Sun Link, Tucson’s electric-powered streetcar operated by RATP Dev North America will celebrate its third anniversary of operation by offering free rides to the community all day, Saturday, July 22. In partnership with local sponsors, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and HealthOn Broadway, all Sun Link cars will be operating free of charge from 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 to 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 23.
Sun Link officially went into operation on July 25, 2014 and currently connects five of the city’s key districts, including Downtown, the 4th Avenue Business District, and The University of Arizona. The streetcar system has been operated and maintained by RATP Dev North America through its subsidiary RDMT since its creation, and currently services over 3,000 riders per day when the University is in session.
“We are very proud to be entering our third year of operation here in Tucson, and wish to thank the local citizens that support us,” said Steve Bethel, general manager of Sun Link and managing director RATP North America. “It’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with Sun Link and the local community to make the streetcar such a success for the last three years.”
As owners of the city’s first electric streetcar system beginning in 1906, TEP is supporting Sun Link’s Ride-Free Day as a nod to its past and a look toward the community’s future. “TEP is commemorating its 125th anniversary this year by supporting community initiatives like Sun Link’s third anniversary Ride-Free Day,” said David G. Hutchens, TEP’s President and CEO. “TEP has been providing power here since 1982 and has a long history of investing in downtown Tucson.”
For HealthOn Broadway, the celebration is a way to honor the role the streetcar has played in building the community’s economic health, while providing key connectivity along its four-mile route. “Marking the anniversary with free rides is also a way to support the public health benefits associated with the city’s single largest construction project,” said Julia Strange, TMC’s vice president of community benefit. “Any time we can encourage people to trade their cars for public transit, they’re doing their part to reduce air pollution – and getting their steps in at the same time.”
“The growth of Sun Link is an important milestone for RATP Dev North America as it serves as both a shining example of a greenfield project where we have opened and operated the streetcar without any disruption to traffic in the city, as well a catalyst for economic growth and investment along its route,” added Catherine Chardon, CEO of RATP Dev North America. “We congratulate Sun Link on its three years of success and look forward to continue building our partnership with the city of Tucson in the years to come.”
