Fare-Free Transit for 20 Years: The Funding and History Behind the Blue Bus
Since its inception in 2004, the Blue Bus has grown into a vital part of Northern New Mexico’s transportation network. What began as a vision under the Regional Transit Act, signed into law by Governor Bill Richardson, has flourished into a service that provides millions of passenger trips across a 10,000-square-mile area.
20 Years on the Road: The Blue Bus Journey
The Blue Bus was officially created in September 2004 by the New Mexico Transportation Commission. However, public transit operations began in 2007 when the district consolidated local transit services in Rio Arriba County and the City of Española. Over the years, the Blue Bus has expanded significantly, serving more communities and offering a variety of services tailored to the region’s needs.
Some key milestones in the Blue Bus’s journey include:
2007
- Taos County joins the NCRTD service regions, totaling four counties
- The Greater Eldorado Express route begins service in April, marking the first contracted route implemented at the blue Bus
2008
- The four counties in the service area approved the gross receipts tax of one eight of one percent
2009
- The District breaks ground on the new NCRTD headquarters in Española named the Jim West Regional Transit Center
2010
- Five new routes begin service: the UNM-Taos Klauer Campus, Chama, Questa, 599 Rail Runner and Red River routes
2011
- Service begins between the Town of Edgewood and the City of Santa Fe
2012
- The Blue Bus celebrates the Jim West Regional Transit Center grand opening
2013
- Nambé Pueblo joins the service regional and, along with the Town of Edgewood and Rio Metro Regional Transit District, joins the NCRTD Board
2014
- The Blue Bus is awarded the Federal Transit Administration award for “Outstanding Public Transportation Service”
2015
- The NCRTD now provides service to all eight of the Northern New Mexico Pueblos
- The district took over operations of two significant services in Taos. In January, it began managing the weekend 305 Taos Express, and in July, it assumed control of the local Chile Line bus service, now the 340 Chile Line Red route
2016
- The 255 Mountain Trail route to the Santa Fe Ski Area was launched in September, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers
- A route connecting Santa Fe and La Cienega debuted in March, enhancing accessibility in the region. Unfortunately, this route has since been suspended, but the district is hopeful that the route will be reinstated in the future
2017
- In partnership with the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the 170 Jicarilla Route was launched, connecting Chama, Dulce, and Farmington
2018
- The Blue Bus is awarded the Federal Transit Administration award for “Outstanding Public Transportation Service”
- Successful election for the reauthorization of the regional transit gross receipts tax, which passed with 74% support
2019
- The Blue Bus begins construction on the new maintenance facility and wash bay at the Jim West Regional Transit Center
2020
- The 810 Mora route begins service between Holman in Mora County and the City of Las Vegas in San Juan County
2021
- The 255 Mountain Trail route and 305 Taos Express route become permanently fare-free
2022
- The Blue Bus celebrates the opening of the state-of-the-art maintenance facility at the District’s Española headquarters
- The District launches the revolutionary rideshare service MyBlue™ which provides on-demand service in Taos and Española
2023
- The Blue Bus begins construction on the Taos Operations and Maintenance Facility
2024
- The District is recognized as the Community Transit System of the Year – Small System by the Community Transit Association of America
- The Blue Bus celebrates 20 years of service
- The MyBlue™ rideshare service expands to the Town of Edgewood
Today, the Blue Bus operates 26 routes, offering a mix of fixed-route, on-demand rideshare and paratransit/ADA services. The Blue Bus recently launched MyBlue™, an app-based ride-sharing service available in Taos, Española, Edgewood, and Pojoaque/Nambé. Since its launch, the Blue Bus has provided more than 9.5 million passenger trips—a testament to its importance in the region.
Fare-Free, But Not Cost-Free: The Story Behind Blue Bus Funding
While the Blue Bus is fare-free for passengers, keeping the wheels turning is far from cost-free. The funding behind this essential service tells a story of community support and strategic investment.
In 2008, voters in the four-county region approved a regional gross receipts tax of one-eighth of one percent. This funding source has been instrumental in expanding and sustaining services. The tax has allowed the Blue Bus to extend its reach and support regional transit systems, including:
- Santa Fe Trails: The Blue Bus provides funding for this system, which operates ten fixed routes, two downtown circulator routes, and paratransit services for elderly and disabled individuals.
- Atomic City Transit: Serving Los Alamos and White Rock, this network offers seven fixed routes, five school bus routes, and a Dial-A-Ride system.
- New Mexico Rail Runner Express: Blue Bus contributes funding to this rail service that connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The Blue Bus funding model demonstrates the power of regional collaboration and community commitment. By sharing resources and working together, the district ensures that accessible, reliable, and sustainable transit options are available to all.
Listen to our Transit Analyst, Anna, talk about our funding process:
Celebrating Two Decades of Service
As the Blue Bus celebrates 20 years of service, it continues to embody its mission of connecting communities and enhancing mobility in Northern New Mexico. With a fare-free model that removes financial barriers and a history rooted in collaboration and innovation, the Blue Bus remains a cornerstone of regional transit—ready to drive forward into the next 20 years.
Stay Connected With Us
We’re so excited to have you on board! To help you make the most of your Blue Bus experience, be sure to stay connected:
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