COVID-19 remains a major problem in the City of Hobbs and all of Lea County. Many folks still are not vaccinated, and the infectious Delta variant is still spreading. Exposure from COVID-19 remains high and is affecting some public services, specifically the Hobbs Express transit system.

In a press release [PDF] distributed late on Monday, August 30, the City of Hobbs announced the continued suspension of the Hobbs Express Green Route [PDF] until further notice. The route normally operates from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The reason for the suspension of service is COVID-19 exposure. 

The good news is that the Hobbs Express Station at 424 West Broadway Street has reopened. Additionally, “public transportation for the Demand Response-paratransit bus service and the Orange Route will run as normal,” states the press release. 

The City of Hobbs looks forward to “returning to full service as soon as it is safe for both the public and staff to do so. 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.”

The Hobbs Express transportation service provides Hoobs residents and visitors essential, citywide bus and paratransit service. Temporary suspension of any aspect of the service creates potential inconvenience for the public, and the city apologies for any inconvenience created by the temporary suspension of the Green Route.

The City of Hobbs continually assesses the current situation and will update the public as new information is gathered.