El Metro outlines tech upgrades, ADA stops and route optimizations; council seeks more neighborhood outreach

LAREDO, Texas — El Metro presented a performance and operational-efficiency review to the City Council on March 16 that emphasized ridership growth, modernization of fare and scheduling technology and targeted service adjustments to reinvest savings in high-ridership corridors.

Director RJ Gossa told council that fixed-route ridership grew 13% from 2022 to 2024 and paratransit demand surged 30%. The agency proposed a cashless-fare modernization (tap-and-go smart cards) but said cash would remain an option during the transition. "Going cashless allows us to reallocate those hours toward higher-value transit operations," the presentation said, while staff emphasized bilingual passenger tools and improved real-time information.

Proposed efficiency changes included converting three low-ridership circulator routes to peak-hour service, which El Metro said would reclaim nearly $300,000 annually for reinvestment in ADA stops, signage and maintenance. Several council members warned that reducing off-peak circulator service risks suppressing ridership and urged wider neighborhood outreach and on-board surveying.

Council asked for additional data and proposed that staff return with the underlying efficiency study and neighborhood-specific outreach plans before final approval of service reductions or schedule changes.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 2616, topfinish SEG 3150