For some reason, there was a time when I was fascinated with Phoenix’s Route 30 bus. Maybe it is how far it can take me from Tempe’s Arizona State University (ASU) campus. Or, perhaps it is the clean buses that Valley Metro maintains (shoutout to the cleaning crew!). Or could it be because “University” is in its name?

On the last day of March, I had the opportunity to review it in full, even though it was not until 3 PM after I had attended my university classes. I made it to catch the westbound bus to South Mountain Community College in front of the ASU Catholic Newman Center. My action officially began the adventure.

Upon passing Farmer Avenue, the dense core gave way to suburban neighborhoods mixed with college student apartments. Then, a cluster of airport hotels greeted us west of State Route (SR) 143, only to become industrial, then morph into commercial office parks past 40th Street; this was around where University Drive transitioned into 32nd Street, still with the same roadway design. However, the street narrowed near Southern Avenue as we breezed through farmland and the Legacy Golf Course, a rarity within Phoenix city limits.

Turning right onto Baseline Road, the bus stop design resembled a greenhouse with a curvy roof: a unique flair to the area. Given that we were heading to South Mountain Community College (SMCC), the bus skipped 24th St. and Baseline PNR, but every other customer got off at the roadside stop at 24th St. and Baseline Road. I was the only one to get off at SMCC’s bus loop (clean and one of the best on Valley Metro, by the way!), and then I toured the campus.

When it was time to head back east to savor the rest of the 30, I was again the only one on it (on the last bus from SMCC, by the way). This remained constant as we went along Baseline Road and the countryside along 32nd St. until other passengers joined me at Broadway Road. We then returned to the industrial areas of University Drive and eventually breezed through ASU’s campus in Tempe.

Leaving ASU’s boundaries reminded me of the Gold shuttle bus route I took to see its sights and stores. Past Price Road was a new section for me, where I spotted the street name of one of my friends. Upon reaching Dobson Road, the bus deviated south to pick up a rider at the underutilized Sycamore / Main TC, the line’s only direct link to the light rail line.

Next, we cruised north along Dobson to continue east along our host road, University Drive. The scenery transitioned into a bit of urban scenery at downtown Mesa’s northern edge, only to change again to better reflect Mesa’s suburban status. Some rural vibes returned as we neared the Power Road terminus.

The 30’s easternmost extreme is a mile east at Sossaman Road. But everyone had to disembark at Power Road so the driver could take a much-needed layover. While this layover spot offered only basic amenities, a nearby Circle K gas station provided drivers with a place to rest. Moreover, a bus pullout allowed buses to rest away from traffic. I intended to walk to a nearby library to pass the time, but the vehicle ahead of us waited to ferry to Sossaman Road and then back out west. The funny thing was that it was the same bus and driver as when I went to SMCC earlier!

Going back west, I remember my first impressions of Garcia’s popularity at University and Gilbert. However, I also recalled an event at Cul-de-Sac near Smith-Martin Station with free food. Therefore, I returned to Sycamore / Main Transit Center, which was lonelier than before. Maybe Garcias could wait for another journey (which did happen, spoiler alert).

Route: Phoenix Local 30 ((South Mountain Community College (SMCC)) – 24th St. & Baseline PNR – Power Rd. & Univ. Dr.)

Ridership

Given its cross-town spread, the 30 would seem popular. Yet, my experience tells otherwise. On the way to SMCC, about a quarter of the bus was full. The reverse direction was a little better. The capacity was about half upon entering Tempe. It then became quarter-full again from the Mesa city boundary to Sycamore/Main Transit Center.

Pros

• The frequency makes sense for this cross-town route, with service every 30 minutes on weekdays.
• On Saturdays, it takes 30 minutes in Phoenix and Tempe, while Mesa suffers hourly.
• A limited number of weekday operating hours for trips to SMCC makes sense, but night classes might be necessary.

Cons

• While the October 2022 service changes finally introduced Sunday service in Mesa, there’s still room for improvement, as buses only come once per hour along the whole line. I do understand, however, that Valley Metro’s hard-working employees deserve rest as we all do.
• Somehow, this line tends to get delayed consistently, a flaw that all long routes have. Eastbound University Drive is particularly notorious for traffic jams in ASU.
• Work with jurisdictions to provide HAWK beacon pedestrian crossings or another method to improve access to this bus route. In particular, this results in the Gateway at Tempe Apartments having only an eastbound stop (northbound for Local 62).

Special Spots

Near 32nd Street and Southern Avenue, this route travels through farms (the second time on Valley Metro – the first was on the 108) and the Legacy Golf Course. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant near Gilbert Road looks popular, so I will have a chance to visit it one of these days.

Rating: C+

I love the cross-town route’s scenery and coverage, which originally gave it a B+. However, what lowered it is the lack of a Sunday schedule, which, if possible, should be improved to allow more access. Plus, they need more crosswalks between major stops to improve accessibility! Not to mention a need to resolve the delays that this line keeps experiencing.