• Nicola Freegard

Approximately 60,000 passengers enjoyed free rides from the Tucson Sun Link Streetcar over the three-day Sunrise Over Sun Link celebration this weekend, according to the City of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority. The city estimated 17,000 passengers hopped on during Friday's Grand Opening celebration, 25,000 braved the heat on Saturday and approximately 18,000 people rode streetcars during Sunday’s twelve-hour scheduled service.

Sun Link Streetcar Project Manager Shellie Ginn said, “This weekend's ridership numbers are a clear indication of the interest and support the Tucson community shares for the Tucson Sun Link Streetcar system. We had a great first weekend and look forward to many more.”

• Nicola Freegard

More than 400 Tucsonans volunteered through the weekend, handing out free water, answering questions and assisting riders in getting on board the streetcars. By all accounts, Sun Link's service went on without a hitch, with happy riders and crowded businesses from its most western stop at Mercado San Agustin to the University of Arizona campus.

Sun Link started its first official day with fares this morning at 7:00 a.m., with one-way rides at $1.50, $4.00 for a day pass, and monthly passes starting at $42.00 with additional discounts available. The day passes can be purchased at kiosks on the 23 designated stops along the route by using either exact cash, debit or credit; find more details at Sun Link.