Disclaimer: This pro­file is made available for general information purpose. The pro­file is accurate as of May 2023. You may visit the transit agency’s website or contact the transit agency’s contact person for the latest information

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) is a political subdivision of Texas authorized by Texas Transportation Code Chapter 458 and therefore receives state funds for transit services. LRGVDC serves as a rural transit district (RTD) for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata Counties. Prior to May 2015, the Community Action Council of South Texas (CACST) served Starr and Zapata Counties. LRGVDC resolved to serve as an RTD for Starr and Zapata Counties after CACST discontinued its transit services. In addition, LRGVDC serves as an urban transit district for the Harlingen and McAllen urbanized areas (UZAs).

LRGVDC provides transit services to the Harlingen UZA, the McAllen UZA except within the city limits of McAllen, and rural areas within the service boundary through its transportation program, Valley Metro. LRGVDC published the name Valley Metro in June 2011, unifying services that were operated under three different brand names: Rio Metro, Rio Transit, and Harlingen Express. LRGVDC passes a part of the allocated state fund to the City of McAllen under an interlocal agreement. The City of McAllen provides additional transit services for the McAllen UZA within the city limits of McAllen through its transit department, Metro McAllen.

Valley Metro operates demand-response service for Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata Counties, and deviated bus service FLEX and commuter bus service to provide connections between rural cities and the UZAs, among three UZAs in the region, and between Port Isabel and the Brownsville UZA.

Metro McAllen (operated by City of McAllen) operates fixed-route bus and paratransit services within the city limits of McAllen and maintains an international transit terminal facility in downtown McAllen. LRGVDC-Valley Metro, City of McAllen, City of Brownsville, and City of South Padre Island coordinately deliver a regional bus service, RGV Metro Express, for residents to travel in Brownsville, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, Mercedes, and South Padre Island. Valley Transit Company, Inc. operates private intercity bus service in LRGVDC’s service area. Both Valley Metro and Metro McAllen can provide connections to the service.

LRGVDC is governed by a 27-member board of directors of whom two-thirds are elected officials of the designated boundaries. LRGVDC has a transportation advisory committee to advise on regional transit services. The McAllen City Council governs Metro McAllen services.

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