Council deletes motion to study weekend transit after staff cites July feasibility study and talks with regional provider

The Socorro City Council on Sept. 18 deleted an item that would have directed the city manager to investigate the feasibility, costs and operational needs of running the city’s transit services on weekends.

City Manager Adriana Rodarte told the council staff had already completed a July feasibility study that concluded weekend service was not cost-effective. Rodarte also reported the city had been approached by the regional transit provider (referred to in the meeting as ETA) and that staff were negotiating to reactivate ETA stops in Socorro. Rodarte said the immediate cost discussed for reactivation was about $5,000 for the current fiscal year, and she told council that ETA’s board would consider lifting previous restrictions so buses would stop in Socorro again.

Council members raised questions about what level of service would be restored and whether city residents would retain the flexibility they currently have for paratransit and fixed routes. Rodarte said the city had budgeted for transit and that future direct-recipient federal funds could be used to expand or alter services if the city qualifies for those funds. Councilmember discussion also noted the city had previously paid approximately $150,000 for the transit study finalized in July.

City Attorney Jim Martinez advised that, procedurally, the council could direct another investigation but that the administration had presented its feasibility findings that evening. After discussion, councilmembers moved to delete the agenda item; the motion to delete carried and staff said it would continue negotiations with ETA and monitor community needs.

What remains: staff will pursue formal agreements or arrangements with the regional transit provider as appropriate and will return to council if further policy or budget decisions are required.

Speakers quoted in this article appear in the meeting record and are identified by role.