For almost a full year, El Paso mass transit users will be able to get a free ride on El Paso County Transit\u00a0busses all over the Sun City.<\/p>\n
El Paso County Commissioners Court<\/a> gave the El Paso Transportation Authority<\/a> (ETA) $145,087 bucks to fund a free ride program through September 30th, 2026.<\/p>\n If it works out, they may extend it or make it permanent.<\/p>\n The “Zero Fare Transit Program” hopes to save El Paso residents money and promote the use of public transportation to cut down on things like traffic congestion and pollution.<\/p>\n Zero Fare Transit Program 411<\/p>\n “ETA now joins the many cities and counties across the country that offer free public transit utilizing grant funds and cost savings from not collecting fares,” a county spokesperson stated. “This pilot program aims to evaluate how a Zero-Fare transit program could increase regional mobility, reduce vehicle mileage (thereby reducing congestion for those who choose to drive), and improve air quality. The program is being funded with El Paso County General Fund revenues that were previously used to purchase fare collection equipment.” – KVIA<\/a><\/p>\n According to a KVIA article<\/a>, El Pasoans spend about 20% of their annual income on transportation. Making public transportation free would save households that expense as well as the time and effort spent maintaining their vehicles.<\/p>\n READ MORE: El Paso Bus Engulfed In Flames\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Those who find county transportation options eliminate their need for a vehicle or multiple vehicles would also save on things like insurance and registration fees.<\/p>\n It’s El Paso County Transit Only<\/p>\n This program does not apply to Sun Metro<\/a> busses operated by the city of El Paso although you can ride them for free on Christmas Day<\/a>.\u00a0 All Texas veterans can ride free<\/a> through August 31st, 2026. Vets can get their bus permit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 10 Things To Do In El Paso To “Unplug”<\/p>\n Things to do to unplug from social media in El Paso<\/p>\n