Mountain Line to Launch 20-Minute Crosstown Service

July 30, 2015

Mountain Line is launching one of its biggest service enhancements in recent years on August 2, offering increased frequency on the popular Route 2, adding scheduled service deviations on two routes to better access charter schools, and implementing overall operational efficiency changes.

Peak Weekday frequency on Route 2, which connects the downtown area with the Flagstaff Medical Center and Flagstaff Mall via Cedar Avenue and Lockett Road, will now be 20 minutes. This enhancement gives riders the opportunity to travel crosstown easily and efficiently. In addition, Peak Weekend frequency on Route 2 will be 30 minutes, doubling the amount of service that is currently available.

Launching on Aug. 3 is Mountain Line’s new deviated fixed route service during the school year on Routes 2 and 3 to better serve BASIS School and Northland Preparatory Academy. Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy students will also be able to take advantage of supplemental morning and afternoon service on Route 5, which will offer more options to get to and from school. 

As a responsible steward of public funds, Mountain Line’s Operations Team is constantly looking for ways to make transit service more efficient. When the new Ride Guide is released on August 2, riders will notice several changes to the start and end times and locations for many routes. By starting select routes closer to the Mountain Line Headquarters, those buses can begin operating revenue service earlier, and eliminate unwanted “deadhead” miles in traveling to a Connection Center.

“The launch of 20-minute crosstown service is an incredible milestone for Mountain Line, and will be an efficient and convenient alternative to the single occupancy vehicle for Flagstaff residents and visitors,” said NAIPTA Interim General Manager Erika Mazza. “As we look to the future of public transit in Flagstaff, the new service to charter schools and the increased crosstown frequency lay the groundwork for exciting changes down the road.”