Schedule Changes for Route 685 in May

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Susan Tierney
Public Information Officer
602.262.4668
stierney@valleymetro.org

Phoenix, AZ (April 13, 2009)  The rural connector bus service, Route 685, serving as a transportation lifeline between Ajo, Gila Bend and west Phoenix will have a change to the first and last weekday trips beginning Monday, May 4.

Currently, the first eastbound weekday trip departs from Ajo Transportation Center at 1:45 a.m., which will change to 1 a.m. The last westbound weekday trip that now departs at 6:20 p.m. from Desert Sky Mall, will be adjusted to leave at 7:30 p.m. These changes will help those commuters going to and from the Eagle Point School in Buckeye. Riders on those trips should adjust their schedules according to the locations they board.

All other times on the current Route 685 weekday and Saturday schedule remain the same.

“Route 685 provides necessary transportation for rural residents in south-central Arizona going to work, school, medical appointments or shopping,” said Anne MacCracken, Valley Metro Planner. All trips operate in 25-passenger buses that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. 

Another change to Route 685 takes effect this summer. On July 1, there will be new fares on Route 685. Fares for Valley Metro regional connector routes have not changed since 2000, although new service has been added since that time. Passengers should pay with exact fare as the driver cannot offer change.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org

All service and projects funded by the Proposition 400 Regional Transportation Plan funds approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004.

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