TRANSPORTATION NEWS
New Braunfels rolls out affordable new rideshare service

Micro-transit service Rio! will soon offer affordable rides across New Braunfels.
A new rideshare service is rolling into New Braunfels. Launching November 18, Rio! will offer affordable, on-demand micro-transit rides throughout the Hill Country suburb, a local transportation upgrade that could give bigger cities ideas about public transportation.
The service acts much the same as Uber or Lyft. Via the Rio! app or by phone, riders can schedule trips anywhere within the city’s service area to make medical appointments, buy groceries, or simply visit a friend.
“Rio! brings the flexibility of rideshare with the affordability and accessibility of public transit,” city officials said in a release. “It’s designed to make transportation easier for everyone — from daily commuters to weekend shoppers.”
Rio! offers a cheaper alternative to corporate rideshare companies. All rides are free until December 31. A flat rate of $4 per trip will be charged beginning January 1, 2026, with a $2 discount for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Passengers can bring along a friend for an extra buck.
The model works for drivers as well, who are compensated directly instead of having to rely on tips. Employees also won’t have to carry a cost burden for car maintenance.
The city service does have a few disadvantages. Service is only available daily from 7 am- 8 pm, so it’s not the right choice for a late-night bar crawl. And the rides are shared with other passengers, resulting in slightly longer ride times.
The addition of Rio! positions New Braunfels among a growing number of Texas cities investing in smaller-scale, tech-driven networks that make public transportation more sustainable and responsive to community demand. San Antonio launched its own micro-transit system, VIA Link, in 2019 on the city’s Northeast Side.

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