The purpose of the Track Access Program is to maintain a safe environment and efficient transit system for customers, employees, contractors, and Permittees when an activity—typically construction, maintenance or special event—is being performed within the El Paso Streetcar Operational Right-of-Way (ROW).

The Operational ROW is the area including all tracks and the space extending ten (10) feet from the track centerline, any portion of a station stop, ten (10) feet from the Overhead Contact System (OCS) substations, poles, and wires, including all trenching and/excavations within twenty-five (25) feet of the track centerline or any sub-surface or aerial work ten (10) feet above or below any streetcar infrastructure, see Exhibit C.

If your work or special event lies within the area described above, you will be required to obtain a Track Access Permit prior to being granted access to the streetcar Operational ROW. The following documents will assist you in applying for and submitting the proper documentation to receive a permit.

Policy

The purpose of the Track Access Program Policy is to maintain a safe environment and efficient transit system for customers, employees, contractors, and Permittees when an activity is being performed on the El Paso Streetcar (EPSC) Operational Right-of-Way (ROW), under any streetcar infrastructure or within 10 feet of any streetcar infrastructure. View the complete Track Access Program Policy.

To obtain your permit, follow the steps below:

1. Online Track Access Training

Applicants may read the Track Access Manual and take the Track Access Test online. This direct-to-consumer Track Access Test is intended for individuals applying for permits to work or have a special event near or around the Dynamic Safety Envelope as mandated by El Paso Streetcar Track Access Program. Sun Metro’s permitting department will review all tests to establish the validity to grant the applicants a permit. This test is essential and the responsibility of all individuals seeking to obtain a permit as a prerequisite by the internal process. Please do not take the test unless required.

Track Access Manual

Track Access Test

2. Applications

Note: All construction or maintenance activity must occur during Non-Revenue service hours.

Non-Special Events Application

Special Events Application

3. Upload Complete Applications

Once you've filled out the correct application, upload it to our Online Permitting System.

Online Permitting System

Online Permitting System Tutorials:

Non-Special Event Guide

Special Event Guide 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Streetcar Track Access Permit?
   A Streetcar Track Access Permit is a permit needed for any construction, demolition, event, moving event, special event, excavation, use of right of way, cleaning, painting, repairing, or installation of traffic control devices, regardless of whether any of the previous requires approval of the City under the El Paso City Code.
2. How do I know if I need a Streetcar Track Access Permit?
   As per Chapter 13.42 of the El Paso Municipal Code, “Any person or entity performing any activity under any streetcar infrastructure or within ten feet of any streetcar infrastructure must comply with the track access program procedure as adopted and amended by streetcar safety officer from time to time.” If your proposed work/event falls under this criteria, you will need a streetcar track access permit.
3. How much does a streetcar permit cost?
   At this time, El Paso Streetcar does not charge a fee for the issuance of a Track Access Permit, but reserves the right to impose a fee schedule at a later date.
4. What is a Track Access Training?
   This is a training provided to applicants performing activity under any streetcar infrastructure or within ten feet of any streetcar infrastructure. The training provides information on the safety requirements needed to begin on, near or around the streetcar. Please refer to the process above for accessing the online track access training.
5. How many days in advance do I need to submit my streetcar application for my event/construction work/activity if it is determined that I need a Streetcar Track Access Permit?
   • For a special event: 30 calendar days minimum prior to the date of event.
   • For construction or other non-special event activity: 14 calendar days minimum prior to the start of work.
   • For trenching/excavations: 45 calendar days minimum prior to the start of work.