Treasure Valley's bus system is growing up.

The days when riders can flag down a bus are coming to an end as Ada County installs the last of 725 fixed-location bus stops. Valley Regional Transit will mark the event Tuesday with a ceremony in Downtown Boise.

The shift to fixed-location bus stops gives riders a better idea of where the buses go in their neighborhoods, said Valley Regional Transit spokesman Mark Carnopis.

"We think it will improve on- time performance because there will be a maximum amount of stops," Carnopis said. "It will also be safer for riders and the public because the driver can just focus on the bus stops."

Many bus riders questioned didn't know they could flag down the bus if they were in a safe place. The practice is not usually allowed on buses for communities as large as Boise, Carnopis said. But the decision to stop was left up to the bus driver, and sometimes flaggers were left behind.

"I see it as a sign we're growing up," he said.

ValleyRide officials have already installed 135 fixed-location signs at bus stops throughout Canyon County. They have about 100 locations left to do in Ada County before the system is complete.

Until then, riders will still be able to flag down buses, Carnopis said.

"We're shooting for late October to get this system up," he said.

The signs also could help ridership as residents recognize buses are available near their homes.

"I see this as 725 mini-billboards," Carnopis said.

Tuesday's celebration, "The Bus Stops Here," will be held at noon in the Boise Centre on The Grove courtyard. The public also will get a chance for a free tour of the proposed Downtown streetcar route.

The route covers 34 blocks, circulating Downtown between St. Luke's Regional Medical Center on the east and 17th Street on the west.

Tours will be guided from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m and 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. by Boise Mayor David Bieter, Boise State University professor Todd Shallat, and officials from the Capital City Development Corp. and Boise Water Cooler.

Rocky Barker: 377-6484