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Parking Services Harlingen Convention Center

Parking and Transportation Services Division of Finance and Business Affairs

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Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
EASFC Building, Room 135, Edinburg Campus
BVAQP-A, Room 1.101A, Brownsville Campus
Phone:
Transportation
956-665-2036 (Edinburg)
956-882-2036 (Brownsville)
Parking
956-665-2738 (Edinburg)
956-882-7051 (Brownsville)
Email:
transportation@utrgv.edu or parking@utrgv.edu

Park & Ride - Harlingen Convention Center

We’re excited to announce that the Harlingen Park & Ride will be relocated to the Harlingen Convention Center Green Jay Pavilion starting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 

How will this change impact UTRGV’s Park & Ride services in Harlingen? 

  • The Harlingen Soccer Complex will no longer be used as the site for the Harlingen Park & Ride.
  • The Harlingen Convention Center, located at 701 Harlingen Heights Drive, will be the new park & ride location.
  • Vaquero Express routes traveling to Edinburg or Brownsville will depart from the Harlingen Convention Center.
  • The Harlingen Circulator will connect the Convention Center to HCEBL with about a 30-minute frequency.
  • Valley Metro’s RGV Metro Express-Orangeline route will also depart from the Convention Center. 

 

Harlingen Convention Center parking

Key Benefits of New + Improved Park & Ride Location:

  • Covered shelter
  • Well-lit parking and waiting areas
  • Outdoor seating
  • Electrical outlets for charging devices
  • Access to public restrooms
  • Access to public wi-fi
  • ADA accessible

 

Links to Route Schedules

  • Harlingen Circulator Route (216KB PDF)
  • Vaquero Express Summer 2025 (168KB PDF)
  • Vaquero Express Summer 2025 Spanish (169KB PDF)

 

Ride System App

Real-time bus tracking is available online or through the Ride System app. For any assistance or updates contact our information line at (956) 665-2036


 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Move to the Harlingen Convention Center

How much will this cost me?

Nothing. There will be no permit or fee required to park at the Harlingen Convention Center. There is no cost for riding Vaquero Express or the Harlingen Circulator.

Will this affect my schedule?

The change does not affect the timetable for Vaquero Express.

What if it rains? What if the sun is too hot?

The waiting area is covered and protected from the sun and rain.

What if it gets cold?

We’ve purchased portable heating units and will place them in waiting areas if needed.

What if I need ADA access?

The waiting area is ADA-accessible.

Will buses be late?

The new location benefits from speedy access to the expressway which we expect to improve on-time performance. However, sometimes—due to accidents or bad weather—travel on the expressway will be slower.

Are you getting more buses?

Yes, we’ve added 56-passenger buses to the schedule.

What about lighting?

Both the parking and waiting areas are well-lit.  

What about safety and security?

The Convention Center is a modern facility in a well-developed part of Harlingen. It is well-lit and close to commercial areas. Convention Center staff will be present on-site during the park & ride’s operating hours (6 AM – 12 AM). In addition, UTRGV PD will make periodic visits during the operating day. Lastly, a member of the Parking and Transportation team will always be present at the location.

What if I need to use the restroom?

Passengers may use the Convention Center’s indoor restrooms located across from the door that accesses the Green Jay Pavilion.

What about seating?

Ample seating in the form of benches will be installed at the location.

What about mosquitos?

We are installing portable mosquito repelling devices at the location.  

What about WiFi?

The location features public WiFi access.

Can I charge my devices there?

Yes, there are several outlets located in the waiting area.

What if I get hungry?

The Convention Center is located next to a Hilton Garden Inn which has a sundries section near the entrance. You can find drinks and snacks there, as well as personal care items.

Will we still get free bottled water?

Absolutely. We will continue to offer bottled water during hot days for the foreseeable future.

What if I still want to go to HCEBL?

The Harlingen Circulator will connect the Convention Center to HCEBL. A link to the timetable is shown above.

What about the summer?

We will continue to use the Harlingen Convention Center as the Harlingen Park & Ride location until further notice.



For more information, view the FAQs on our Harlingen Campus parking updates page. We are confident this move will enhance your park and ride experience.

For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to eventparking@utrgv.edu. As always, thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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