Socorro adopts 'Socorro Avanzando' transit plan; council OKs regional connections and FTA applications

Socorro — The Socorro City Council on June 5 adopted Socorro Avanzando, the city’s 2025–2028 transit development plan, approving steps to establish a city-run, on-demand microtransit system that staff say would replace existing El Paso County bus stops in Socorro and let the city seek federal transit funds.

The plan was presented to the council by Jonathan Brooks of Goodman Corporation, who told the council the study recommends a city-controlled microtransit service designed to preserve access to regional connections including the Mission Valley Transit Center and to leverage federal formula funding. "We never considered reducing service," Brooks said during the presentation.

The council’s action included approval to pursue Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recipient status and to file applications with the FTA, and it authorized a licensing agreement to use the Nestor A. Valdes Mission Valley Transit Center as a connection point. The license carries a $5,000 annual fee, staff told the council.

Why it matters: El Paso County’s buses will stop serving Socorro beginning July 1 if the city begins its own transit program without an interlocal…