The city of New Braunfels is extending the operating hours for its microtransit service, "Ride the Rio!"
What's happening
Beginning Nov. 1, the "Ride the Rio" service will begin at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., making the daily operating hours 6 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week, according to a city news release.
The service, which launched in November 2025, aims to improve public transit in the city and increase mobility for residents, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. City officials decided to extend the hours after seeing increased demand for earlier rides in the community.
Since the start of the program, "Ride the Rio!" has grown from eight vans to 10, with drivers providing more than 74,500 rides, according to the release.
“Expanding Rio’s operating hours is the next step in providing reliable microtransit transportation,” said Transportation and Construction Services Director Garry Ford in the release. “We’re hopeful that the program will continue to grow, supporting more residents getting to work, school, doctor appointments or to visit friends.”
More details
The Federal Transportation Administration and Texas Department of Transportation grants fund the service, according to the city website.
Standard fares are $4 per ride and a reduced $2 fare is available to seniors, veterans, students and people with disabilities. Residents can book rides through the mobile app or by calling 830-282-3413. To see the van routes, residents can visit the "Ride the Rio!" website.
