ABQ RIDE Numbers Climb

ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE’s 2025 ridership count is in and totals nearly 8 million rides provided to the community across three services: bus (fixed route and ART), paratransit (Sun Van), and microtransit (ABQ RIDE Connect) services. 

The 2025 data shows:

• An increase of 360,000+ rides over 2024 (5% increase). 

• An increase of 785,000+ rides over 2023 (11% increase).

• An average of 28 people served per vehicle service hour.

• ART accounting for 31% of overall public transit service. 

• 29,104,000 total passenger miles, which equates to 1,169 times around the earth. 

Last December ABQ RIDE launched phase 1 of a long-awaited update to City bus routes. The first 16 added 370 hours of weekly bus service, which translated into increased frequency of bus arrivals on routes, more weekend service, and strategic route changes that improve system efficiency. The next phases will launch in April 2026. 

“We’re tuning up our transit system with smarter bus routes and better service,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Improved safety and convenience on top of zero fares are helping more people get anywhere in town.”

Full implementation of the new network is estimated by late 2029. Over the next few years, the plan will fill 117 driver vacancies and add 28 buses and 20 mechanics to the transit system, adding more than 3,600 weekly hours of bus service to Albuquerque. 

“We’ve reached a point where our staffing allows us to grow and improve,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “ABQ RIDE Forward means more buses, expanded hours, and better connections, especially during evenings and weekends. With upgraded routes and more reliable arrival times, it’s easier for people to get where they need to go.”

In January 2026, ABQ RIDE launched a ridership campaign called Come With Us & Ride the Bus! to promote reliability, cleanliness, and safety improvements to get riders onboard. 

“I encourage everyone in Albuquerque to give the bus a try,” said Public Information Officer Madeline Skrak. “In a car-centric city, it’s easy to overlook mass transit, but I always remind people not to judge a bus by its wrap as it were. With the improvements our team has made, I’m confident riders will be pleasantly surprised by this incredible – and free – option.”

According to Transit app data from 2025, riders rated their bus ride 4.7/5 stars throughout 2025, reported the bus was clean 83% of the time, and scored routes 157, 50, and 16 as their favorites. 

To improve the rider experience, ABQ RIDE offers several mobile apps for navigation and real-time issue reporting. And ABQ RIDE is still hiring! Learn about incentives ranging from $500-$5,000 and a training program that provides free CDL training and testing. Apply for a job at CABQ.Gov/TransitJobs, and find more information on ABQ RIDE Forward at ABQRIDE.com. 

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