Orbit serves neighborhoods and connects people to local destinations such as shopping areas, other neighborhoods, major bus routes, schools and multi-generational centers for free. There are six Orbit routes: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. All routes operate seven days a week, 365 days a year with 15 minute frequency (30 minutes on Sundays) on most routes.

• Map of Orbit Routes Effective October 2024 PDF
• Hours of Operation
  • Mercury PDF
  • Venus PDF
  • Earth PDF
  • Mars PDF
  • Jupiter PDF
  • Saturn PDF
• Orbit Detours

Mars and Mercury Expansion Pilot Program 2025

After hearing rider feedback and analyzing passenger data, the City of Tempe will be piloting a program that adds additional buses at peak times to the most congested sections of the Mars and Mercury routes. The goal of these "Short Trips" will be to reduce wait times and alleviate crowding. This is a one-year pilot program which will launch on Jan. 27, 2025. 

The sections with expanded service are:

• Mars – "Short Trips" will run between the Tempe Transportation Center and the intersection of Dorsey Lane and Broadway Road.
• Mercury – "Short Trips" will run between the Tempe Transportation Center and the intersection of 8th Street and McClintock Drive.

Hours and Frequency: Three extra buses will run on these routes Monday – Thursday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. while ASU’s spring and fall semesters are in session.

Riders planning to go past the expanded service zones should pay attention to the overhead signage and make sure they are on a bus that is operating the full route, as the "Short Trip" buses will stop service at the end of the expansion zone.

Public Meetings

Two public meetings will be held on Feb. 18, 2025.

• Virtual at noon (a link will be posted closer to the meeting)
• Don Cassano Community Room at the Tempe Transportation Center (200 E. Fifth St.) at 5:30 p.m.

Public comment will be taken online from Feb. 18 – March 4, 2025.

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Orbit routes use “flag” stops, which means that the driver will pick up and drop off passengers in neighborhoods as long as it's safe. Passengers should wave at the driver to let him or her know that they would like picked up. On major streets like Mill Avenue, University Drive and Broadway Road, designated bus stops should be used. To get off the bus in a neighborhood, passengers should pull the cord located near the windows. On major streets like Rural Road or Priest Drive, designated bus stop should be used.

No Stop Zone Policy: When 15 mph speed limit signs are posted in a school zone, the Orbit will not stop in between the signs. During all other times, the Orbit may stop within the school zone.

For Orbit complaints or suggestions, please call 602-253-5000 or email Valley Metro at csr@valleymetro.org.