Tempe In Motion is analyzing more than 200 comments and suggestions from Tempe residents concerned about changes to the Orbit bus system, officials said.

Community members and bus commuters discussed the city’s proposed changes to 16 routes within the transit system during three public meetings over the last 10 days.

The route changes were proposed to help absolve the transit system’s $7.4 million debt due to a decrease in revenue from the half-cent sales tax that funds the program.

Sue Taaffe, Tempe’s community outreach and marketing coordinator, said the suggestions made at meetings and through online submissions are being taken into consideration.

The city will make adjustments based on what staff members recommend and plans to present any changes at a second round of public meetings in November.

After the public has an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal, all suggested route changes will be reviewed by the City of Tempe transportation committee.

The committee is a group of 15 Tempe residents appointed by Mayor Hugh Hallman to advise the city on transportation issues.

Jayson Matthews, the committee’s commissioner, said members want to involve the community in the process.

“We want to make sure the public is heard, that’s why we’re holding several rounds of public discussion,” Matthews said. “Coming from a citizen-commissioned position, it’s important to hear back about a system that our community members use.”

Orbit bus driver Tonya Orozzo said she agreed the transit system should be designed around the public’s needs.

“They’re the ones riding the bus,” she said. “It’s public transit — we’re serving them, the public.”

Matthews said the committee will review all approved changes before sending them to the Tempe City Council for the final verdict.

Suggestions or comments can still be made online until Sept. 30.

The meetings were an effective way to show city officials what needs citizens have, especially those who rely on public transportation, Taaffe said.

“The majority of the residents understand the budget concerns behind these changes but are concerned about how it will affect their everyday lives,” Taaffe said. “Whether residents are upset or not, it’s great because we get to hear how they are feeling.”

There is an option of charging bus riders for the Orbit — which has always been free in the past — but officials have yet to formally discuss the possibility.

Tempe commuter Jay Smyth, 70, said he’s not opposed to a fee if it would fund the Orbit system and suggested the City of Tempe could increase taxes.

“I want a service and I’m willing to pay for it,” Smyth said.

Marketing senior John Marzolph said he uses the Orbit buses to get to class and is opposed to any changes in how frequently it runs.

“I really rely on [the buses] to be on time, especially to class,” he said. “Could you imagine being 30 minutes late because you just missed the bus?”

Reach the reporter at michelle.parks@asu.edu.