ABQ RIDE Ambassadors: Your Friendly Guides to Smoother Rides

ALBUQUERQUE – While public transit is a lifeline for many, ABQ RIDE is a complex system that requires life skills and knowledge including bus rules, safety awareness, route planning, rider apps, real-time problem-solving of detours or delays, and more. Now, ABQ RIDE Ambassadors will help navigate these challenges.

The recently-launched ABQ RIDE Ambassador Program is dedicated to enhancing the public transportation experience by promoting accessibility, safety, ridership, and excellent customer service. The program is an effective and proactive community engagement tool that is modeled based on the success of other transit systems nationwide such as in California, Alabama, Washington D.C., Ohio, and more.

“Now when you see neon green, it means ABQ RIDE Ambassadors are here to help – so say hello and ask your questions!” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The Ambassadors support frictionless rides, whether it’s helping you plan routes, or giving your tips on using the apps, they’ll be a real resource to improve everyone’s transit experience.”

In highly visible uniforms and equipped with helpful handouts and training, volunteers are a friendly and noticeable presence in the transit system that educate riders on important transit resources such as using the Transit and See Say apps, taking advantage of Park and Ride locations, programming, and volunteer opportunities. They also play an important intermediary role between riders, drivers, and transit leadership. Their smile and support provide positive customer service experiences, improve efficiency, reduce confusion, and foster a sense of community among passengers.

“ABQ RIDE Ambassadors are neon green beacons, marking where customer service meets safety in the transit system,” said Transit Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros. “Compassion for every rider is at the heart of what we do; Ambassadors provide that compassionate presence in the system.”

There are two types of Ambassadors. One can volunteer as an Ambassador Navigator or a Care Navigator, the latter more specialized in social work, homelessness, and psychological topics such as mental health and addiction. All volunteers are trained in customer service, safety, and will exemplify and promote a safer environment for passengers by providing education of ABQ RIDE’s Rules to Ride, as well as being another set of trained eyes to monitor service.

“The more eyes the better. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to public safety. If we’re talking about the big picture of transit safety – Ambassadors serve as a proactive customer service support, Police Service Aides observe and report issues, Transit Safety Officers enforce the Rules to Ride, and serious issues elevate to the police for high-level intervention,” said Transit Safety Compliance Specialist Michael Kitchen. “Each piece of the puzzle helps reduce reliance on armed police response and all layers can elevate issues as needed in close collaboration with APD.”

ABQ RIDE is calling for volunteers to become Ambassadors. The volunteer commitment includes a free five-part training, two hours a week of volunteering in the transit system, and participation in monthly meetings to communicate feedback and build community with other Ambassadors. Upon completion of one year, volunteers will receive a letter of appreciation and a program certificate in honor of their service.

Althea Atherton is the program’s first volunteer. As a formerly transit-dependent rider, active transit advocate, and newfound Chair of the Transit Advisory Board, Althea proudly wears the neon green uniform and jumped into the volunteer opportunity as soon as it was available.

“I enjoy volunteering as an ABQ RIDE Ambassador because it is a chance for me to connect with other riders and help new and experienced fellow travelers alike navigate our system,” said Althea Atherton. “The ABQ RIDE Ambassador program enhances transit safety by providing a visible customer service presence on our buses, taking pressure off drivers so they can focus on transporting riders where we need to go.”

“The Ambassador volunteer opportunity is a fantastic way to meaningfully engage our transiting public! We are building a team of volunteers who care about their community and value public transportation as a service,” said Volunteer Program Coordinator Dwayne Baker. “I hope you’ll join us and find the Ambassador experience meaningful as you engage in a spirit of service to others, support public transit, and help share important information about our vital public service.”

Learn more about the program and sign up to serve as an ABQ RIDE Ambassador at ABQRIDE.com.

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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.