Sun Metro Offers Free Rides All Day

If you take the bus, or have considered giving your car a break, Thursday is a good day for you. El Paso’s Sun Metro Transit System is offering free rides all day.

One bus driver told ABC-7 he had already encountered a few passengers at 5:30 a.m. surprised by the gesture.

“They still have their money ready and they’re saying, “How much?” the driver said, laughing. “No, it’s for free! Come on in.”

The complimentary rides come after the American Public Transportation Association named Sun Metro “Outstanding Public Transit System of the Year” for a bus service of its size. The APTA ratings are based on the bus system’s safety record, operating procedures, customer service and financial management over the last three years.

“It’s improved a lot. The service has improved a lot. I was surprised because years ago, it was never like this,” said Marvin Banks. Banks is a longtime bus passenger, spending roughly $20 daily, riding up to five buses.

Banks has been taking the bus since before El Paso’s City Council voted to spend $81 million on 100 new buses and to revamp transfer centers with amenities like free Wi-Fi, real-time displays and temperature-controlled waiting rooms. Banks said that investment is apparent.

“The frequency of the service (is better). The buses run more often now,” Banks told ABC-7.

Sun Metro officials attribute the added spending to the 21 percent increase in ridership over the last five years.