Sun Metro Introduces Texas Tech-UMC Express Route
El Paso Mayor Pro Tempore announced that her initiative on improving traffic congestion in Medical Center of the Americas area will come to fruition the beginning of May.
“Riding the bus and leaving the vehicle at the Bus Terminal, where it is safely guarded, will save commuting time and save users gas money”, said Mayor Pro Tempore Emma Acosta. Beginning Monday, May 2, Sun Metro will be providing bus service from its East Side Transit Terminal to the Texas Tech-University Medical Center area on Route 26, also known as the Texas Tech-UMC Express Route.
East side commuters traveling to the medical area looking for a smart, green and inexpensive transportation option can park their car for free at the East Side Transit Terminal, 1165 Sunmount, and board Route 26.
To encourage Texas Tech and UMC employees to ride public transit, Sun Metro is offering a 50 percent discount for the first monthly bus pass bought by Texas Tech and UMC employees with a valid employee ID. The cost of a regular monthly pass is $48 and offers unlimited rides on any fixed route though out the city for the life of the pass.
The first monthly pass discount will save Texas Tech and UMC employees $24 and can be purchased at one of the various informational tables Sun Metro is hosting at Texas Tech and UMC over the next several weeks, at the East Side Transfer Center (1165 Sunmount), the Downtown Transfer Center (601 Santa Fe) and the Union Depot (700-A San Francisco) with a valid employee id.
The new route will operate Monday through Friday during morning and afternoon peak hours only. Morning departure times from the East Side are at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Afternoon departure times from the campus are 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Route 26 will drop off passengers on El Paso Drive, near Alameda Ave., and on Alameda Ave. in front of UMC. Riders also can purchase one-way trips, day passes or weekly passes on the bus. Reduced-fare passes are available for students, disabled and seniors.
“At a time when gas prices are sky rocketing and parking is at a premium around areas such as Texas Tech and UMC, it makes sense for all El Pasoans to look at public transit as a viable transportation option,” said Sun Metro Director Jay Banasiak.
Sun Metro will be hosting various informational tables at Texas Tech and UMC over the next several weeks to answer questions and sign up employees.
Employees who live in other parts of the city also are urged to ride Sun Metro and plan their trips online using Google Transit’s Trip Planner at www.elpasotexas.gov/sunmetro or call (915)533-3333 to talk to a customer service representative.
Source: Sun Metro
