The City of Hobbs has announced the temporary suspension of its public transportation service, the Hobbs Express. The suspension is effective today, Wednesday August 25.
The Hobbs Express facility, located at 424 West Broadway Street, is also temporarily closed.
Suspension and Closure Because of Possible COVID-19 Exposure
The reason for the temporary suspension and closure is a possible exposure to COVID-19 at the Hobbs Express facility. Coronavirus is on the uptick in Hobbs and Lea County, and city and county services and facilities are being affected by these outbreaks.
The City of Hobbs expressed in a press release (PDF) its understanding that Hobbs Express “runs an essential service to the residents and businesses of Hobbs” and the difficulty it had in making this decision.
Specifically the press release states, “this suspension and closure are the result of an abundance of caution and follows the City’s established COVID Safe Practices. The safety of employees and customers alike is of paramount importance during this time.”
Previously Scheduled Demand Response-Paratransit Bus Service Appointments
Service for “previously scheduled demand response-paratransit bus service appointments” is included in the suspension, although this service is planned to restart on Thursday and Friday, August 26 and 27.
New requests are not being accepted at this time.
About this special service the city provides, the press release states “this is a curb-to-curb transportation service for members of the Hobbs community to employment, medical care, shopping, and education and recreation facilities; it is often utilized by healthcare patients and those with disabilities, thus critical for their treatments and appointments.”
Student Drop-offs Hobbs Boys and Girls Club
The press release also states, “additionally, Hobbs Express will provide student drop-offs to their previously scheduled programs at the Hobbs Boys and Girls Club on Thursday and Friday, as agreed to with the Hobbs Boys and Girls Club and Hobbs Municipal Schools. Parents of participating students have been notified.”
City of Hobbs Apologies for Inconvenience
The City of Hobbs states in the press release that it “sincerely apologizes to the community for any inconvenience” caused. “The decision was made to protect the health and safety of both our employees and members of the public.”
Several places in the community have been facing similar decisions as COVID cases increase locally. Earlier this month, Hobbs High School shut down for a day to deep-clean after reporting a few positive cases and the Hobbs Municipal Court closed Friday, August 20 to reopen on Tuesday, August 31. While no reason was given for the court’s closure, COVID is a very likely one.
Comment from City Manager Manny Gomez
About the decision City Manager Manny Gomez said “the decision to immediately suspend public transportation to our residents of Hobbs was not made lightly but is critical in order to protect our employees and the public. With local healthcare facilities surpassing capacity, our organization is committed to doing all we can to slow down the increasing speed of the spread of COVID-19.”
The City of Hobbs will provide updates and more information as it is gathered.
