SWART reviews demand‑response, micro‑transit pilot and local funding gap for Eagle Pass transit

A SWART representative gave a detailed overview of local and regional public transportation services, ridership, pilot programs and funding needs to the Eagle Pass MPO on Oct. 8.

SWART is the regional public transit provider that serves eight counties and operates demand‑response service, fixed routes and a new micro‑transit pilot branded Arriba (an on‑demand app‑based service). The presenter said Arriba’s pilot is free through Jan. 31, 2026, runs in four initial zones (Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Crystal City, Carrizo Springs) and registered about 800 rides in its first four weeks. He said the goal is to move toward offering on‑demand scheduling down to an hour before pickup as operations mature.

Services and riders: SWART reported roughly 47,000 one‑way demand‑response trips and about 34,000 fixed‑route one‑way trips in the last fiscal year (Sept. 1–Aug. 31). The agency said 85 percent of riders are elderly or disabled and 62 percent use transit to access health care. SWART also operates employer‑focused routes (‘‘SWART Works’’) and partnerships with organizations such as Enterprise.

Economic and operational numbers: SWART presented an economic‑impact estimate tied to rides and local spending and said local salaries and purchases contribute to the area’s economy. The agency reviewed major operating pressures: rising vehicle procurement costs (example: paratransit vehicle prices roughly doubled since pre‑COVID levels), fuel and maintenance, and workforce recruitment and retention.

Local match and funding gap: Under federal FTA rules, SWART must provide local matching funds for federal operating and capital awards. The presenter said SWART’s total local match requirement for the 2025/26 cycle is about $706,712. For the newly urbanized portion of Eagle Pass, SWART said the sponsor/local match obligation totals about $308,000; the City of Eagle Pass has pledged $120,000, leaving a SWART shortfall of about $188,000 for the urban match and an overall remaining match need of roughly $482,000 across SWART’s service area.

Fare and pilot costs: The presenter said a micro‑transit one‑way fare would likely be about $4–$5 once the pilot ends; current local demand‑response fares were cited at $2 within city limits. SWART staff said the agency pursues multiple match strategies including advertising, donations, grants and a nonprofit partner (Partners in Transit) that can apply for philanthropic funds.

Ending: SWART asked local partners to consider additional local match and highlighted mobility management and rider training services designed to increase service use. Local officials were invited to discuss targeted support or partnerships that would close SWART’s remaining match gap.