Public transit solutions for ASU students
ASU’s partnership with the city of Tempe, Valley Metro gives students plenty of options
So, you’re an Arizona State University student living off-campus in Tempe. Chances are, you’ve probably seen a bunch of different buses, shuttles and other travel systems buzzing up and down past the corner of College Avenue and University Drive.
But which one should you catch?
In addition to the regional Valley Metro bus system, there are number of solutions for getting to and around the Tempe campus.
"Part of what makes this all possible is ASU’s partnership with the city of Tempe and Valley Metro,” said JC Porter, assistant director or ASU’s Commuter Services.
If you’re off-campus, or even on-campus, here are a few options you can consider when traveling around Tempe and between ASU locations. Be sure to check out the link for each transit service for maps, schedules and fees:
Getting to campus
Light rail: The Valley Metro Rail is a regional rail system that runs from Mesa to Phoenix. You can hop on at either end — Dunlap and 19th Avenue, or Main Street and Mesa Drive — or at the many stops in between, including ASU’s Tempe and Downtown Phoenix campuses. Student fares are available.
The Orbit: The Orbit is a free, high-frequency shuttle service that operates six routes within Tempe’s residential areas. You can typically expect to catch a shuttle every 10–15 minutes. Did we mention it’s free?
Getting around campus
The Flash: The Flash has two available routes and operates within the Tempe campus. Students can use the free Flash Forward and Flash Back shuttles to get from building to building or to different parking zones around campus.
GRID Bike Share: The latest addition to the city of Tempe’s growing multi-modal transit infrastructure, GRID, is a self-service bike-share service with a fleet of over 300 bicycles and 32 stations in and around Tempe. Just be sure to check the ASU campus map for walk-only zones if you plan on riding on campus.
Getting from campus to campus
ASU Intercampus Shuttle: You’ve made it on to the Tempe campus, but now you need to get to the Polytechnic campus for another class or event? No worries. ASU operates a free intercampus shuttle for all students, faculty and staff. The shuttle operates between the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe and West campuses. Just make sure to have your ASU ID with you when boarding.
Be sure to check out the ASU Parking and Transit website for student transit passes and more information about public transit at ASU.
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