Tempe boasts a multi-modal transportation system that
provides a variety of options for getting around the community – including
riding the bus, bicycling, walking, and, soon, light rail.
Bus Service
Bus service in Tempe is second to none in the Phoenix metropolitan area,
with service 365 days a year, and 15-minute peak-period service from 6 to 9
a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most routes run until 1 a.m.
Monday through Saturday, and 10 p.m. Sunday.
Tempe provides bus service on all major arterial streets with 22 routes
throughout the city. Buses in Tempe connect with routes in Mesa, Chandler,
Scottsdale and Phoenix. All of Tempe’s buses are wheelchair accessible and
have bicycle racks accommodating two bicycles. Commuters can also take
advantage of four free shuttles connecting the ASU campus, downtown Tempe,
and neighborhoods.
Bicycling
Commuting by bicycle in Tempe is convenient and economical, with more than
150 miles of bikeways throughout Tempe. More than 3.5 percent of Tempe
residents use a bicycle to get to work, and most major destinations in Tempe
have bicycle parking.
Each October, Tempe celebrates bicycling by sponsoring its annual Tour de
Tempe bike ride, a free leisurely community ride highlighting 12 miles of
bikeways, public art projects and historic neighborhoods.
Tempe was named one of 14 cities across the United States to be
designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American
Bicyclists.
Walking
Walkscore.com named Tempe the best city in Arizona for walking. Our downtown
scored a 98 out of a possible 100 points for ease of walking.
To encourage walking as an environmentally friendly means of transportation,
Tempe sponsors an annual Walk to School Day event. In conjunction with local
elementary schools, Tempe provides free breakfast for all students and
parents and donates a tree to each participating school. Normally, 20
elementary schools with 8,000 participants enjoy the event. This joint
venture illustrates Tempe’s dedication to promoting cleaner air and creating
a pedestrian-friendly environment.
.
Light Rail
The 20-mile Valley Metro Rail line connects Phoenix, Tempe
and Mesa, serving
employment, activity and cultural centers, downtown Tempe, ASU and Apache
Boulevard.
The project includes a light rail bridge over the Tempe Town Lake,
featuring artist designed lighting and other art elements. Each of Tempe’s
nine stations incorporates a variety of art elements reflecting the
unique characteristics and history of the community. One of the stations
is at the Tempe Transportation Center. This provides
connections between light rail and more than a dozen bus routes, as well as
passenger amenities, ticketing and bicycle parking for regional passengers,
ASU students, downtown visitors and employees. Please visit
www.tempe.gov/tim or
Valley Metro for more information
or follow
this link to get details on light rail.