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Uvalde’s SWART is tops in Texas


The Texas Transit Association has recognized Uvalde-based Southwest Area Regional Transit District with the 2020 Texas State Rural Transit System of the Year award and also named assistant general manager Cynthia Z. Rodriguez as the 2020 state agency staff member of the year.

SWART general manager Sarah Hidalgo-Cook says SWART provides over 90,000 one-way trips annually while traveling an average of 983,000 miles collectively. Both local and out of area routes are provided daily.

“We are extremely honored to receive this award and to be recognized by our peers and state leaders,” Hidalgo-Cook said, adding that the agency

recently celebrated eight years as a standalone system providing rural public transit services in the Middle Rio Grande Region. “We cannot express how much we appreciate all the support we are given by the

communities we serve, our board of directors, and our funding sources. Without them and our staff, we would not be able to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable service,” Hidalgo-Cook said.

RODRIGUEZ

The 2020 Transit Agency Staff Member of the Year award marks assistant general manager Cynthia Z. Rodriguez’s second state recognition, as she was

previously recognized as the Texas State Customer Service Representative. Rodriguez oversees safety and security as well as human resources.

“Each general manager across the state nominated a staff person for this prestigious award,” Hidalgo-Cook said. “It is a grand honor for Cindy to be chosen amongst all those in the state that were nominated. I am proud that she stood out among metropolitan, small urban, and rural transit systems which is phenomenal.”

“I feel very humbled to accept this award. I feel so blessed to work for such
a wonderful organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of so many individuals within the community,” Rodriguez said. “Thanks to TTA for their recognition and TxDOT for their guidance, but most of all thank you

to Sarah H. Cook for her leadership and for giving me the opportunity to work right beside her and as we envision this journey together.”

Rodriguez is married to Julio Rodriguez and they have three sons: Christopher, Brandon, and Derrick Rodriguez, and one grandson, Jameson Rodriguez.

SWART SERVICES

Due to the pandemic, SWART has waived all local fares, although riders are still charged for out-of-area routes.

“Overall, we have been providing services in the region since 1981 and will be celebrating our 40th year as regional providers of transit. SWART services impact the economy of the region by over $2,592,000 based on the National Economic Impact Formula,” Hidalgo-Cook said. “Public transit enhances our community and enhances

our economy. As the lead agency for regional public transportation planning, SWART diligently strives to meet the goals and objectives of our regional plan with the assistance of our regional stakeholders’ committee.”

SWART’s board of directors include Judge Fran- cisco Ponce of Dimmit County whose representative on the board is Chris- tine Guerrero, Judge Souli Shanklin of Edwards County who is the past chairman of the board, Judge Tully Shahan of Kinney County who is the current vice-chairman, Judge Joel Rodriguez of La Salle County, Judge David Saucedo of Maverick County, Judge Bella

A. Rubio of Real County who is the current chairman, Judge Bill Mitchell of Uvalde County who is represented by Maggie Del Toro, and Judge Joe Luna of Zavala County who is represented by Judge

Guadalupe Valerio. SWART’s regional advisory stakeholders’ committee includes committee chairman Jose Alcala, vice chairman Jennifer Gille- land, secretary Maggie Del

Toro, and members Mariano Pargas, Elba Martinez, Elsa Reyes, Pastor Dino Espinosa, Carmen Martinez, Christina Arizmendi, Monica Gonzalez, Josie Diaz, Jose Salinas, Nora

Aviles, Lupe Vela, Diana Cruz-Montoya, and Lupita Moreno.

For more information about SWART, call 830-278- 4155 or email scook@pas- eoswart.org.