EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Transportation Authority (ETA) is launching a new pilot microtransit service: ETA ¡ándale!
The service, in partnership with the City of San Elizario and the Town of Clint, began on Wednesday, Oct. 1, to provide “on-demand, door-to-door transportation option” for residents in El Paso County’s rural communities.
“ETA is committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible transportation that connects El Paso County’s rural communities,” said John Andoh, executive director of ETA. “We launched ¡ándale! in response to a direct request from the City of San Elizario, which wanted a more flexible solution to connect residents to jobs, education, healthcare and more — particularly when fixed-route service wasn’t cutting it.”
ETA ¡ándale! is modeled after rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, that allow riders to book a trip by calling (915) 247-0505 (TTY/TDD 711) at least 15 minutes in advance, according to the news release by El Paso County.
The vehicle can transport up to nine people and is equipped with two wheelchair spaces. The microtransit will arrive in 30 minutes to provide transportation within the service area or connect with ETA paseo fixed-route buses throughout the county, including El Paso, Horizon City, Fabens and Tornillo.
“We’re excited to have a door-to-door service that truly meets the needs of our community,” said Miguel Chacon, mayor of San Elizario. “Our city lacks basic pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks, and ¡ándale! will provide a safe and convenient option for residents to get where they need to go.”
The fare is $1.50 per ride, with free transfers to ETA paseo buses. An app-based reservation option is expected later this year.
Here is the service scheduled for ETA ¡ándale!:
- Monday – Friday: 5 a.m. – 8:20 p.m.
- Saturday: 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- No services on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
The microtransit will also have direct connections to the City of Socorro and the Mission Valley Transit Center, read the news release.
For residents with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route buses, ETA access paratransit services remain accessible countywide. Applications for eligibility are available on ETA’s website or by calling (915) 247-0505.
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