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City of Socorro launches free local transit service; connects to El Paso transfer station
Summary
The City of Socorro announced a new city‑run, free transit service operating weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. within city limits and connecting to the Mission Valley transfer station in El Paso; the city took over service previously provided by the county, starting in July with vehicles funded through FTA 5310 and ARPA.
The City of Socorro announced a new city‑run transit service during the Planning and Zoning Department report, saying the service will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., be free to Socorro residents, operate within city limits and provide connections to the Mission Valley transfer station in El Paso.
Planning and Zoning Department staff member (identified in the transcript as Miss Quimiro) said the city held a 9 a.m. press conference announcing the launch. She said the county had previously provided the service and that the county’s service will end in June; the city will begin operating its own system in July. The city provided a flyer and a business card with scheduling information.
“This is a city of Socorro's first attempt to provide this service,” Quimiro said. She said riders can call the number on the flyer to schedule pickups and that the service will drop riders at the Nestor Valencia Mission Valley Transit Center in East El Paso to connect to the larger regional network. Quimiro told commissioners the service is free to Socorro residents.
Quimiro described the fleet origins: some vehicles were purchased through the Federal Transit Administration's Section 5310 program (used for specialized transportation for older adults and people with disabilities) and two electric vehicles were bought with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. She asked for patience as the city starts the program: “I think … be patient with us,” she said.
A commissioner asked whether the service would operate outside the city limits; Quimiro confirmed the service is limited to city limits but reiterated the transfer connection to El Paso for riders needing regional service. One commissioner expressed disappointment that the service will not directly provide inbound trips from El Paso into Socorro and asked about transfer points; Quimiro clarified the transfer process at the station in El Paso and encouraged use of local destinations such as the Mission Trail and the Bracero Museum.
