Albuquerque Rapid Transit - ART
ART is a free bus system providing fast, reliable service along historic Route 66.
Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) is the City of Albuquerque’s bus rapid transit service, operated by ABQ RIDE. ART runs primarily along Central Avenue, Albuquerque’s historic Route 66, connecting major destinations from the Central & Unser Transit Center on the west side through Downtown and Nob Hill to the Uptown Transit Center (red line) and the eastern end of Central (green line). Since launching in November 2019, ART has become one of the busiest transit services in the region, carrying more than 2 million riders each year.
ART is designed to be faster, more reliable, and easier to use than a typical city bus. With frequent service, modern stations, and dedicated lanes, ART offers a convenient way to travel along Central for work, school, errands, and events.
Bus Rapid Transit How to Ride More Info Safe Driving
What is Bus Rapid Transit?
Bus rapid transit (BRT) delivers fast and efficient service in dedicated lanes. Albuquerque’s BRT system features:
- Dedicated bus lanes in a high-traffic corridor to avoid congestion.
- Traffic signal priority that gives buses more green lights.
- Level boarding stations for faster, step-free entry.
- Frequent all-day service.
- Longer 60-foot buses that are articulated, or “accordion style.”
With these features, ART is often the easiest way to travel along Central and has earned international recognition as a Gold Standard BRT corridor.
- ART is free — zero fare, ticket, or pass required.
- Simply go to a station, wait for the bus, and board.
- Use the Transit app to plan trips and track buses in real time.
ART is designed to be accessible for all riders:
- Level boarding for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and bikes.
- Wheelchair boarding through the front door.
- Two wheelchair securement spaces on every bus.
- Braille “Stop Requested” buttons on buses.
- Audio, vibratory, and visual pedestrian signals in English and Spanish.
- Tactile guideways and warning domes at station edges.
- Extra-long pedestrian crossing times.
- Dedicated bike area inside buses.
- Bike entrance through back door.
- Option to stand with your bike if racks are full and space allows.
ART links with other ABQ RIDE routes and regional services. Connections to the Rail Runner Express, Greyhound, and Amtrak are available at the Alvarado Transportation Center. Other services may require fares.
Learn more about multi-modal transportation around Albuquerque.
- Stations and buses are cleaned and patrolled daily
- Report any safety concerns on See Say:
- Use the See Say app.
- Fill out the web form.
- Call / text 505-391-2600.
- All stations have:
- Security cameras.
- Emergency 911 call buttons.
- Transit Safety Officers on duty system-wide
Learn more about transit safety.
To ensure a safe and comfortable ride for everyone, follow our Rules to Ride.
Boarding Tips
- Let passengers exit before boarding.
- Customers using wheelchairs board through the front door.
- Bicycles board through the back door only.
Need Help?
For questions about ART or any of ABQ RIDE’s services, call 505-243-RIDE.
Important Driving Rules
Stay in your lane to keep everyone safe.
ART buses operate in bus-only lanes in the middle of Central Avenue between Coors and Louisiana.
- Stay in your lane — “BUS ONLY” means no cars.
- Left turns and U-turns only at traffic lights.
- Crossing double lines or driving into the red lanes means fines.
- Only buses, emergency vehicles, and ART maintenance vehicles may use the ART lane.
Violations may result in fines of $80–$160.
Understanding Signals
HAWK Pedestrian Signals
These traffic control devices stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely. They are similar to regular stoplights and located at ART stations.
Drivers See and Do This
- No Light = Proceed with caution.
- Flashing Yellow = Slow down (pedestrian has activated the push button).
- Solid Yellow = Prepare to stop.
- Solid Red = Stop! Pedestrian in crosswalk.
- Flashing Red = Stop! Proceed with caution if all clear.
- If the crosswalk lights aren’t on, continue driving.
Pedestrians See and Do This
-
- Solid red hand = Push button to cross.
- Solid red hand = Wait (drivers being warned).
- Solid red hand = Continue to wait (drivers preparing to stop).
- White figure walking = Start crossing.
- Flashing red hand and countdown = Continue crossing.
- Solid red hand = Push button to cross.
Bus Signals
These black and white symbols mounted on traffic signals in front of bus lanes are for transit vehicles only.