In years past, KFOX14 uncovered the system was unreliable. In 2006, one woman told KFOX 14, the unreliable bus system cost her, her job. The buses wouldn't arrive on time, she said. If they did, they would break down, routes were cut and they were down right hot without working air conditioning.

"We started to make sure all the air conditioners were working. We were always on time, make sure we never miss a trip," said Jay Banasiak, the director of Sun Metro, about the turnaround.

Just as KFOX14 started questioning Sun Metro, when officials promised things were changing. New management took over and employees were told the old way of doing things would no longer be acceptable.

"Employees say 'Yes we will be accountable. We will feel like El Pasoans are important,'" said Banasiak.

With backing from El Paso City Council, new buses arrived and overcrowding and complaints became a thing of the past. The mass transit system once again became reliable, which has benefited Sun Metro.

"Seventeen months in a row we've increased ridership," said Banasiak.

Sun Metro estimates ridership will increase even more as gas prices stay steady above the $3 mark and because of a new rapid transit system in the works for Alameda Avenue, Dyer Street, Montana Avenue, and Mesa Street.

"In two years, September 2013, we are going to have two corridors that's going to have rapid transit on it," said Banasiak.

With those in place, Sun Metro officials said they are looking for back-to-back awards from the American Public Transportation System.

"We won't go down. I can guarantee you that," said Banasiak.

Sun Metro officials thanked employees by cooking out for them Wednesday.