Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Brownsville METRO (B-METRO) + Valley Metro Senior Fare + ADA Paratransit
Brownsville METRO (B-METRO) — the City of Brownsville's transit department; the largest mass transit system in Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley; supplemented by Valley Metro (LRGVDC regional transit) for tri-county Cameron-Hidalgo-Willacy connectivity
Who it's for
Cameron County is served by TWO TRANSIT SYSTEMS: (1) Brownsville METRO (B-METRO) — the City of Brownsville's local transit, operating 13-16 fixed-route bus lines from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; (2) Valley Metro — the LRGVDC regional transit connecting Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties (charges $1 elderly fare for age 60+, see tx.hidalgo.valley_metro_senior_fare_and_paratransit for the regional framework). B-METRO offers reduced senior bus passes and a Brownsville ADA Paratransit Service ($2.00 per trip) for persons with disabilities who cannot ride fixed-route service. Paratransit eligibility is FUNCTIONAL-ABILITY-BASED per ADA. Apply for B-METRO paratransit at 956-541-8381. Outside Brownsville (Harlingen, San Benito, Port Isabel), Valley Metro provides the principal transit option — though service density is lower than within Brownsville city limits. Combined, the dual transit infrastructure means Brownsville-resident Cameron seniors have the strongest mobility access, while northern Cameron County seniors depend primarily on Valley Metro regional service.
Cameron County's dual-transit model (B-METRO city + Valley Metro regional) creates uneven coverage: Brownsville residents have the strongest mobility access (13-16 routes M-Sat), while Harlingen, San Benito, Port Isabel, and rural Cameron residents depend on Valley Metro regional with sparser service. status_ceiling=likely_qualifies because senior fare is automatic on age proof for both systems. Cameron seniors needing cross-RGV trips (e.g., to Hidalgo medical specialists) use Valley Metro regional; intra-Brownsville trips use B-METRO.
What you'll need
- For B-METRO reduced fare bus pass: valid photo ID with date of birth (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, Medicare card)
- For Brownsville ADA Paratransit: completed paratransit application + physician statement or functional assessment documenting inability to use fixed-route service
- For Valley Metro senior fare (age 60+): valid photo ID with date of birth
- Proof of Cameron County or Brownsville residency
- For paratransit: advance reservation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 956-541-8381
Renewals
fare pass ongoing; paratransit eligibility periodically recertified
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.