While some community members are still unaware that public transit exists locally, others depend on it. Copper Mountain Transit continues to see steady support as it provides essential bus and van services throughout the area.
“Some people still don’t know there’s a transit service in town,” says transit coordinator Melinda Baeza.
Yet, others would be devastated without it, she says.
Copper Mountain Transit provides bus and van service throughout Globe-Miami Monday through Friday, serving anywhere from 50 to 100 people a day.
Regulated through the Federal Transit Administration and Arizona Department of Transportation and fully ADA compliant, the local transit program servesbetween 50 to 100 riders each day. Its services connect residents from Miami through Globe and Central Heights to Alhambra Dr. in Globe, just before the last Circle K heading to San Carlos.
The agency operates two fixed bus routes running eastbound and westbound from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A one-way trip can cost as little as 50 cents. In addition, the agency offers Dial-aRide van services from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering four designated zones at a cost of $1 per zone.
Recently, the program expanded its fleet thanks to grant funding through ADOT and the FTA. A new 14-passenger bus, equipped to accommodate up to three wheelchairs, made its first run on Feb. 4. The fleet recently received a new sixpassenger van with wheelchair capacity, though it is currently being repaired.
For many riders, the service fills a critical gap.
“A lot of them don’t have cars and don’t have transportation,” Baeza says. “Some of our passengers, it’s just them. They don’t have family to take them places.”
“It provides people freedom and independence to still take care of their business,” she adds, whether it’s going to their doctor’s appointments, to work, grocery shopping, to the bank or to see their friends.
Funding remains essential to keep services afloat. The program relies on the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Program grant, which helps cover administrative and operating costs and must be applied for every two years. The program is currently in the process of submitting an application. Additional funding comes from the City of Globe, the Town of Miami and Gila County.
With that support, the agency currently employs four full-time drivers and one part-time driver and strives to maintain a fleet of three buses and three vans.
Some community members are now advocating for expanded service. A petition circulating in Miami and surrounding areas advocating for Saturday service has accrued at least 80 signatures. During a recent council meeting, Miami Town Manager Alexis Rivera said the possibility is being studied. Globe Mayor Al Gameros has also agreed to propose a recommendation to consider extending transit service to Wheatfields.
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