Sun Van Paratransit Service
Learn more about ABQ RIDE's free Sun Van Paratransit Service
What is Sun Van?
Sun Van is a share-a-ride, curb-to-curb paratransit service operated by ABQ RIDE. This public transportation conducted in ADA acessible vans provides accessible rides to people residing in or visiting the metro area whose impairment makes it impossible to ride City buses.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), paratransit functions as a “safety net” for people whose disabilities prevent them from using the fixed route bus system. It is not intended to meet all of the transportation needs of all persons with disabilities, all of the time.
Reasonable accommodation and information in accessible formats is available upon request by calling 505-243-7433.How to Apply
All Sun Van riders must be ADA-certified through an interview process at the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown.
Apply Online
DOWNLOAD PRINT APPLICATION
Applicants can either drop off the print application at the Alvarado Transportation located at the southeast corner of First and Central Avenue or fax the application to (505) 212-0131 or mail it to:
ABQ RIDE
Attn: Sun Van Applications
100 First SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Sun Van Information
For a detailed Passenger Guide for using Sun Van, click one of the links below:
Where We Serve
Similar to ABQ RIDE fixed routes, Sun Van serves the Albuquerque City Metropolitan area and portions of Bernalillo County. Sun Van provides service at least to and from points within three-quarters of a mile along each ABQ RIDE fixed bus route, except for commuter routes, during the days and times that ABQ RIDE operates.
Types of Service
There are three types of Sun Van services available to community members who have qualified for Sun Van services:
- Door to door: A Sun Van driver will get out of their van and knock on the Sun Van client's door. For example, this is helpful for those with visual or hearing impairments, along with allergies or memory challenges.
- Sheltered: A Sun Van driver will require a signature in order to pick up or drop off the Sun Van client. For example, this accommodates clients who may not be safe on their own or who may be a flight risk.
- Curb to curb: A Sun Van driver will wait at the curb in their vehicle for the Sun Van client to join them at the curb for loading. For example, this service accommodates individuals who are able to get from their house to the vehicle safely without assistance from the Sun Van driver.
These options are available for various accessibility needs, just request which type of service need at time of reservation to ensure accommodations.
Hours of Operation
- 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday
- 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays
How to Make Reservations
Advance reservations are required for Sun Van trips. Reservations are accepted five days in advance, meaning that you cannot schedule more than 5 days in advance of your requested ride.
ABQ RIDE Customer Service is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to call for Sun Van scheduling and other customer service calls including questions, concerns, route support, and more to ensure that ABQ RIDE services are always available to the public.
Cancellation Policy:
- Rides must be cancelled two (2) hours prior to the scheduled ride.
Visitors from Outside of Albuquerque
If you are visiting Albuquerque and would like to request Sun Van rides, please contact Customer Service at (505) 243-7433 or email [email protected]. Please allow two business days for a response.
An ABQ RIDE Customer Service team member will interview you on-the-spot using a paper interview form and will process your paperwork and eligibility within 24 hours.
Please note that out-of-City or State visitors are only granted 21 days of Sun Van services per calendar year.
Other Resources
- Sun Van Paratransit Eligibility Requirements
- Application Instructions
- Paratransit Advisory Board (PTAB)