SCRTD reports 52% Q1 ridership jump, to expand routes and launch electric buses

The South Central Regional Transit District reported Wednesday that ridership for the October–December quarter reached 42,000 rides, a 52% increase from 27,565 in the comparable period, and said it will expand weekend and campus service while adding battery-electric buses.

The growth is “a record for the district,” David Armijo, executive director, said during the board’s executive director’s report. “We had ridership of 42,000 rides in the 3 months, compared to 27,565 for a difference of 14,436, which shows a percentage change or growth of 52%.”

The increase, Armijo said, reflects multiple initiatives the agency has pursued over the last two years: service additions on certain lines, more bus shelters, schedule improvements, and a free-fare policy that has been in place “for almost a year.” Armijo told the board the agency recorded a peak of 15,000 rides in October and that December ridership rose unusually despite the holidays.

District staff linked the growth to improved on-time performance and operational efficiency in a mixed rural–urban service area. “One of the reasons we've gotten ranked number 1 in the state by the New Mexico Department of Transportation in the last 2 years is because of that,” Armijo said, pointing to cost-effectiveness as a driver of stronger performance.

Working from the ridership data, the district plans near-term service changes. Armijo said staff are reviewing every route and stop and that weekend service will expand next month: the red, green, copper, purple and turquoise routes will begin running on Saturdays; the silver and yellow routes already run on weekends. He also said the district will extend service through “Omicia” to reach New Mexico State University, creating new connections among the red, green and copper routes.

On equipment and capital work, Armijo showed the board images of recent vehicle acquisitions and said the district will add battery-electric buses in February. He said three more electric charging stations were being installed and “will be ready in about 10 days,” and the district expects to receive three additional Gillig battery-electric buses, bringing the fleet to five larger Gillig electrics.

Armijo outlined complementary steps: a contract to improve passenger amenities, a forthcoming 10‑year service and finance plan, and more outreach and rider surveys. He assigned operations staff, including Tim McDaniel, to analyze stop locations and service patterns to support the expansions.

The board did not take formal action on these items at the meeting because a quorum was not present; Armijo and staff said several items can proceed administratively where allowed by procurement bylaws.

Armijo closed by noting staff will continue to evaluate which factors produced the ridership gains and will pursue funding and service changes that support further growth.