Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – Students at South Texas College have a free ticket to ride this fall, thanks to the college’s Jag Express bus service, which connects the college’s campuses across the Rio Grande Valley.
The intercampus shuttle, which began full-service in August and runs through Dec. 12, 2025, offers four routes designed to ease transportation challenges and cut costs for students. With a valid student ID, rides are free, and the routes are also open to the public.
“Transportation is important for students because it provides them access to their education and ensures safety, punctuality and independence,” said Alina Cantu, manager of Public Safety and Transportation Services with STC’s Department of Public Safety. “This reliable transportation reduces stress for parents and it helps the students develop skills like time management and responsibility.”
The Jag Express operates four routes across Hidalgo and Starr counties.
The “Yellow Line” route connects STC’s three McAllen campuses including Pecan, Technology and Health Science Professions (HSP).
The “Green Line” route operated by Valley Metro links the Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City with the Pecan Campus, making several stops along the way in communities like Sullivan City, La Joya and Mission. The Green Line’s “Route 60” extends service from the Starr County campus to the Roma Transit Center with stops in Escobares and Rio Grande City’s bus station.
The “Purple Line,” which was initially suspended in 2020 at the start of Covid-19, was reinstated in fall 2024 due to growing demand and connects STC’s Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco to HSP.
STC students say they choose the Jag Express because it is fast, safe and dependable. The buses, according to students, help them save on gas and provide peace of mind with professional drivers behind the wheel.
Marissa Huerta, a student attending STC’s HSP campus, gets on the Jag Express at Pecan Campus and takes the “Yellow Line” route to get to class.
“I ride the Jag Express because currently I can’t drive and everybody in my family works so by having this option, it lifts that burden off of us,” said Huerta, who is looking to enter STC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. “This has really helped because it allows me to help my parents.”
Alessandra Blanco, who is studying Business Administration, says the shuttle services helps her arrive on time to classes and keeps her connected to campus life.
“I am thankful that I don’t have to spend money getting to my classes,” Blanco said. “If the service is offered, then I think it’s important that we take advantage of it.”
Cantu said along with the financial savings, the shuttle service ensures students have reliable access to classrooms and labs spread across the Rio Grande Valley.
“Access to transportation is access to opportunity,” she said. “When students can get to class safely and reliably, they are in a better position to succeed.”
For a full list of arrival and departure times for the Jag Express at STC campuses, visit southtexascollege.edu/jagexpress/.
