Fares

Vets Ride Free

Veterans ride for free! Veterans and their dependents/spouses ride free on Sun Metro. Registration required. Register in link or call 915-212-3333 to learn more. This service is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, which provides grants to public transit organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information about the grant program, visit www.TVC.Texas.govTexas Veterans Commission Grant Program

Sun Metro invites veterans and their dependents/spouses to sign up for free rides under a new program made possible through a Texas Veterans Committee General Assistance Grant.

This grant will cover up to a total of $50,000 worth of rides on the Fixed Routes and the LIFT paratransit service. Free rides will start on August 1, 2023. The registration period is now open.

The service will offer rides in the form of 30-day passes and LIFT paratransit rides. Qualified veterans and eligible dependents and spouses can request a new pass within one week of current pass expiration date. The program is subject to funding availability. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To apply, veterans and their dependents/spouses can visit bit.ly/VetsRideFree using the button below or call Sun Metro at (915) 212-3333.

Register Now!

Veterans currently receive a discount fare of $1. Sun Metro’s standard fare is $1.50.

This service is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance, which provides grants to public transit organizations serving veterans and their families. For information on Veterans assistance offered by the Texas Veterans Commission visit TVC.Texas.gov.

FAQ

What is the Texas Veterans Commission Grant Transportation Program being offered through Sun Metro?

This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. Through this program Sun Metro will be providing monthly bus passes and LIFT rides free of charge to qualified veterans, their dependents and surviving spouses.

When does the program start?

The program starts August 1st, 2023

Who is eligible to receive Texas Veterans Commission Grant funding through Sun Metro?

Veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses are eligible to receive Texas Veterans Commission Grant funding through this program.

What veteran discharge status(es) qualify for Texas Veterans Commission Grant funding?

Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other than Honorable Conditions.

How do I apply for this program?

Applications can be completed and submitted electronically at bit.ly/VetsRideFree.

Applications can also be submitted in person at the following Transit Centers:

Robert E. McKee Five Points Transit Center
2830 Montana Ave.
Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm (Closed for lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm)

Arves E. Jones, Sr. Transit Center at Northgate
9348 Dyer
Mon-Fri 8 am to 2 pm

What documents do I need to provide the be eligible?

Eligibility Documents:

VETERAN (One Document Required)

  • Uniform Services Identification Card
  • Certification of Military Service with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • DD-214 (Member Copy 4 with characterization of discharge) with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • NGB-22 with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • NA Form 13038 with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the Dept of Veterans Affairs
  • Veteran ID Card issued by the Dept of Veterans Affairs
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Summary Letter with Character of Service listed with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • State of Texas Issued Driver License with Veteran designation
  • Department of Veterans Affairs eBenefits Summary Letter with Character of Service listed with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID
  • Certificate verifying Active-Duty Status from Department of Defense Manpower Data Center with a valid Texas Driver’s License, ID, or Voter’s ID

DEPENDENT (Two Documents Required)

  • Uniform Services Identification Card
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Birth Certificate
  • Adoption Certificate
  • AND one of the forms listed in veteran column confirming veteran status

SURVIVING SPOUSE (Two Documents Required)

  • Uniform Services Identification Card
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Death Certificate
  • AND one of the forms listed in veteran column confirming veteran status

Can I receive multiple monthly bus passes?

Yes. Bus passes will last for 30 days. Qualified veteran and eligible dependents and surviving spouses can request a new pass within one week of current pass expiration date.

Program is subject to funding availability. Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Can I receive multiple LIFT rides?

Yes. Subject to funding availability. Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

What type of LIFT rides are allowed under this funding?

Transportation to/from medical, dental, mental health appointments; and transportation in support of basic needs (grocery stores, 24-hour care, community meetings, voting, court appearance, and tax offices).

How do I apply for LIFT services?

You may be eligible for the LIFT if you have:

A disability which prevents you from independently getting to/from a bus stop or transfer points. This includes if you are unable to navigate through Sun Metro’s Fixed-Route system without the assistance of another person.

A disability which prevents you from independently boarding, riding and exiting a Sun Metro fixed-route bus. Individuals who live outside El Paso city limits can still apply and utilize the service when traveling within the city limits.

Individuals are also eligible when travel on an otherwise accessible route is prevented due to the inability to deploy the lift or ramp at an inaccessible bus stop.

You can apply for LIFT services at https://elpasotx.seamlessdocs.com/f/LIFTApplication

Should you have any questions, please contact our Eligibility Department at 915-212-3004.

What document will I need to present during boarding a Sun Metro Bus?

Once your application is approved, you will be provided with a Sun Metro Veteran ID and a monthly bus pass. You will need to show Sun Metro Veteran ID and bus pass at the time of boarding the unit.

How much funding is available?

Sun Metro was awarded $50,000 by the Texas Veteran Commission. The funds will be distributed in the form of monthly bus passes, and LIFT rides. $24,990 has been allocated for monthly bus passes, and $25,010 have been allocated for LIFT rides. 

This program is subject to funding availability. Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is June 30th, 2024. This program is subject to funding availability. Funds will be distributed in a first come first serve basis.