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AARP Livable Communities Map
South Central Regional Transit District (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Founded in 2016, the South Central Transit District serves a largely rural area in New Mexico's Mesilla Valley. Before its launch, no public transportation services covered this part of the state. Despite the area's hot summer temperatures, few of the District's bus stops had amenities aimed at helping transit riders wait comfortably. To fix this, the District added two dozen benches and four bus shelters in several communities, including Anthony, Chaparral, Sunland Park and Hatch. District staff constructed concrete pads for the benches, which sit in high traffic areas. The work represents the first phase of improvements to stops -- the District plans to add LED lighting to increase safety for riders. Project organizers say the shelters and benches are popular with students and older adults, who make up a large share of the transit system's ridership.
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See More Projects Like This One
Glen Burnie, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will provide ADA-compliant bus shelters for patrons in identified areas throughout the service area.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: The project aims to increase use of public transportation by residents aged 50, improving their access to essential services such as medical appointments.
Ft. Defiance, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many Navajo Nation residents rely on public transit to get around the vast, rural reservation. The Navajo United Way, in partnership with the Navajo Transit System, installed much-needed bus shelters at key points along the system's bus routes. The shelters provide riders with shade from the hot Arizona sun and protection from the elements, including rain and wind. In addition to seating, the shelters include solar panels, which provide power for charging phones. Project organizers report they've seen an increase in ridership since the shelters went in.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Las Cruces, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will help community members beautify a revitalizing downtown through a participatory paint-by-numbers mural on the wall of a nonprofit makerspace.
Las Cruces, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To make its downtown more bike-friendly, the Downtown Las Cruces installed 40 bike tacks. Based on feedback from the local cycling community, project organizers painted the racks racer green. Engagement with local business owners and volunteers determined the best locations to place the racks. In the future, Downtown Las Cruces expects placemaking efforts to continue with new shade sails. The City of Las Cruces also has plans for a new green path to facilitate biking and walking.
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