Transit funds ride into New Mexico

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The feds are pitching in to help improve public transportation in the state, and the majority of the improvements will be done in Santa Fe.

This is part of a national grant to get public transportation off and moving around the nation.

Santa Fe is getting $2 million to revamp its fleet of buses.

The money will be used to replace old vehicles and modernize existing ones. It will also be used to improve routes and open up access to handicapped riders.

Another $500,000 will be used to improve buses in Las Cruces and access in more rural parts of New Mexico.

Federal officials say it's a way to highlight the states increased demand for public transportation.

"These funds are going to go along way to put more comfortable efficient and clean-fuel vehicles on the road to meet, what I understand as an increasing demand for this wonderful service," Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan said

Santa Fe's fleet of buses runs on compressed natural gas adding to the fact that Santa Fe has of the best air quality in the nation.

State officials say bus ridership has increased 77 percent since 2005, and Santa Fe expects to hit its one millionth rider this year.