New Braunfels to start new transit services, including on-demand rides

Bus routes expected in the next 2 to 5 years.

A roundabout roadway in New Braunfels, Texas.
City of New Braunfels

MYSA
By Victoria Lopez
November 16, 2023

New Braunfels residents have voiced their need for alternative public transportation, and the city plans to take action with its new transit development plan that will include on-demand rides. The city conducted a transit survey over the summer, and results showed a clear need for services, with many stating they would use public transportation for everyday travel. 

In response, the city plans to launch a microtransit service in the next year, including on-demand rides. This will be the first step for the city to have its own public transportation system.

Similar to services such as Uber and Lyft, residents would be able to request rides, likely from a van or minivan, but need to be picked up from defined service zones. Zones will include most of the city and some parts of unincorporated Comal and Guadalupe counties. 

As far as longterm plans are concerned, the city projects one to two buses with fixed routes to be up and running within the next two to five years. A total of three to four routes will be in place in about five or more years, said city officials. 

The transit project is expected to cost anywhere between $1.2 million to $3.6 million, depending on demand. The cost could increase as ridership increases as well, according to the plan. 

Demand projections in the plan estimate a range of 1,200 to 2,800 rides per week and a range of 63,000 to 147,000 rides per year. Estimates were projected with services running from 6 a.m to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. 

It is unknown at this time how much fares are expected to cost for riders. 

The development plan will transform New Braunfels public transportation that is currently only available through Alamo Rapid Transit, which operates in 12 counties around the San Antonio area. With ART, residents have to request trips at least 24 hours in advance, which brings an average of 1,790 trips per month.

When it comes to additional funding, the city is now eligible for both state and federal funding that will assist in transportation development. The city is eligible for federal transportation funding as New Braunfels was designated as a small urban area separate from the greater San Antonio area in the 2020 census. The city can also receive additional state funding once the city council formally creates an urban area transit district.