Valley Metro, the regional transit system in and around the Phoenix, Arizona, recently expanded its bus service in the areas of Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Tempe. According to its website, the update includes three new bus routes and a 15-mile extension of an existing route to join its system providing more connections for their riders.

“It’s a really exciting day because we have some new bus services that are being introduced to several different neighborhoods across the Valley,” said Susan Tierney, a spokeswoman for Valley Metro. The new routes include: 

ROUTE 83 – 83RD AVENUE – The new 15-mile extension of Route 83 along 83rd Ave. connects you to work, entertainment, dining and shopping, including Arrowhead Towne Center and P83 Entertainment District. Join Valley Metro and West Valley cities on October 23 at 8 a.m. for the Route 83 Celebration.

ROUTE 140 – RAY – This new route travels on Ray Rd. from 48th St. in Ahwatukee through Tempe and Chandler to Gilbert Rd. in Gilbert. Riders will be able to reach lots of new dining, shopping and employment centers.

ORBIT SATURN – Orbit Saturn is a new Tempe neighborhood Circulator providing free rides to popular destinations. Riders will be able to access Benedict Sports Complex, Tempe Public Library and Celaya, Kiwanis and Optimist parks.

ZOOM NORTH – ZOOM North joins ZOOM South as Avondale’s transit service expands. It will expand ridership to the north side of the community and will connect to neighborhoods, schools, local shopping districts and more. Join Valley Metro and Avondale on October 16 at 5 p.m. for the ZOOM North Celebration. 

According to Tierney, Valley Metro was able to add these new services thanks to a regional tax supporting the transit service. Phoenix area residents can expect additional services to be announced around April.