Brownsville launches Uber-powered transit pilot to replace fixed bus route

A new era for public transit in Brownsville begins Saturday, when the city’s fixed Route 30 bus will be replaced by an on-demand ride-share pilot in partnership with Uber.

Beginning Friday, riders in the Route 30 service area, which spans the city’s southeast, can request an UberX or UberXL trip through the Uber app — or by phone — to travel anywhere within the designated zone.

See a map of the service zone for Route 30.

Trips that start and end inside the service boundary will be free of charge, paid for jointly by the city of Brownsville and Cameron County.

“This partnership represents a new chapter in how we think about public transportation,” said Gennie Garcia, director of Brownsville Metro. “By combining innovation with accessibility, we’re expanding mobility options for our community and making it easier for residents to get where they need to go.”

The pilot, officially branded BMetro Route 30 Rider Share, is part of the city’s broader effort to modernize transit service and evaluate cost-efficient alternatives to underused bus routes. 

Officials said the final day for the traditional Route 30 bus will be Friday. 

How the program works

Riders can download a monthly BMetro Route 30 voucher by clicking the link provided on the city’s website or by searching “Brownsville” under the Vouchers section of the Uber Wallet. The voucher applies automatically at checkout for eligible rides.

Service hours mirror BMetro’s existing schedule: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Riders must be 13 or older, with parental consent required for minors using Uber Teen.

Those without smartphones can call (833) USE-UBER / 873-8237 to request a ride.

Accessibility features

City officials emphasized that accessibility was built into the program design. 

UberX supports screen-reader tools like TalkBack and VoiceOver for riders who are blind or have low vision, and all drivers must accept service animals. 

Riders are encouraged to report any denials through the Uber app or at help.uber.com/riders.

More details, including a service-area map and QR code for voucher access, are available on the city’s Route 30 Southeast webpage.