Okay, everyone. I’ve taken a more comprehensive and relaxed approach to checking/reviewing transit lines. I will move my note-taking to after riding to circulate my observations through my mind. Meanwhile, I take pictures along the way as I see fit. Enough logistics; now let’s get into something else spontaneous. 

Part 1: Westbound (WB) University Dr & College Ave -> WB University Dr & Beck Ave

On Monday, March 18th, I intended to thoroughly review the Orbit Jupiter. That fell through, and I found myself along the Venus route for work and finding dinner. I then asked myself, “Why not give my new review style a spin?” 

The closest stop was the often-clean, spacious tropical one abutting the All Saints Catholic Newman Center. After waiting in the cool breeze, Venus Forward turned from College Avenue to the stop at 5:39 PM. 

Our first segment went from Westbound University Drive and College Avenue to Beck Avenue. Instead of a straight shot, it circulated calmly through the single-family neighborhoods surrounding Arizona State University (ASU). Many traffic-slowing strategies, like miniature obstacle courses and driveways, accomplished this. Our host neighborhood consisted mainly of suburban homes, apartment complexes, and a single-track rail line. 

Turning right on Broadway brought us through a central corridor with some strip malls on the north side. Conversely, Broadway’s southern side had apartments on Roosevelt Street. It then morphed into an industrial area mixed with a couple of abandoned businesses. Turning right onto Beck Avenue returned us to the leisurely pace of the neighborhood. When we met up with Route 30 fifteen minutes after I boarded, I went to nearby Yatai Ramen for dinner.

Part 2: WB University Dr & Beck Ave -> Tempe Transit Center

Finishing dinner meant that it was time to continue reviewing Venus. I walked back to the same stop and admired God’s gorgeous sunset. The bus led a westbound 30 into the trashed bike lane at 6:41. It came a minute after the posted time. Yet it was still “on time” under Valley Metro’s service standards (Valley Metro Transit Performance Report Fiscal Year 2019). I then continued my journey on the exact vehicle and driver as the last time, but with three different riders. 

Along University Drive, we encountered denser development until Priest Drive, where lower-density uses came into view. After that, we separated from the Back route to circulate near apartments and a neighborhood along Lindon Lane and 5th St. A sudden bump awakened us before we rejoined the other direction.

After rejoining Back at 5th St and Priest, 5th St became among the best-planned streets in Tempe. Landscaping separates bike lanes and sidewalks, and the slow speeds help keep all travel modes safe. Then, the ridership picked up around Jaycee Park, where we met the 62 for a third time. Seeing the Vib Hotel signaled that we had returned to Downtown Tempe. After that, we passed the city hall and reached the Tempe Transit Center at 6:55 PM. That segment of the circuit took only fourteen minutes to traverse. 

Route: Orbit Venus Forward 

Ridership 

We took at most seven people, averaging three to four. This is below the average rider per trip between July 2023 and June 2024 – approximately eight riders per trip. (Valley Metro Annual Ridership Report FY2024 and Valley Metro, 10/2024). Virtually everyone used the line for short-distance trips.

Pros 

This route’s greatest strength is its 15-minute frequency, which lets one not worry about the schedule. That feature can even allow trips faster than any of the regular lines. To explain, University Drive and College Ave run straight to Beck Ave. But route 30 comes every 30-60 minutes, while Venus comes every 15-30 minutes. While it takes longer, the latter’s 15-minute frequency helps to reduce heat-related disease during the hot summer months. It covers neighborhoods well and provides first- and last-mile connections to the local lines. Lastly, there’s no cost to ride, which is another advantage over regular services.

Cons 

Of course, I have my annoyances. One is the inconvenience caused by the 30-minute frequency and the early Sunday end time. That explains the lower popularity versus other Orbit lines, like the Mercury. My other nitpick involves flag zones where a bus skips its announced stop because of a preference for lessening walking. The good thing was that the driver replayed the stop announcement as we approached it. 

Special Spots

• Clark Park has a pool and a community garden. To access them, pull the stop cord near 17th St, which is in a request (flag) zone. 
• Yatai Ramen near Univ Dr and Beck Ave is yummy! 
• For some reason, only Venus Forward travels on Lindon Lane. Back rejoins Forward on University Drive after briefly jogging south from 5th Street along Priest Drive.
• Of course, you have Mill Avenue and Arizona State University. 

Grade: A 

The coverage of the neighborhoods west and north of ASU, along with the 15-minute Monday-Saturday frequency, makes this line above average. While it is less popular than routes like the Mercury, Venus contributes to Tempe’s dense “solar” system of transportation choices.