parking map and tips.

BILINGUAL LITERACY FAIR THIS SATURDAY - The 6th Annual Bilingual Literacy Fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. - noon at the El Pueblo Activity Center, 101 W. Irvington Road. The event, coordinated by The Consulate of Mexico in Tucson and Tucson City Council Member Regina Romero, will offer free Spanish language books and backpacks. Children also can enjoy educational activities, including crafts, music, and a play.

TUCSON EARNS IMPRESSIVE SUSTAINABILITY RATING FOR MAKING 'SMART INVESTMENTS' - The City of Tucson is just the fifth city in the United States to earn an impressive 4 out of 5 star rating for national leadership in sustainability from the STAR Communities Ratings System. The ratings system measures economic, environmental, and social performance for local governments and the broader community. "The data Tucson submitted made a compelling case that the City is making smart investment decisions to protect scarce resources, grow and retain businesses, and attract a rich diversity of new residents," said STAR Communities Executive Director Hilari Varnadore. Read the full STAR report.

GET STREETCAR STREET SMART - With the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar beginning passenger service Friday, it's important that bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and passengers practice streetcar safety to avoid problems. The City of Tucson produced a video that tells you everything you need to know to stay safe along the along the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona. Please review the video before the big day on Friday.

HOW TO MANAGE HARD WATER AND OTHER TIPS FROM TUCSON WATER - Get tips on how to manage hard water, increase dishwasher efficiency, flush your water heater, check faucet aerators, and more. Information is available in English and Spanish. You can download, print, or request a mailed copy of the tips. You can also learn how to pay your water bill online and stop and start service.

Sunrise on SunLink Streetcar Grand Opening Celebrations

Posted July 24, 2014

On Friday, July 25, 2014 the City of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority will host a series of ribbon cutting events to formally celebrate the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar launch. The morning festivities will begin with ribbon cuttings at four districts to acknowledge their participation and support in making the streetcar become a reality. 

Event   Approx. Time    Area

Find out about opportunities with automotive dealership at free July 29 veterans career seminar

Posted July 23, 2014

Find out about opportunities with automotive dealership
at free July 29 veterans career seminar

Veterans can find out about a local automotive dealership’s job opportunities and hiring processes at a free career seminar on Tuesday, July 29, at the Kino Veterans’ Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way.

Bradley Lancaster, recruiting manager for the Jim Click Automotive Team and the Holmes Tuttle Automotive Team, will talk and answer questions at the seminar, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.

TRAFFIC ALERT SUNLINK STREETCAR GRAND OPENING - TRAVEL INFORMATION

Posted July 23, 2014

TRAFFIC ALERT

SUNLINK STREETCAR GRAND OPENING - TRAVEL INFORMATION

Downtown Tucson will host the grand opening ceremony for the Sun Link Modern Streetcar on Friday, July 25, 2014. The ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, and is the beginning of multiple, weekend-long celebrations all along the Streetcar route. The main grand opening ceremony will conclude around 10 a.m. and free streetcar service through the weekend will begin at that time. Below is the vehicular travel restrictions associated with this event.

TUCSON STREETCARS WINDOW DISPLAY AT DRACHMAN INSTITUTE UA-DOWNTOWN FOR MODERN STREETCAR OPENING

Posted July 23, 2014

In conjunction with the streetcar opening this weekend, Old Pueblo Trolley has worked in cooperation with Drachman Institute at the U. of A's. downtown location to produce a window display of Tucson's Streetcar History, and to present a program on the streetcar history 4 times during this weekend.  I was hoping you might help us get the word out by sending something out to your e-mail list.
 
Details of the presentation are on the attached poster and here is more on the window display:
 

Sunlink Streetcar Grand Opening - Travel Information

Posted July 23, 2014

Downtown Tucson will host the grand opening ceremony for the Sun Link Modern Streetcar on Friday, July 25, 2014. The ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, and is the beginning of multiple, weekend-long celebrations all along the Streetcar route. The main grand opening ceremony will conclude around 10 a.m. and free streetcar service through the weekend will begin at that time. Below is the vehicular travel restrictions associated with this event.

Newsnet - July 22

Posted July 22, 2014

 
THERE'S PLENTY OF PARKING ALONG THE NEARLY FOUR-MILE SUN LINK TUCSON STREETCAR CORRIDOR - Tucsonans are excited to ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar when passenger service begins Friday. Rides will be free for the first three days, and the City of Tucson expects many citizens to get on board. Even though you can expect some congestion along the route, there are plenty of places to park...about 11,000 spaces in all. Sun Link has a map of garages and surface lot parking along the route.

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