PHOENIX (CBS5) -
Valley Metro announced changes to more than 35 local routes and 19 Express bus routes that will take effect Monday.
Paul Hodgins, Valley Metro Transit Life Cycle Program manager, said the changes are an attempt to adjust to lower than expected sale tax revenues, the main funding source for transit operations.
Changes to local routes include schedule and route adjustments, including the elimination of some routes.
Tempe's Orbit Jupiter and Mars routes will have both routing changes and schedule adjustments.
A new Central South Mountain RAPID service will travel from 27th Avenue and Baseline Park-and-Ride to downtown and the Capitol area.
Avondale's ZOOM circulator announced a 3-mile expansion to its route.
The expanded route will travel between Gateway Pavilions, at 99th Avenue and McDowell Road, and Estrella Mountain Community College, near Thomas and Dysart roads.
New stops include the Southwest Valley YMCS, Tolleson City Hall and Tolleson Crossings.
ZOOM will also begin Saturday service July 28 providing additional travel options to residents in the areas of Avondale, Tolleson and Goodyear.
To view all bus route changes visit www.ValleyMetro.org.
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