WASHINGTON -
Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the city of Las Cruces will receive more than $1.13 million to fund replacement public transit buses for the ROADRunner Transit system. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bus and Bus Facilities competitive grant program. ROADRunner Transit is a primary source of public transportation for the citizens of Las Cruces, providing an accessible fixed route system and a Dial-A-Ride program for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
"This is a significant investment in the Las Cruces public transportation system that will help the city continue to provide an affordable alternative to driving," Udall said. "As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'm pleased to support funding for this grant, which will help the ROADRunner transit system maintain its current bus system and increase mobility and access to economic opportunity for those who need it most."
"Las Cruces ROADRunner Transit celebrated 30 years of providing key services to the community, including veterans, students, and seniors," said Heinrich. "I was proud to fight for this federal funding, and I'm pleased that Las Cruces is receiving over $1 million to help update the fleet with new city buses. This will help ROADRunner Transit continue to provide transportation for Las Cruces residents for years to come."
The U.S. DOT's Bus and Bus Facilities grant program was reauthorized by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which both Udall and Heinrich supported in the Senate. Eligible recipients of these grants include state or local governmental entities and federally recognized Indian Tribes that operate fixed route bus service. Typically, the federal share covers 80 percent of the total project cost, helping communities fund key public transit projects.
