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Hobbs seeks $1.69 million federal formula grant to continue HOPs Express transit service
Summary
City staff asked the commission to authorize a FY 26-27 Federal Transit Administration formula grant application totaling $1,687,600, with a local match of $735,635 and one replacement bus included in the capital request.
City officials on Sept. 15 asked the Hobbs City Commission to authorize submission of a Federal Transit Administration formula grant application to continue HOPs Express public transportation service for fiscal year 2026-27.
Jan Fletcher, city clerk and transportation director, told commissioners the total grant request is $1,687,600, with a federal share of $951,965 and a required local match of $735,635. The capital portion of the application includes funding for one replacement bus.
Why it matters: HOPs Express provides transportation for elderly, disabled and transit-dependent residents. Fletcher said the service has transported more than 900,000 riders since operations began in 1989 and that FY 2024-25 ridership stood near 47,000 riders, with the city expecting to hit 50,000 by the end of September.
Fletcher said the application represents a $7,690 decrease from the prior year's request and that, if the New Mexico Department of Transportation approves the application, staff will return with a project agreement for formal commission consideration.
Action: The commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 76 76 to submit the grant application. Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions during the presentation.
Next steps: upon state approval, city staff will present a project agreement at a later commission meeting and, if awarded, the city will implement the grant-funded transit program at current service levels.
