Sun Metro Fares Will Increase For Certain El Pasoans

Some area Sun Metro riders are going to see an increase in the fares they pay.

El Paso's public transportation service, Sun Metro, recently announced higher fares for some of their passengers beginning in October. The new rate increase will involve those passengers who get a discount due to a disability or senior citizen status.

The El Paso Times reported that fares for those peeps will rise by .20 cents to .50 cents per ride when the new fares kick in. Not a huge jump, or even a huge amount really, but these days, every penny counts. Especially for those on fixed incomes.

The price jump is to cover rising operational costs.

“Sun Metro hasn’t modified its discounted fares for seniors and people with disabilities in more than two decades,” said Ellen Smyth, city of El Paso chief transit operations officer. “This means reduced fares have not been keeping pace with rising operational costs, which has hindered public transit service. - El Paso Times

The increase will also apply to those who use the LIFT service while the standard fare of $2.50 will not change. The standard, non-LIFT fare of $1.50 also remains the same.

The El Paso Times article didn't mention if the 5 or 6 of you who ride the trolley will be affected but I would assume you folks are all in the same boat as far as pricing and discounted rides go.

Questions, comments, complaints, etc can be addressed online at SunMetro.net or you can call the Sun Metro Customer Service Center at 915-212-3333.