Valley Express bus routes face cuts

Valley Metro buses face cuts this summer (Alberta Times) Valley Metro buses are planning to reduce services this summer, including closing...

(Alberta Times)

Valley Metro buses are planning to reduce services this summer, including closing or streamlining East Valley Express routes. The agency faces a $137 million deficit reduction and expects to close nine express routes, affecting passengers in Metsa, Chandler and Tempe. One is the 540 route, which runs from Ray and Dobson roads in Chandler to downtown Phoenix, and the other is from Power Road and Decatur Street in Mesa, also heading to downtown Phoenix. Most other express lines will be shortened or closed depending on ridership. Valley Metropolis spokesperson Susan Tierney said: "We are very much looking forward to streamlining the entire express route system and also hope to get feedback from passengers." Valley Metropolis will hold a hearing at 6 p.m. on March 9 at Methammer City Plaza to listen to public comments before making a final decision. Citizens can also express their opinions via email, email address: input@valleymetro.org.