City Transitions Away from Annual Luminaria Bus Tour

ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE will transition away from operating the annual Luminaria Tour beginning this year.

For decades, ABQ RIDE employees have spent their Christmas Eve operating special bus tours through the Huning Castle and Old Town neighborhoods. While tickets for the tour are typically reserved quickly, a significant number of ticket holders ultimately do not attend. Over the last decade an average of 38% of reserved tickets have been unused. 

In 2025, the tour cost approximately $200,000 to serve 586 attendees, or $341 per person, including transit operations, staffing, barricades, police traffic control, signage and other event costs. Under Federal Transit Administration rules, ABQ RIDE cannot charge more than its regular bus fare for the tour. Because ABQ RIDE is a zero-fare transit system, the tour does not generate fare revenue to offset those operating costs. 

“Luminarias are part of who we are as Albuquerque, and that tradition isn’t going anywhere,” said Director Leslie Keener.  “We’re working closely with community members on new ways for the public to enjoy the luminaria tradition while supporting neighborhood needs, using resources efficiently, and creating an approach that can be sustained.”

ABQ RIDE and the Huning Castle Neighborhood Association are working with neighbors and community partners on alternatives that preserve the luminaria tradition while reducing operational demands of the bus tour. Potential options could include a walking tour or a revised bus tour that offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy in a more sustainable way.

Transitioning away from the bus tour will also give ABQ RIDE employees who have traditionally worked the Christmas Eve tour to spend more time with their families during the holidays. The City recognizes and appreciates the employees who have dedicated their time to making this tradition possible over the years. 

ABQ RIDE thanks the employees, neighborhood residents and community partners who have helped make the Luminaria Tour an Albuquerque Christmas Eve tradition. The City will share additional information about ways residents can experience luminarias and other holiday traditions across Albuquerque this season, including events accessible by local bus routes. 

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