TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS

Public Transit

Transit providers apply to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for public transit funding on an annual basis.  NMDOT coordinates the scoring and prioritization of public transit applications through the statewide Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs).  For southeastern New Mexico, the Southeast Regional Planning Organization (SERTPO) Policy Committee conducts the scoring/prioritization and submits its results to the NMDOT Transit Bureau.  The two primary programs that regional transit providers most often apply to through NMDOT are the §5311 Rural Public Transit and the §5310 Transportation for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Programs.  §5311 Rural Public Transit provides funding for administrative, operating and capital expense while §5310 Transportation funding is for capital only.  Nonprofits may also apply for funding to the §5310 Program.

In SNMEDD’s region, there are four public transit systems.  For additional information on services, routes and fares, please refer to the weblinks below:

• Carlsbad Municipal Transit System
• Hobbs Express
• Roswell Transit
• Z-Trans

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)/Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

TAP and RTP are both federal reimbursement programs.  TAP funds pedestrian and bicycle facilities or related multimodal infrastructure projects or activities, and projects may include planning, design, construction or maintenance.  RTP  funds recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized trail purposes, and projects may include planning, design, construction or maintenance.  The TAP/RTP Programs are administered through the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), who coordinates through SERTPO for carrying out specific functions.  The SERTPO receives initial applications from its entities with final applications submitted to NMDOT.  Application requirements are provided in the NMDOT Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Program Guide.  Funding cycles occur approximately every two years.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)/Carbon Reduction Program (CRP)

CMAQ and CRP are both federally funded programs, administered by the NMDOT Research and Climate Action Bureau.  CMAQ funding supports surface transportation projects or related projects that contribute to air quality improvements and congestion relief.  CRP funding supports the reduction of transportation carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road highway sources, and projects must demonstrate that they will effectively reduce net air pollution.  Funding cycles for both programs are approximately every two years.  Application requirements are provided in the NMDOT CMAQ Non-Mandatory & Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Program Guide.