Sun Metro Routes And Fares Return August 2, Face Masks Required

Sun Metro routes are returning on Sunday, August 2. And fares are too.

When the COVID-19 became a major concern in March and El Pasoans were ordered to stay home, ridership decreased by as much as 70% in some areas. Service was reduced and fares waived in response.

Now that more businesses and work places have opened up and people are moving about more freely routes are returning to meet the need for more public transit service, according to Julio Perez, (Acting) Assistant Director of Transit Planning & Development for Sun Metro. “Now that the demand is coming back, we feel that as an essential service to our city we need to provide that service,” said Perez.

Fares will also be reinstated beginning August 2 and passengers must board through the front door in order verify payment (this includes all Brio routes). The price to ride the bus has not changed. The standard fare will remain at $1.50.

Some changes have been made to the routes, however. New routes have been established, others have been modified, and some deactivated. The new schedules will not decrease the level of overall service and service will continue to be available where it’s needed most, Sun Metro insists.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are now required, and Sun Metro warns of the right to refuse service for non-compliance.

Other Safety Measures

Enhanced safety measures that were previously implemented to combat the pandemic will be ongoing, to include:

• Seat Closed’ signs placed on every other seat to reduce close-proximity seating.
• Plexiglas barriers have been installed on all buses to protect operators and passengers.
• Daily cleaning of buses with commercial disinfectants on all fleets as frequently as possible
• Sun Metro Operators will continue to use protective gear, gloves and to protect themselves and passengers.