EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso-area transit riders will have several chances on Thursday to weigh in on possible changes to bus routes and services as the El Paso Transportation Authority studies how to meet growing demand in parts of the county.

The ETA is seeking feedback from residents, riders and community members on potential transit service modifications as part of its ongoing ETA Service Planning Study. Transit officials said they want to hear from residents before making any decisions.

As El Paso County continues to experience growth and evolving transportation needs, ETA said it is evaluating opportunities to right-size and improve the transit system while preparing for future expansion and new funding opportunities.

ETA has partnered with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to help identify potential service modifications that could take effect Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

“We realize that modifying service means some individuals are going to be impacted by the changes, and we want to minimize adverse impacts as much as possible,” Kelly Blume from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute said.

However, some riders are urging ETA not to eliminate bus routes, as they provide a necessary way for working people to get from place to place.

Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Thursday, one transit rider said he hopes they don’t take away his bus route and urged ETA to consider what riders need.

“I take the route number 50 every day, and I need it really badly because I’m disabled. Right now, I’m fixing my car. So I really need it big time. I think there’s going to be a big problem for a lot of people, especially people like me, who don’t have the way to get around from place to place. A lot of people have to go to work,” the transit rider said.

He added, “I just want them to think, like, put them in our shoes, see how they feel. If they need a service and they don’t have it.”

A series of public engagement events will be held on Thursday throughout the ETA service area to gather input and discuss proposed changes.

Events listed by ETA include:

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at Mission Valley Transfer Center, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., 9065 Alameda Ave., El Paso, TX 79907 Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at Socorro City Council Chambers lobby, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 860 N. Rio Vista Road, El Paso, TX 79927

ETA said community input is an important part of the process.

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