Rapid Ride
Rapid Ride has changed the face of public transportation in Albuquerque. ABQ RIDE's fleet of 24 60-foot articulated buses are used on three Rapid Ride routes - the Red Line and Green Line (Central Avenue) and the Blue Line (West Side to UNM).
Rapid Ride Red Line and Green Line route operates seven days per week, and the Blue Line route operates six days a week (Mon.-Sat.).
Learn more about Rapid Ride:
The Red Line - The First Central Ave. Rapid Ride Route
Rapid Ride service began in December 2004. By November 17, 2005 the one-millionth passenger boarded the Rapid Ride and by March 21, 2008 5 million people had taken the Rapid Ride. Today, the Red Line logs more than 155,000 passenger boardings each month, with ridership expected to exceed 1.87 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. This will be up almost 13% from the previous fiscal year. Learn more >>
The Blue Line - West Side to UNM Service
In July 2007, the City of Albuquerque and ABQ RIDE announced Rapid Ride service between Albuquerque's West Side and the University of New Mexico. Learn more >>
The Green Line - Downtown to Tramway Along Central Ave.
On August 15, 2009 the City of Albuquerque and ABQ RIDE announced a new Rapid Ride service called the Green Line. The new Green Line serves Central from Tramway to Downtown and has stops located at Central and Juan Tabo, Central and Eubank, as well as Central and Wyoming. The Green Line is also utilizing existing Red Line stops into the Downtown area. With the addition of the Green Line, citizens now have available Rapid Ride service from the east to the west side of Albuquerque. Learn more
The Buses
Rapid Ride features 60-foot long, articulated buses that accommodate up to 86 passengers. The New Flyer buses are powered by cutting edge technology - a diesel electric hybrid engine that has an extremely low level of emissions while providing power and improved gas mileage. Rapid Ride buses are low-floor, allowing for speedy passenger and wheelchair access.
Rapid Ride buses feature a wheelchair ramp instead of a lift, which deploys extremely quickly. This system, when combined with fewer stops and quicker loading, translates to faster, more efficient, comfortable service.
The buses are loaded with new technology, including:
- An automatic announcement system to notify passengers when the next station is approaching
- Automatic passenger counters to identify segments where more service might be needed
- A global positioning system to aid in the signal priority system
- The latest in security cameras and microphones
On the outside, all Rapid Ride buses have a paint scheme that is hard to miss!
For our bike-riding friends, the Rapid Ride buses feature a rack that holds 3 bikes, an improvement from the typical 2 bikes that most of our racks now hold.
The Stations
As part of the Rapid Ride system, all stops or "stations" include a Rapide Ride monument. Most station locations also feature a structure which allows passengers to wait in safety and comfort. The Pueblo-Deco inspired stations are spaced 1/2 mile to 1 mile apart at major intersections and activity centers. They have wind screens, "next bus" LED displays that calculate when the next Rapid Ride bus is due, and neon accents in deeping with the historic Route 66 theme.
High Speed Wireless Internet Access
The Rapid Ride experience has something to offer business people and college students alike. Rapid Ride Red Line passengers get free wireless Internet access. There are 83 hot spots along the route that allow the buses to establish a connection from zone to zone.
This new technology will allow passengers with laptop computers to surf the Internet, check email, send reports to work, or chat with friends. Now, many people will find their commute time to be productive time. (Note: Wireless Internet access will eventually be offered on the Rapid Ride Blue Line, as well.) Learn more >>
