Public transit is important to the community

Throughout my career, I worked as an engineer and a professor. When I retired in Rio Rancho, my wife and I began utilizing Rio Metro to get to and from appointments, the senior center, and shopping centers. With limited mobility, having an asset like Rio Metro greatly increased our quality of life.

During our years of relying on public transit, we have seen the many benefits of this selfless service. Not only are our transportation needs met, but we also are afforded the opportunity to interact with friendly, courteous, and compassionate drivers. I have lived in Washington, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California, and I’ve never seen such a wonderful service offered with a smile. Every staff member has been honest, providing personalized care and helping us to enjoy our daily lives.

This is incredibly important in Rio Rancho, as it is becoming a community of people like me who choose to retire here. Due to it being one of the safest communities that has a variety of options for the needs of seniors, many are choosing to reside here, creating a growing need for transit services.

I was not born a politician, but instead, have served as a professional throughout my career. However, I know very well the importance of public transit options like the Rio Metro to seniors like me. As a result of my lived experience and the benefits transit provides to our community, I urge our elected officials to provide increased funding to transit across the state of New Mexico. Needless to say that this service is indispensable to seniors, those with disabilities, limited mobility, and who do not have family support. I hope our legislators will act in favor of all those who rely on public transportation by ensuring adequate funding for all programs as this is becoming a lifeline for our growing senior citizenry.

Dr. Narendra Taly

Rio Rancho