About Us
Serving the diverse transportation needs of both citizens and visitors to Union County.
Providing Personal, Group, Short & Long Distance Transportation Services In and Around Union County
Golden Spread Rural Frontier Coalition is a community-based non-profit organization. Ferdinand Garcia is the Executive Director and CEO. We began our public transportation services in November 2003, starting with 2 buses. Eva Lawrence is the Transportation Coordinator/Dispatch. Jessica Guthrie is our Transportation Manager and Rusty Kohler oversees maintenance and training. We employ seven part-time drivers.
Ferdinand Garcia
President/CEO
Jessica Guthrie
Transportation Manager
Rusty Kohler
Manager – Maintenance & Training
Eva Lawrence
Transportation Dispatcher
Joy Montoya
Thrift Store Coordinator
Kate Galloway
Adult Daily Living Coordinator
Judy Copley
Administrative Assistant
In December of 1998 Golden Spread Rural/Frontier Coalition incorporated as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization with a donation of $150.00. The corporation is managed by 7 members Board of Directors to include an Executive Director/CEO and an Assistant Executive Director in addition to a Transportation Director/Dispatcher, Transportation Manager, Vehicle Maintenance Director, and Project Manager.
In 2002, Golden Spread Rural Frontier Coalition went in partnership with a private developer to start construction of a low-income rental properties in northeastern New Mexico. Golden Spread has since constructed 14 addition low-income rental properties in eastern and northeastern New Mexico.
In 2003, Golden Spread Rural Frontier/Coalition ventured into the public transportation program with 2 vans to provide non-emergency transportation from Clayton, New Mexico to surrounding cities in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma. Golden Spread has expanded the public transportation program to include 7 ADA handicap vans and 3 buses providing 11,332 rides, 144,804 miles and close to 8300 hours drive time in 2022.
Golden Spread Rural/Frontier Coalition also started a personal care program in Clayton, New Mexico providing adult daily living personal care to elderly clients and currently provides services to over 30 clients. In addition, Golden Spread has opened a community thrift store.
Golden Spread Rural/Frontier Coalition aims to meet the diverse transportation needs of the citizens of Union County while being flexible, innovative, responsive, and cost effective. In providing these service, the program will help maintain the economic health and vitality of Union County’s small communities and rural areas.
Passenger Testimonials
As someone who is disabled and does not drive, my options for getting around town are limited. Fortunately, thanks to Golden Spread transit, I am able to attend doctor's appointments, Emergency Room visits cancer treatments, and -to take care of daily needs like shopping and running errands. Golden Spread is there for me, whatever I need, and they not only transport me, but they also take care of me and treat me well.
Without this service, I would be stranded, as would many others who rely upon public transportation to meet our daily needs.
There are a lot of disabled people, seniors, individuals without access to cars, and those who cannot safely drive themselves who use transit daily to get to and from work, school, appointments, and errands. These services provide much-needed freedom and accessibility and provide increased quality of life and access to medical care.
As we head into this year's legislative session, I encourage our elected officials to take a look at the growing transit needs across the state and to ensure enough funding is allocated to meet the needs of those in our communities who rely upon transit. Transit is essential for many across our state and should be funded as such.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you be ready for pickup?
Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Drivers will wait up to 5 minutes after arriving to pick you up.
When do I pay my Fare?
Passengers are expected to pay their fares upon boarding the vehicle. Drivers do not provide change so exact change is requested.
What does curb-to-curb service mean?
We will stop as close to your front door as possible. We do not provide through-the-door service.
Can Oxygen and Portable Respirators be Transported?
Oxygen and portable respirators are allowed on vehicles. Passengers must ensure that tanks and respirators are secured at all times.
Are food and/or drink permitted in the vehicles?
Passengers are not permitted to consume food and/or drinks in the vehicles.
Alcohol on board
No passenger is permitted to have an open alcohlic beverage container in the vehicle. The agency reserves the right of the driver to ask to see the contents of a package if he or she suspects the package may contain an open container of alcohol.
Drugs and Illegal Substances
Illegal drugs are not permitted in the vehicle at any time. Any person in possession of such drugs will be reported to law enforcement.
Fighting and Horseplay
Passengers are asked to refrain from horseplay or fighting in the vehicle. The driver will immediately stop the vehicle in the event of such an incident, and will ask the passengers to exit, and will contact law enforement if deemed neccessary.