The City of McAllen Transit Department and South Texas College has begun a new transit academy. STC will now offer training for prospective drivers of the city’s Metro Bus System, as an effort to address a severe driver shortage affecting the industry locally as well as nationwide. The interlocal agreement between the city and the college came with approval by city commissioners. The city is donating a 2011 Gillig 35’…
The McAllen City Commission approved an award of contract to Wilson Construction Company of McAllen on Monday for the construction of new inbound and outbound commercial facilities and related paving improvements at the Anzalduas International Bridge. The contract is for $81.8 million, with a contract time of 320 days, approximately 11 months. The funding source for the project is a $63 million loan from the North American Development Bank and…
Hansheng Lei came to the United States from China in 2001 with no idea the endless frontier would lead him to Brownsville. Lei is a professor in the computer science department at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His academic office on University Boulevard in Brownsville is a handful of blocks away from his business office at a warehouse that’s adjacent to the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates.…
With three ports of entry, trucking is the lifeblood of international commerce and the economy in Starr County, according to Rose Benavidez, chairwoman of South Texas College Board of Trustees and president of Starr County Industrial Foundation. That’s why Rio Grande City Grulla ISD board members have approved a new partnership with STC to provide CDL training in Starr County this summer. “There is little doubt that in these uncertain…
Valley International Airport is experiencing its best growth numbers since 2008 as longstanding airlines return daily flights and new international flights to Mexico have been established. Marv Easterly, VIA’s director of aviation, provided that overview recently during a commercial and investment tour hosted by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The Harlingen-based regional airport has gotten through the worst of the cutbacks brought on by…
Sun Country Airlines will begin nonstop service to Cancun from Valley International Airport beginning June 1. The new flight will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. “With more folks eager to resume leisure travel, we’re excited to be able to offer them another option to get away this summer to enjoy the beaches of Cancun,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Grant Whitney. “We know there is pent-up…
Francisco Partida is one of Airport Business magazine’s 2021 Top 40 Under 40. The interim assistant director of aviation for Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is the only aviation executive in Texas to receive this honor. Airport Business magazine is a leading national aviation industry magazine. Its Top 40 Under 40 recognizes both the top talent and leading thinkers in the aviation industry. Airport Business Magazine staff vets candidates…
South Texas College, in partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa, has set in motion a new commercial driver’s license program that will address a growing demand for drivers in the industry. “This is a classic example of South Texas College reskilling and upskilling through education and training to meet regional and local labor demands,” said South Texas College president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who brokered the partnership with Trancasa.…
McAllen International Airport is now offering MFE Destination Connect. The free, luxury shuttle service brings MFE travelers to their next destination in South Padre Island. This new partnership between the airport and SPI creates new connectivity which allows travelers to experience both destinations while visiting. McAllen International Airport currently welcomes travelers from nine nonstop destinations throughout the U.S. and Mexico. This pilot shuttle service program operates on Thursdays, Fridays and…
Effective March 10, 2022, Southwest Airlines plans to offer more flights from Valley International Airport. Two non-stops between Austin and Harlingen will offer same-day round-trip opportunities for customers. Southwest will also operate a daily nonstop between Dallas/Love and Harlingen. Additionally, the carrier plans to operate four daily flights between Houston/Hobby and Harlingen daily except on Saturdays when they will operate three flights. “These new flights will offer even greater connecting opportunities for…