When I didn't have a car, I found it incredibly difficult to navigate my daily life in Hobbs, New Mexico. Getting to and from my college classes became a daily struggle because the public bus routes didn't reach anywhere near my home. I was fortunate to have supportive friends who stepped in to give me rides, but not everyone has that luxury.

For many residents in Hobbs, including students and elderly individuals who live or need to travel outside of the bounds of Hobbs Express, the transportation system falls short of their needs. While there is the option to call ahead and request a ride, many of our population - particularly the elderly, impoverished, and homeless - live without access to a phone. The lack of comprehensive coverage and frequency of service limits accessibility to essential services, educational institutions, and employment opportunities. 

Effective public transportation promotes economic development, environmental sustainability, and a higher quality of life. For every ten million dollars of transit investment made, business sales increase by thirty million dollars.  As of 2017, public transit use resulted in a reduction of 865,000,000 hours of travel time, a number that is expected to grow as more U.S. cities rely on public transportation. Finally, public transportation is linked to a healthier lifestyle, and subsequently lower mortality rates and happier dispositions. 

We urge local government officials in Hobbs, NM, to take immediate action toward upgrading the public transportation infrastructure. This would involve ensuring they reach underserved areas, maintaining a more regular and predictable schedule, and adding stops such as schools, local churches, and parks. 

Let's work together to ensure that everyone in Hobbs has the means to access education, work, and essential services, ultimately making our city a more inclusive and connected place. By lending your voice to this petition, you are advocating for equal opportunities and improved living standards for all residents.

Please sign this petition to call on the leaders of Hobbs, NM, to prioritize and upgrade our public transportation system. Together, we can make a change that benefits everyone in our community.