EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Starting July 1, El Paso County buses will no longer make stops within the City limits of Socorro, El Paso County said.
In 2024, the Socorro City Council of Socorro voted not to join El Paso Transportation Authority, which operates the bus system that provides public transit services to areas within the County, excluding the City of El Paso, the County said.
Municipalities seeking to have ETA buses pick up and drop off passengers within their boundaries are required to join the transit authority and contribute what the County called “a modest assessment” to help support operations in their jurisdiction, the County said.
As a result, effective July 1, ETA bus service within the Socorro city limits will be discontinued, the County said.
While ETA buses will continue to operate on routes passing through Socorro, they will no longer stop to pick up or drop off passengers within the city, the County said.
The County will host a news conference on Tuesday, May 20 to provide an update on transit services within the City of Socorro, it said.
“With a population exceeding 38,000, Socorro is the second-largest city in El Paso County. The discontinuation of service may significantly impact residents who rely on public transportation for access to medical appointments, employment, education, shopping, pharmacies, and connections to the broader Sun Metro system via transfer centers. The status of paratransit services for individuals with disabilities is also under review and may be affected,” the County said.
ETA transit services to the Village of Vinton, Town of Anthony, Town of Horizon City, City of San Elizario, and Town of Clint will continue without interruption, the County said.
During Tuesday’s news conference, El Paso County Commissioners Jackie Butler and Iliana Holguin will provide the most current updates and information regarding transit services in Socorro.
We have reached to out the City of Socorro for comment on this story.
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