Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville’s Multimodal Transportation Department is revolutionizing the way residents commute on the bus system. The BMetro is enhancing the efficiency and convenience of transportation. In a major step forward, the Multimodal Transportation System/B-Metro is introducing a mobile fare and Smart Card system to streamline the fare payment process for bus passengers.
From July 1st, 2024, through July 31st, 2024, bus passengers can collect free unloaded Smart Cards at the La Plaza at Brownsville Terminal, located at 755 International Boulevard. These Smart Cards can be loaded with up to $100. Starting August 1st, 2024, unloaded Smart Cards will be available for purchase at $5 each.
In addition to Smart Cards, bus passengers have the option to download the B-Metro mobile fare app from the Apple Store or Google Play. This new app offers a convenient and efficient way to manage fare payments directly from a smartphone.
When passengers board the bus, they simply need to tap their Smart Card at the bus’s fare box.
“By integrating a mobile app that manages fare payments we aim to further enhance convenience and efficiency for our passengers,” said Helen Ramirez, AICP, City Manager. “Part of our goal is to make public transport not just a means to an end, but a seamless part of daily life in Brownsville.
“We are excited to introduce the official launch of BMetro’s Mobile Fare and Smart Card options,” said Gennie Garcia, Deputy Director of the Multimodal Transportation Department. “This will allow users and passengers a more efficient and easy way to pay bus fares. The collaboration with Transit Manager Simon Ortiz and the team has helped make this happen. We are pleased that we can introduce another payment option to our passengers.”
Bus passengers interested in purchasing Smart Cards can visit the Multimodal Transportation Department at the La Plaza at Brownsville Terminal, where employees will assist them in setting up an account. Passengers who prefer to pay their bus fares in cash will still have that option available.
BMetro is the largest bus transportation system in the Rio Grande Valley with a ridership of
1.2 million per year. It is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to offer mobile fare and Smart Card system to its commuters.
“These advancements are part of Brownsville’s ongoing commitment to improving public transportation and enhancing the overall commuting experience for our residents,” said Joel Garza, Directo of the Multimodal Transportation Department. “Our department is excited to offer these new tools to make bus travel in the City more efficient and user- friendly.”
For more information regarding this new program, please contact the City of Brownsville’s Communications and Marketing Department at Manuel.Chacon@BrownsvilleTX.gov or at (956) 556-1811.
