Sunland Park, N.M. – The South Central Regional Transit District (SCRTD) announced a substantial rise in ridership for fiscal year 2026, recording 207,256 trips – a 25.6% increase over the prior year. The boost reflects the district’s recent effort to expand service frequency, add new vehicles and eliminate fares for families in Doña Ana County.
Expanded schedules give riders more options
SCRTD officials highlighted that the Yellow Route now runs every 40 minutes, up from the previous hourly service. The more frequent schedule provides commuters, students and anyone needing to run errands with greater flexibility, reducing wait times and making public transportation a more viable alternative to driving.
New vans and hybrid buses improve comfort and efficiency
In addition to schedule changes, the district introduced a fleet of new vans and hybrid vehicles. These modern units offer smoother rides, lower emissions and lower operating costs, aligning with the community’s desire for environmentally responsible transportation options.
Doña Ana County backs fare‑free service for families
Doña Ana County officials continued their support for fare‑free transit, ensuring that families do not have to pay for essential trips to work, school or medical appointments. County leaders said the policy reflects a commitment to strengthening families and preserving the freedom of residents to move about their community without financial barriers.
Impact on the community
Local parents and seniors have praised the changes, noting that the more frequent service and fare‑free rides have made it easier to keep children in school and allow older adults to attend appointments. Business owners along the Yellow Route also reported increased foot traffic, suggesting that the transit improvements are having a positive ripple effect on the local economy.
Looking ahead
SCRTD plans to continue monitoring ridership trends and exploring additional route enhancements. District leaders emphasized that the goal remains to provide reliable, affordable transportation that supports families, respects individual liberty and upholds the community’s Christian values of service and stewardship.
For more information about schedules, routes and fare‑free eligibility, residents can visit the SCRTD website or contact the district’s customer service center.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
