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El Paso and Fort Bliss approve free ‘Torch Transit’ microtransit for service members
Summary
Sun Metro and Fort Bliss won council approval for an interlocal agreement to launch ‘Torch Transit,’ a free on‑installation microtransit service connecting Fort Bliss to Sun Metro hubs; the service will run ~84 hours per week, begin a six‑month mobilization and is described as costing no city taxpayers.
The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board and City Council on June 23 approved an interlocal support agreement with the U.S. Army to create an on‑installation microtransit service—branded “Torch Transit”—for Fort Bliss service members, family members and retirees.
Anthony (Sun Metro) described the service as a curb‑to‑curb, on‑demand microtransit system that will operate roughly 84 hours per week with an initial capacity of about 60 trips per day and the flexibility to expand based on demand. "This endeavor is at 0 cost to our taxpayers, to the city of El Paso, and to the soldiers and dependents of Fort Bliss. Free," he said.
Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Colonel Mike Soika told council the service will improve quality of life and reduce transportation costs for soldiers who previously spent hundreds of dollars monthly on travel. "This Uber‑share like service… is going to be game changing for our soldiers," he said. The army will fund vehicles and operations under the interlocal structure; Sun Metro will stand up operations, hire drivers and operate the service.
Officials estimated the program will add about 25 Sun Metro positions (drivers, supervisors, dispatch) and enter a roughly six‑month mobilization period for vehicles, app setup and staffing. The board and council approved the agreement unanimously; staff said the program will launch after the mobilization and ribbon‑cutting events planned with Fort Bliss.
Next steps include procurement and vehicle acquisition, app deployment and hiring; staff estimated the service will begin once mobilization is complete and final operational details are in place.
