Orbit (a FREE service) uses small buses to serve residential areas and connect them to local destinations such as shopping areas, other neighborhoods, major bus routes, schools and multi-generational centers.  

The Orbit routes use “flag” stops, which means that the driver will pick up and drop off passengers in residential neighborhoods provided it is safe to do so. Passengers  should wave at the driver to let him or her know that they would like picked up. On major streets like Mill Avenue, University Drive  and Broadway Road,  designated bus stops should be used.  The Orbit will only stop at designated bus stops where an "Orbit" decal is placed on the blue bus stop signs. This indicates which routes serve a particular stop. To de-board the bus in a neighborhood, passengers should pull the cord located near the windows. On major streets like Rural Road or Priest Drive, designated bus stop should be used.

What does the Orbit look like?

Hours of operation:

  • Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every 15 minutes
  • Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every 15 minutes
  • Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every 30 minutes

No Stop Zone Policy:  When 15 mph speed limit signs are posted in a school zone, the Orbit will not stop in between the signs. During all other times, the Orbit may stop within the school zone.

Mercury travels between downtown Tempe and the Escalante Center via 8th St./Hayden Ln./Lemon St./Victory Dr.  Eastbound travels toward the Escalante Center. Westbound travels toward downtown Tempe.

Venus circulates between downtown Tempe and Broadway Rd./Beck Ave. via Fifth St./Roosevelt St./Farmer Ave.  “Forward” travels in the clockwise direction. “Back” travels in the counterclockwise direction.

Earth connects downtown Tempe with Tempe Marketplace through north Tempe neighborhoods including the north Tempe Multi-Gen Center area.   Eastbound travels toward the Tempe Marketplace. Westbound travels toward downtown Tempe.

Mars travels between downtown Tempe (serving McClintock High School) and the east city border via Lemon St., Terrace Rd., Spence Ave., Vista del Cerro Dr., Dorsey Ln., Alameda Dr., Del Rio Dr., George Dr., Evergreen Rd. and Pebble Beach Dr. Northbound travels toward downtown Tempe. Southbound travels toward Ehrhardt Park.

Jupiter travels between downtown Tempe and McClintock High School (serving the Tempe Public Library) via College Ave., Terrace Rd., Hermosa Dr., and Butte Ave.  Northbound travels toward downtown Tempe. Southbound travels toward McClintock High School.

Email bus service complaints or compliments to Valley Metro Customer Service