The Shuttle ( http://sierrashuttle.org/ ), a project led by Sierra County in collaboration with the City of Truth or Consequences, the City of Elephant Butte, and MainStreet Truth or Consequences, released it annual ridership numbers, again show an increase in usage.
Since its launch in 2017, annual ridership has more than doubled, from 258 riders in 2017 to 545 riders in 2019. In 2018, 308 people used the free service.
The service runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, providing transport from the beaches of Elephant Butte Lake State Park to bars, restaurants, and shopping districts of Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte.
Additionally, the shuttle provided door-to-door on-demand service on New Year’s Eve, carrying 38 riders to and from their destinations, up from 31 riders last year. According to county officials, there were zero DWI arrests reported on New Year’s Eve.
Sierra County has been borrowing Senior Transportation vans to provide the service so far, but with its successful growth, county officials have submitted a $150,000 capital outlay request to purchase two vehicles.
Sierra County Manager Bruce Swingle has ably spearheaded the project since its inception in 2017, providing leadership and logistical support and sometimes even driving the vans.
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