We attended more shows in 2009 than we did in 2008 during Gem Show season in Tucson, Arizona. We used the shuttles more this year and we were able to see more of the shows than ever before. There are shuttle busses running every few minutes between the various gem show locations around Tucson. There is no fee to ride the shuttle busses, just jump on and go. They are comfortable, clean and convenient. We were dropped off right in front of each show and the pick up locations are also easy to find.
Maps are available at each stop, and these large standing maps also mark each shuttle stop. Although the maps are not to scale at all, they do offer quick
The shuttle busses are of various sizes but all were clean and comfortable.
Each bus stop had maps and gem show guides.
There was also covered seating at each shuttle stop as well as portable toilets for riders to use.
The shuttles had three routes to reach each of the shows around town. The three shuttle routes intersected at a few places so connecting to other routes was easy and quick for us all day.
Most of the shows are held in large climate controlled tents. Some were held in smaller outdoor areas with covered tables.
And a portion of the gem shows are held in hotel rooms or hotel banquet rooms and parking lots.
Most of the gem show promoters and larger distributors had signs outside to let buyers know where their shows are
Even with so many shuttles, plan to walk a lot at the Tucson Gem Shows, there is a lot to see