What is a Rapid Transit System (RTS)?
Rapid Transit System (RTS), also known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), is a high-quality transit service that offers similar benefits to light rail transit, such as improved speed and reliability, but at a much lower implementation cost.
How is RTS different from a bus?
Bus systems generally lack one or more of the key elements of effective RTS: pay-before-you-board stations, level boarding, and signal priority at intersections.
What other features will be included in Sun Metro’s RTS?
- Frequent service (10-minute peak and 15-minute non-peak frequency Monday-Friday, 20-minute frequency Saturday)
- Less frequent stops (locations of stops about one mile apart)
- Branded vehicles and stations (uniquely painted buses and stations to easily identify service)
- Amenities at stops (such as real-time bus schedules and free Wi-Fi)
- Signal prioritization (buses will have the ability to lengthen green traffic signals)
- Fare prepayment (save time by paying for your fare before boarding)
- Local bus feeder network (circulators take passengers to RTS stations to reduce overall travel time)
Can I pay my fare with a credit card?
Yes! Sun Metro is currently working to ensure that all our ticket vending machines will be able to accept credit cards for payment of bus fare.
Will this replace my local bus and impact my bus stop?
No, the existing local bus system will remain about the same. Minor, if any, changes will be seen; however, we will notify our passengers of any service changes before they are made.
Will the regular fixed-route buses stop at the Brio stations?
No, the regular fixed-route buses will use the standard Sun Metro stops, which will be located near Brio stations to allow for easier accessibility to both transit services.
Will the Brio vehicle stop at fixed-route stops?
No, Brio vehicles will only board and de-board at Brio stations; unless there is a detour or safety issue that prevents the Brio vehicle from using the Brio station.
How many people can fit in these 60-foot articulated vehicles?
About 48 people can sit comfortably (with two wheelchairs) and another 24 or so can stand.
What areas/corridors will the Sun Metro RTS travel along?
El Pasoans experienced this innovative, faster and more effective transportation option in 2014 with the introduction of the Mesa corridor. Mesa Brio buses travel from the Downtown Transfer Center, along Santa Fe, Franklin, Oregon, Glory Road, and Mesa, ending at the Westside Transfer Center on Remcon.
The Alameda corridor service began in the summer of 2019. Alameda Brio buses travel from the Downtown Transfer Center, along Alameda road and includes service to the Five Points Transit Center and ends at the Mission Valley Transit Center.
The Dyer corridor service began in the summer of 2019. Dyer Brio buses travel from the Downtown Transit Center, along Dyer street and includes service to the Five Points Transit Center and ends at the Northgate Transit Center.
The Montana Brio, the fourth RTS corridor, is expected to be operational in 2022.
The Alameda corridor service began in the summer of 2019. Alameda Brio buses travel from the Downtown Transfer Center, along Alameda road and includes service to the Five Points Transit Center and ends at the Mission Valley Transit Center.
The Dyer corridor service began in the summer of 2019. Dyer Brio buses travel from the Downtown Transit Center, along Dyer street and includes service to the Five Points Transit Center and ends at the Northgate Transit Center.
The Montana Brio, the fourth RTS corridor, is expected to be operational in 2022.
