Metro McAllen to expand: New routes and operating hours

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Metro McAllen will soon be expanding its services to better serve the community.

The City of McAllen announced Metro McAllen will undergo changes to improve its transit services.

"These changes and additions to the Metro McAllen will make it easier for citizens to access essential services, amenities, and attractions without the need for personal vehicles," the City of McAllen announced.

Mario Delgado, Transit Director for the City of McAllen says the expansion project, also known as the Short-Range Transit Plan, has been in the works for several years.

"Part of the plan was to make some alignment changes to our routes to make them more efficient, but also increased service," Delgado said.

The project estimates Metro McAllen will see a 30% increase in service as well as a 30% increase of direct routes.

"So, previously, we had a total of eight routes. Now we run 12 routes. We are now running now more direct line to certain areas," Delgado said.

The new Metro McAllen Routes 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 will now use the new Metro McAllen Transfer Station and Park & Ride lot located on 4600 N. 23rd St.

Metro McAllen routes 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11 will depart from the original McAllen Transfer Station located on 1501 W US Highway 83.

Metro McAllen will also adjust its operating hours for several routes:

• Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 will run Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while routes 5, 7, 8, and 11 will operate Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Route 10 will operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while Route 9 will run Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Routes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 will operate on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

With these new routes, passengers will pay the regular bus fare which now includes Route 9.

Fares are $1 for adults and $0.50 for reduced-fare passengers (with valid ID), while children under 6 ride free with a fare-paying customer.

Maps of all Metro McAllen routes can be found online.