Border crossing pilot program to launch January 26

Shorter wait times at ports of entry in El Paso could soon become a reality.

The commuters whose lives depend on traveling back and forth are all too familiar with the hours-long wait times everyday.

Efforts to shorten the wait times begin Sunday, January 26 at the Paso Del Norte Bridge with a pilot program.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the program with the help of the City of El Paso.

Under the program, CBP will accept funding from the city or private entities to staff more CBP agents on city-owned bridges.

The funding will come from increased bridge tolls. The toll will be increased by fifty cents, pedestrian tolls will not be affected.

City officials want every lane open during peak travel times including weekends and holidays.

CBP and local goverment officials will hold a kick-off ceremony at the Paso Del Norte Bridge Thursday at 11 a.m.