ABQ RIDE’s Top 5 of 2025
ABQ RIDE launched major service improvements this year to move city transit forward.
ALBUQUERQUE – It’s been pedal to the metal this year at ABQ RIDE. We’ve propelled city transit forward with new technology, long-term planning, security improvements, and innovative projects.
“Our department leaders are changing the game of transit by improving day-to-day operations in addition to charting the long-term success of public transit,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Formerly clunky practices are being streamlined, dated route maps modernized, safety teams centralized, an underutilized Park & Ride will soon be transformed into a thriving transit-oriented development, and more – all reasons for Albuquerque to take pride in their ride.”
With safety, cleanliness, and reliability at the forefront, ABQ RIDE is implementing big-picture strategies and long-term plans for more relevant, useful, safe, and accessible transit services.
“In 2025, we made giant steps to improve the experience on the bus including enhancing systemwide cleanliness, hiring more drivers and mechanics, onboarding new technology, boosting safety, launching the first phase of our new route network, starting a new volunteer program, and improving our team culture and retention to ensure your favorite smiling faces are here to greet you,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “If you haven’t been on the bus in a while, take a ride with us in 2026 to see all the improvements in action!”
ABQ RIDE’s Top 5 of 2025:
- ABQ RIDE Forward
Kicked off implementation of ABQ RIDE Forward, a once-in-a-generation update to city bus routes that meets the evolving needs of riders and trends in how Albuquerque moves. This project is informed by community feedback and guided by world-class transit consultants to bring more and smarter bus rides to the community with increased evening and weekend service. The first of the 16-phase plan launched on Saturday, December 13, 2025, impacting nine bus routes and accounting for 10.6% of the new route network’s total implementation. The next phases are anticipated to launch in mid-2026.
- Long-Range Transit Security Plan
ABQ RIDE worked closely with Parametrix to begin implementation of the ABQ Long-Range Transit Security Plan, which includes improving security data collection and reporting strategies. The new data collection and reporting processes are anticipated to launch in January of 2026, which will result in more streamlined and action-oriented data reporting. The full plan calls for a centralization of transit safety to the Albuquerque Police Department’s Transit Safety Officers, improved data, and new internal transit safety roles at ABQ RIDE. This plan’s implementation will continue into the New Year and ultimately grow the Transit Safety Officer team to a total of 87.
- ABQ RIDE GO!
Launched the ABQ RIDE GO! app to digitize Sun Van scheduling and improve ride speed and reliability for both microtransit (ABQ RIDE Connect) and paratransit (Sun Van) services with better technology. The app launched this October for microtransit and in November for paratransit. The public can now schedule rides using the app, booking online, or calling into our customer service team at 243-RIDE.
- Uptown Connect
Moved the Uptown Connect project forward by reaching 75% design completion, collaborating closely with PacifiCap Construction and Family Housing Development Corporation, and hosting a project launch press conference to celebrate the project’s momentum. Uptown Connect will link transportation, housing, and commerce for a unique transit-centered development in one of Albuquerque’s liveliest urban centers at the site of an underutilized Park & Ride called the Uptown Transit Center. The development is anticipated to break ground in the summer of 2026.
- Ambassador Program
Initiated the Ambassador Program, ABQ RIDE’s newest volunteer opportunity. This program supports excellent customer service in the transit system with volunteers serving as ‘friendly guides to smoother rides.’ Wearing unmissable neon green uniforms, Ambassadors ride buses and circulate transit centers, helping riders with route navigation, downloading apps, safety awareness, and more. A special thanks to our 12 volunteers serving the public and making a difference in the transit system one ride at a time.
To help riders make the most of these improvements, ABQ RIDE reminds the public:
- There are three apps you should download: Transit, ABQ RIDE GO!, and See Say.
- Report any safety concerns on the See Say app by downloading the app, reporting online, or by calling / texting 505-391-2600.
- Navigate city buses using the Transit app to plan your ride, track your bus, and see any detours in effect.
- Try out our free microtransit service, ABQ RIDE Connect if you need to get around the Rio Grande or Southwest Mesa areas of Albuquerque using the ABQ RIDE GO! app.
- Zero fares is here to stay – try our online calculator to see how much money you can save this year by riding our free transit services.
- Follow ABQ RIDE on social media to receive transit updates on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, and YouTube.
Find more information at ABQRIDE.com.
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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with clean, safe, and reliable transportation.