Tucson holds forum on transit safety plan, hears rider concerns | Community

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The City of Tucson is holding open forums this week on its transit safety and security plan. The first session, which happened Monday night, drew dozens of residents from Wards 1 and 5.

Bus drivers and bus riders attended the forum to share their concerns about bus and bus stop safety. The meeting is the first of four forums this week aimed at sharing how the transit plan could address those concerns.

“The conversations we’re having this week will really ensure that we’re hitting all the main points and further refining what that program looks like,” Liz Morales, Assistant City Manager said.

Morales was one of several local officials at the forum. The event began with presentations by city officials and Sun Tran on the safety of public transit in Tucson.

Andy Bemis, Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation and Mobility, was one of the speakers. He said he appreciates moments where he can share what his department is doing.

“I think once we share the are the resources we have, these are the resources we don’t have. Here’s what we’re focused on. That answers a lot of questions and a lot of concerns people tend to have,” Bemis said.

After the presentation, presenters joined breakout groups to hear the questions and concerns of the community. Bemis said they heard about how sometimes people don’t feel safe, especially at bus stops and transit centers.

“They’re seeing large groups of people congregating there. Open air drug use, it’s dark at night or not feeling safe at transit centers,” Bemis said.

He said the plan addresses those concerns, but not by adding additional support from law enforcement. The city is dedicating police resources to hot spot corridors and hiring transit ambassadors to help get people connected to resources and to support riders on buses and transit centers.

The transit ambassadors are being hired now and will have a background in social work. The funding for that comes from RTA Next.

Christine Carino, a Tucson local, shared her thoughts on the meeting. She said she doesn’t feel very confident that things are going to change.

“I’ve been having a lot of questions in ward 1 with them saying we don’t ride the bus. But we do ride the bus, and we do see what’s going on,” Carino said.

She adds she’d like to see the return of “A” cards so they can track who’s on a bus, but without bringing back fares.

Three more meetings are planned, with the next one via Zoom. That’s happening Tuesday at noon and registration is required.

You can register here.