Mayor Richard J. Berry, ABQ RIDE and Laguna Pueblo Announce Groundbreaking Program to Train Pueblo’s Transit Drivers

New Cooperation Includes Route Connecting Laguna Passengers into Albuquerque

For the first time in its history, ABQ RIDE is teaming with one of New Mexico’s historic pueblos to train their transit drivers. Starting January, 2012, individuals selected for the new drivers’ program by Laguna Pueblo’s Shâa’skr’a Transit will train for their CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) at ABQ RIDE’s Daytona Facility in West Albuquerque.

The partnership also means Shâa’skr’a Transit will live up to its motto of “Taking You Where You Want To Go” by connecting three times on weekdays to Route 66 Casino. Through an agreement with the Pueblo, Rio Metro Route #366 will take Laguna passengers to the Central and Unser Transit Center in Albuquerque. Not only can they connect with UNM Hospital’s SW Mesa Center next door, but they can also transfer to ABQ RIDE buses to continue on to such destinations as the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) and to local stores and services.

“We’re proud to be able to offer our expertise and services to our neighbors at Laguna Pueblo,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “This partnership underscores the Albuquerque’s commitment to work with other communities in New Mexico in mutually beneficent partnerships.”

Laguna’s Shâa’skr’a Transit Program currently operates two paratransit vans as well as several 15-passenger vans and buses, mostly as a demand-response service. It also operates fixed route service from Laguna Pueblo to Grants on Fridays only. All its buses are wheelchair-accessible and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant.

“This agreement enables us to provide a safe, affordable means of transportation connecting community members to needed and desired services,” said Richard Luarkie, Governor of Laguna Pueblo. “It also allows us to build our own capacity by leveraging ABQ RIDE’s expertise in training our drivers.”

Shâa’skr’a (which means “roadrunner” in the Keres language) Transit began serving the six villages of Laguna Pueblo in 1998. It has provided over 143,258 miles services so far this year to community members. It currently serves about 9,500 passengers a year.

“This partnership shows the regional connectivity of ABQ RIDE and how it can benefit other communities in New Mexico,” said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE.