Brio is a bus rapid transit system in El Paso, Texas, United States. It is operated by Sun Metro. The first line, the Mesa Corridor, began operating in the fall of 2014. This line is long and uses 22 purpose-built curbside stations with shelters, ticket vending machines for pre-boarding payment, and real-time arrival information. Two more corridors, Dyer and Alameda Corridors became operational in October 2019. The Montana Corridor which will serve the Eastside will be the fourth expansion of the Brio service and is expected to become operational in 2020 or early 2021. When the Montana Corridor is completed the entire system will be in length with 98 stations.
Description
Each Brio corridor contains at least two transfer centers, where passengers can transfer between Brio and local buses. Outside of transfer centers, stops consist of curbside shelters with the following amenities:
The Brio fleet consists of branded New Flyer Xcelsior articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas, able to carry 72 total passengers and feature on-board WiFi, interior bike racks, and passenger information monitors. Each bus also contains three doors to facilitate a quicker boarding process. The vehicles operate in mixed traffic. Signal prioritization is used to lengthen green traffic signals and reduce delays. The frequency of Brio buses range from 10 minutes during weekday rush hours to 15 minutes mid-day from Monday to Friday, and 20 minutes on Saturdays; buses do not run on Sundays or holidays. Stations are located about a mile apart. Passengers can buy a one-way trip, a day pass, a weekly pass or a monthly pass from the ticket vending machine located at all permanent Brio stations. To prevent fare evasion, Brio Ambassadors will be monitoring and requesting proof of payment during trips on Brio. Over 50,000 people use Brio every month, which has meant that approximately 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide was not emitted in the first year of its operation. Brio has also inspired new businesses; around 20 have been launched since Brio was launched as of 2016.
Naming the system
Sun Metro hired PAVLOV, a marketing communications company, to develop the system name and logo. The word Brio is Spanish for excitement, verve and energy. The logo was designed to complement the circular nature of Sun Metro's current logo. The ‘b’ and ‘o’ in Brio are a graphic element that can be used to extend the identity of the RTS system. The movement within the logotype references the wheels on the vehicles. In addition to the name and logo, Sun Metro selected a color palette and graphic standards to make Brio stations and buses distinctive and easily recognizable.
Fares
NOTE: all fares are free since late March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak up to further notice. Fares for Brio are the same as standard fare on other Sun Metro lines. Currently, the fare is $1.50; $1.00 for students; and $0.30 for seniors 65+, disabled and Medicare.
