Brownsville Metro wanting to double prices, angers residents

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — There was a strong reaction at Thursday's public meeting hosted by Brownsville Metro as they are restructuring their fare system and proposing to double the price for the general public.

Brownsville Metro is facing close to a $1 million deficit due to increasing fuel prices, maintenance and employee pay.

They want to solve this by doubling their current fares from one dollar to two for the general public.

Fares for seniors, students and the disabled would increase as well.

One local resident and veteran said that no matter their frustrations they feel they will not be heard by the city.

“No matter what we say or what we do, the outcome is going to be the same because you guys don’t give us a chance and you could have told us about this six months ago, eight months ago and not just two weeks," Joshue Valdez said.

Maria Jesus Vazquez, who we caught getting off the bus, said she worries for those who cannot afford it.

“I can afford it, but I know many people live day-by-day and those will struggle," Vazquez said.

Tensions were high during the evening meeting. One of the most passionate was Citlaly Lopez, who advocated for a middle ground, so people do not have to budget more of their income on taking the bus while the city still gets more revenue.

“At the end of the day, don’t make it two dollars cause that’s too much," Lopez said. "There is already too many people sacrificing their medical bills in order to ride the bus and not only that but some students are sacrificing their student money.”

One man told us he would stop taking the bus altogether if the fare were to increase.

“There was a question on the survey that said, if we do the change would you stop using the bus? And, honestly, I bike ride everywhere, and I might as well just stick with my bike if that is going to be the case," said Pierre Lozano. "Unless if it is an emergency, then I will use the bus, besides that I am going to be bike riding from now on.”

He believes this will impact not just Brownsville residents but also people who cross from Matamoros, Tamaulipas to shop or to school.

City of Brownsville Deputy Director of Multimodal Transportation Jenny Garcia, says community members can continue submitting feedback until Aug. 20 when the City Commission will meet.

If approved, however, bus riders can expect to start paying the new fares in October.

“What we'll do is have a campaign from starting at the end of August throughout October 1, which is when in October is when the fares will go into effect if it is accepted," Garcia said.

City of Brownsville Commissioners will vote on whether or not to increase the bus fare prices on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.