ABQ RIDE Forward Rolls Into the South Valley

ALBUQUERQUE – South Valley residents will soon have more free transit options, including a new microtransit zone, bus line, and route adjustments. On Saturday, May 16, the second phase of ABQ RIDE Forward launches, a once-in-a-generation plan to improve the City’s transit system. Today's press conference was attended by Mayor Keller, District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca, Transit Director Leslie Keener, ABQ RIDE staff, community advocates, and project partners. 

“Each phase of this massive plan strengthens bus service throughout Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These latest changes really open up options for the South Valley.”

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Changes Starting May 16:

• New ABQ RIDE Connect zone – The South Valley zone will include the area south of Central, west of the Rio Grande River, north of Rio Bravo, and east of Coors.
• New Route 52 – This route will serve downtown, Barelas, the zoo, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Valle del Sol and Las Estancias shopping centers, and many neighborhoods including San Jose, Mountain View, and Valley Gardens.
• Discontinuation of Route 51 – The route will be replaced by microtransit service and Route 52.
• Route changes – Routes 53 and 155 will shift slightly to serve busier areas.

“This phase will better connect the South Valley,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “The area will greatly benefit from on-demand microtransit service, getting people where they need to go with convenient door-to-door rides. And the new Route 52 will efficiently link the neighborhood with downtown.” 

ABQ RIDE Forward was developed over three years with extensive community input through dozens of public meetings, conversations with riders at bus stops and transit centers, and more than 3,000 completed surveys. The plan ultimately returns ABQ RIDE to pre-2019 levels of bus service, meaning more frequent arrivals and enhanced convenience. Changes vary in each of the 16-phases and include adjustments like adding, eliminating or modifying routes; reducing redundancies; increasing frequency; and strategically integrating microtransit. 

 What the public needs to know:

• Your route may change.
• All changes are outlined on ABQRIDE.com.
• Route changes will be updated in the Transit app and Google Maps.
• ABQ RIDE Forward estimated to be implemented fully by late 2029.
• Microtransit rides are booked on the ABQ RIDE GO! App or by 243-RIDE.
• Customer service team is here to answer questions at 243-RIDE.

Each ABQ RIDE Forward update was designed with equity and maximizing impact at heart to serve the highest ridership and those who need transit most.  

“What we’re essentially doing with our route network is making city bus service more consistent throughout each day of the week and into the evenings. That means riders can hop on the bus daily and get where they need to go at flexible times, not just peak commuting hours. The new transit system is for an Albuquerque that moves throughout the day and night – think of hospitality staff finishing shifts at odd hours who need a way home, folks getting to appointments in the middle of the day, and students attending evening events at school,” said Principal Planner Andrew de Garmo. “Our city is constantly evolving and so are our riders.” 

“ABQ RIDE Forward is a significant step toward ensuring that every corner of our community—especially the Westside—has reliable, accessible connection points. We are proud that our feedback from District 3 informed our transit network. We are expanding access to jobs, education, and essential services for our families,” said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña. “These route improvements ensure that our transit system evolves alongside the growing needs of our residents."

“ABQ RIDE Forward brings transit closer to the people who really need it,” said Dr. Billy Jivetti, race and equity data analyst for the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

The addition of ABQ RIDE Connect in the South Valley is the most anticipated change of this phase. Since microtransit service launched in Albuquerque, this service has provided more than 27,000 on-demand door-to-door rides in designated zones.

Riders like Ramon Martinez use this service almost every day. Martinez lives in the Southwest Mesa zone, and since he is currently without a personal vehicle, he uses ABQ RIDE Connect to take his kids to and from school and to other sites around the area. Martinez’s family has taken over 150 rides on this service as their lifeline to get across the Southwest Mesa, and they are excited to also use microtransit to visit family in the new South Valley zone.

“I appreciate the convenience,” said Martinez. “I like that this service takes you to your doorstep instead of having to go to a bus stop. My family relies on it, and I hope more people will use it now. It’s great because you don’t have to worry about missing the bus since the ride comes to you.”

Joy Junction will now have access to the new Route 52 on South 2^nd.

"These are positive changes for our guests,” said Joy Junction Resident Services Manager John Weisgerber. “Many of them rely entirely on city buses, so the new Route 52 running on Sundays will provide better access to businesses, services, and job opportunities in the area. This is especially important for people trying to get back on their feet."

To learn more about ABQ RIDE Forward, ABQ RIDE Connect, and schedule changes effective May 16, please visit ABQRIDE.com.

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