A Hidden Gem in Cibola County - The Rockin’ 66 Express

MILAN, NM – The Rockin’ 66 Express is a hidden gem in Cibola County that has been in operation since 2006. The Rockin’ 66 Express provides the Village of Milan, City of Grants, and communities of Cibola County with a coordinated, accessible and affordable curbto- curb transit system, providing access to health care, shopping, education, employment, and public recreational services.

The overall reasoning for the express was due to demand. Before the express there was a senior bus for elderly passengers. Chavez spoke about how the transit was originally brought to Cibola County, “A gentleman from Zuni Transit actually brought the transit here.” The express currently has five buses, and four drivers due to a limited budget. Chavez stated, “If we had more funding we could hire more, but there’s no way.” The express gets funding from multiple sources, Chavez stated, “We get funding from the Village of Milan, City of Grants, and Cibola County; they pay a portion and then NMDOT pays a portion.”

Originally the Rockin’ 66 Express was named the Carrot Express, but after posting online asking for submissions for a new name that was later voted on. They settled on Rockin’ 66 Express, which was suggested by a police officer from the Village of Milan. Chavez stated, “I thought it was pretty neat though they did change the name, it kind of incorporates all three.”

The buses run from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each driver is on their own schedule, to be able to cover all times. There are limitations for how far the buses can go. Chavez stated, “We are only allowed to go so far.” Chavez spoke about how there are conversations about trying to collaborate with Gallup and Albuquerque transit, “A lot of people want to get from Gallup to Albuquerque, so we are trying to get to where we can.” It has already been four years since they first started talking about this, but due to COVID, it was pushed back. Chavez is hoping to move forward with the other transits in the future, but it takes time.

Chavez stated that most people think that the express is only for the elderly, but individuals of all ages are able to ride the express. The fares for oneway trips are 75 cents. For children under the age of 18, it is 30 cents. If individuals are going to work or NMSU the fare is 50 cents. Some individuals can ride for free this includes: individuals that are currently in the military, veterans, dialysis patients, individuals that need to get to check-ins for probation or DWI, individuals that need rides to attend counseling, and caregivers.

There are also passes that are available. If a person is interested in doing more than one trip during a day, they can purchase an all-day pass which is $2. There are $30 passes that can be used for 60 rides. People who want to do laundry at Laura’s Laundry, the laundromat will pay for the trip. For teachers and other groups, they can schedule rides with the transit as well. They can reserve transportation up to a year in advance, it is 30 cents per student and the teacher or caregiver rides free. When the Village of Milan or City of Grants has events, those that want to schedule rides to those events will be able to ride free.

If you are interested in scheduling a ride with the Rockin’ 66 Express you can call or text the following number: 505-290-2469. It is recommended that you schedule at least 24-hours in advance, up to three weeks in advance.