Two years of effort by diverse community activists may soon result in Sierra County’s own public transit system

Sierra County has no transportation system. What services exist come from agencies such as Maternal Child Health, Ben Archer Health Clinic, the Office on Aging, and Council of Governments, DAV and Safe Ride. In these cases, transportation is funded for specific populations and specific needs and granted year to year so that the level and type of service available frequently changes or disappears. Agencies have not collaborated in the creation of a more

The Sierra County Transportation Initiative has developed a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem Members of the Initiative include representatives of the County’s various State and local agencies, as well as persons from the school districts, business community, Dept. of Labor, Western NM University TorC Branch, Sierra Vista Hospital and City of TorC, Village of Williamsburg, City of Elephant Butte, Sierra County, TorC Housing Authority, TORCH Foundation, Senior Joint Office on Aging, Dept. of Human Services, Health and Wellness Alliance, Maternal Child Health, Council of Governments, Dept. of Health and DWI Prevention.

Working with South Central Council of Governments, the group applied to the State for money to start a public transportation service. Initially, this service will serve Elephant Butte, T or C and possibly Williamsburg. It will be a first step that may eventually be lead to a County wide service.

Sierra County is located at the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert in Southern NM and borders on Dona Ana, Luna, Grant, Catron, Socorro, Lincoln and Otero Counties. The county of bisected by the Rio Grande River and by Interstate 25, the primary route used for travel to the nearest major cities, Albuquerque (149 miles), Las Cruces (75 miles) and El Paso (119 miles). The 2000 Census notes that the population in Sierra County is approximately 13,270 and encompasses 4,180 square miles. Also noted in the 2000 Census, Sierra County has a population density of 3.2 per square mile and is classified as a frontier community. The majority of people live in three incorporated municipalities that are adjacent to each other: City of Truth or Consequences 7,289, Village of Williamsburg 527, City of Elephant Butte 1,390. The remaining 4,064 people live in (or near) one of the rural communities located in the unincorporated area of the county and must often travel a significant distance to services. 

Most of Sierra County is between 55 and 79. This age group is much more aware of their health and well-being than others; it is within this age group that many health issues first become apparent. Accessibility to health care becomes a greater need, with lack of transportation becoming significant barrier. Also, limited access to community events, church and other social gatherings has lowered the quality of life for many seniors who no longer drive.

An estimated 28% of the Sierra County population are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and approximately 20% speak little or no English. Another 6.5% of the Sierra County population speaks English less than well. The inability to read or understand creates many obstacles to a quality life. These barriers are furthered by the lack of transportation many need to complete their education.

While the state of New Mexico’s total income level and total personal income level steadily increases, Sierra County struggles to keep up. From .57% of the total state income to .53% in 2001, 18% of Sierra County’s population is still living in poverty. Buying a vehicle, paying for insurance and managing the upkeep of a car is a huge hardship for the poor. Lack of transportation prevents many from keeping human services appointments, going to job interviews, schooling and jobs. 

The group should know if they will be awarded receive the grant in the next couple of months. Meanwhile, everyone might think about the benefits that a public transit service could provide. There will be pubic forums this spring to hear from anyone with ideas about how to market and promote ridership.

For more information, contact Donna at (575) 894-5080 or reply by e-mail.

PREVIOUS ARTICLES BY Donna Sanchez

Do you have a question or comment about getting the help you need in Sierra County? Click here to send a comment, question and suggestion to Donna Sanchez.