HARLINGEN — For years, residents didn’t have fixed routes to their bus stops.
Instead, they crossed through neighborhoods, walking along streets.
Now, two miles of new sidewalks are expected to lead more residents to the city’s bus stops.
The project will help the Rio Grande Valley Development Council round up more riders for its Valley Metro transit system.
“It’s to facilitate and increase the use of the public transit system,” Assistant City Manager Carlos Sanchez said yesterday.
Grants will cover 80 percent of the cost of the $500,000 project along the city’s approximately 10 stops where residents catch Valley Metro’s vans.
Last week, city commissioners approved funding for the city’s share of the cost.
While $397,735 in federal grants will cover 80 percent of the total cost, the city will dip into its $42 million general fund budget to pay $99,434.
“That’s a great thing for the city,” Sanchez said. “It’s a good-sized project. Two miles is a lot.”
Sidewalks are planned within about a half-mile radius of the city’s bus routes and bus stops.
“We’re looking at ways to improve the bus system and pedestrian routes that lead to the bus stops,” said Tom Logan, Valley Metro’s director.
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