More Riders, Less Empty Seats on ABQ RIDE

Mayor Martin Chávez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne announced that bus ridership in Albuquerque has reached a new all-time high, reaching a level never seen before in Albuquerque’s history with 944,000 riders for the month of September 2007.

"Finally, busy commuters are realizing how easy and affordable it can be to ride the bus," said Mayor Martin Chávez. "The days of empty buses driving around town are over!"

This has been a period of exceptional growth for ABQ RIDE and the statistics prove it. During the month of August, ABQ RIDE experienced a 7 percent increase in passenger boardings over the same time last year, with 910,920 passenger boardings. During the month of August, 36 percent increase in ridership over two years ago and a 53 percent increase more than three years ago.

With gas prices still sky high, many people are looking for alternatives to driving their cars. Many UNM students have taken advantage of the free bus pass program that began this school year. As of Oct. 29th, CNM students can enjoy the same benefit of riding the bus for free.

"This is the start of a new generation of bus riders," said ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne. "Many college students have recommend the bus to their friends, who have said that the they will not go back to driving their cars to get to school again. The bus is so convenient and drops them off right in front of the campus.”

All of the bus routes are listed on the ABQ RIDE website at www.cabq.gov/transit. On the website, visitors can estimate how much money they spend each year on their commute and calculate how much money they can save by riding the bus.

Passengers can also call the ABQ RIDE customer service center at 243-RIDE for assistance in planning their route.