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Portales council votes 6–2 to temporarily suspend PATS driving operations
Summary
Facing low ridership, one available driver and administrative gaps, the council voted to suspend the driving portion of the Portales Area Transit system while staff and state DOT partners assess and plan for a sustainable model.
The Portales City Council voted 6–2 to temporarily suspend the driving operations of the Portales Area Transit system (PATS) while staff conduct an administrative and safety review and coordinate with state and federal Department of Transportation partners.
City Manager Scott Mitten told the council that ridership has declined since the COVID period and that the program is operating with only a single driver, which creates safety and administrative risks. “At this point it’s untenable to have one person as a driver manage, run and execute all facets of the PATS program,” Mitten said, describing missed maintenance opportunities, deposit and banking issues and a lack of spare staffing for sick leave or training.
Councilors expressed concern about the suspension’s effects on seniors, veterans and ADA-eligible riders who rely on the service for medical appointments and errands. Councilor Ortega said public transportation is an essential public service not intended to generate profit and that the council must weigh social benefits as well as finances.
Mitten said the suspension applies to driving only; the city will retain maintenance, administrative tasks and vehicle upkeep while working with the DOT to plan a broader, multi-jurisdictional Roosevelt-area transit approach that could expand service and funding. The council approved the motion to suspend on a roll call that recorded six votes in favor and two against.
