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 agreement, El Paso Transportation Authority interim director Javier Manales told the council during the meeting’s item-specific comments. "Buses will not stop to pick up or drop off passengers on any of these routes when they enter Socorro City limits, again, as of July 1," Manales said. Council members and members of the public told staff they want a plan that maintains access for seniors, people with disabilities and workers who rely on transit.

What the plan recommends: Consultants and staff said the proposed model would keep existing Rio Vista paratransit for seniors and people with disabilities, preserve regional access to the Mission Valley Transit Center and operate a general-public, same-day on-demand microtransit service within city limits that can feed a possible future fixed route along Alameda. Brooks described microtransit as a shared, app- or phone-requested trip that picks riders up at convenient nearby curb points and typically yields waits under 30 minutes in a service zone.

Funding, timeline and operations: The plan estimates start-up and early operations will require local support (staff described an initial local contribution in the range of $100,000–$200,000 annually, comparable to sums previously requested by the county) while the city becomes an FTA direct recipient to access Section 5307 urban formula funds. Brooks said becoming an FTA recipient typically takes roughly 6–12 months. The consultant also recommended the city design the program with federal compliance in mind so it can draw those formula funds when eligible.

Public concerns and council direction: Dozens of residents and multiple council members spoke during the item. Riders and residents said they feared losing service or having reduced access to clinics, schools and shopping. Blanca Vargas told the council she had walked "30 to 40 minutes" to reach destinations and was worried about access and local business impacts. Council members emphasized outreach: Councilmember Ruben Reyes urged additional community meetings to explain changes, and Councilmember Alejandro Garcia said clear communication was needed because "they're misinformed" about what the change means.

Regional coordination: The plan preserves a role for interagency agreements. Brooks said the city could contract with or partner with Sun Metro or ETA to operate service; the TDP includes several delivery alternatives. The resolution the council approved also directs staff to pursue a service expansion policy agreement with Sun Metro through the region’s metropolitan planning organization.

Formal actions: The council voted to adopt the Socorro Avanzando 2025–2028 transit development plan, authorized staff to file applications with the Federal Transit Administration to pursue direct-recipient status, and approved a license agreement to use the Mission Valley Transit Center as a transfer point. Staff said the city has started steps to stand up reservation and dispatch technology and will initially operate with a small fleet and expand as demand grows.

What’s next: Staff and consultants said the city will proceed to implement a pilot on-demand service, pursue FTA status and federal formula funds (Section 5307) and continue public outreach. The city’s application steps and the license agreement make it possible to begin services as county-run routes end, but consultants and county representatives told the council there will be a transition period during which residents should plan for service changes.