Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Sun Metro Senior Reduced Fare + LIFT ADA Paratransit (El Paso County)
Sun Metro — the City of El Paso's transit department; operates fixed-route bus, Brio bus rapid transit, and LIFT (Sun Metro LIFT) ADA-accessible paratransit serving El Paso and most of El Paso County
Who it's for
Sun Metro is the City of El Paso's transit department, operating fixed-route bus, Brio bus rapid transit, and Sun Metro LIFT ADA-accessible paratransit serving El Paso and most of El Paso County. Sun Metro offers reduced fares to seniors AGE 65 AND OLDER — apply for a Sun Metro Reduced Fare identification card at NO CHARGE by presenting a U.S. or State government-issued photo ID card that displays date of birth (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, Medicare card, or passport). Once issued, the Sun Metro Reduced Fare ID activates the senior discount across the entire Sun Metro fixed-route system. Sun Metro LIFT is the ADA-accessible paratransit complement for individuals whose disability prevents them from independently boarding, riding, and exiting a fixed-route bus. LIFT eligibility is FUNCTIONAL-ABILITY-BASED per ADA criteria — being age 65+ does not automatically qualify; the determination is based on each person's abilities, not a specific diagnosis. LIFT also accommodates TEMPORARY eligibility for short-term illness or injury that prevents fixed-route use for 1 to 12 months. To establish LIFT eligibility, complete both the LIFT Application and the Paratransit Verification Form. El Paso's location at the U.S.-Mexico border and its position in far West Texas make Sun Metro the principal mobility option for many El Paso seniors who lack alternatives. Contact Sun Metro at 915-212-3333 for fare or LIFT eligibility questions.
Sun Metro's senior fare reduction is automatic for any El Paso senior age 65+ who presents the required proof of age — the Reduced Fare ID is issued at NO CHARGE (peer TX systems like Trinity Metro charge $2 for the equivalent card). status_ceiling=likely_qualifies because no income test or discretionary review applies. Sun Metro LIFT eligibility is FUNCTIONAL — being age 65+ alone is not enough; documented inability to independently board/ride/exit fixed-route service is required. The TEMPORARY LIFT eligibility window (1-12 months for short-term illness/injury) is distinctive — peer TX paratransit systems often require full disability certification. El Paso's far West Texas location and high senior population make Sun Metro the primary mobility option; Brio bus rapid transit corridors offer faster connections along major commercial corridors.
What you'll need
- For Sun Metro Reduced Fare ID (seniors 65+): U.S. or State government-issued photo ID card displaying date of birth (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, Medicare card, or passport)
- For Sun Metro LIFT ADA paratransit: completed LIFT Application AND Paratransit Verification Form + physician statement or functional assessment documenting inability to use fixed-route service
- Proof of El Paso County or Sun Metro service area residency
- Photo identification matching the applicant
- For temporary LIFT eligibility: physician documentation of 1-12 month limited fixed-route use
- For paratransit: advance reservation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 915-212-3333
Renewals
Reduced Fare ID is ongoing; LIFT eligibility periodically recertified, temporary eligibility lasts up to 12 months
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.