Clean Windows, Clear Message

ALBUQUERQUE – The wheels on the bus are now cleaner across ABQ RIDE’s transit services. A new automated bus wash will clean buses and vans daily rather than having them handwashed biweekly. The new wash is like a regular drive-through car wash but accommodates larger fleet vehicles such as Sun Vans or 60-foot-long Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) buses. 

“Clean buses are more welcoming and show that we take pride in our transit system,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s another way to help passengers feel better about choosing public transit.”

ABQ RIDE’s new bus wash improves both cleanliness and public safety, two of the department’s top priorities. 

“A clean bus signals that it’s well-maintained and safe,” said Transit Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros. “Cleaner windows allow visibility inside the bus before you get on and let you better enjoy the view as you ride.” 

The new bus wash will clean around 100 buses daily requiring less time, manual labor and water.

“Once a bus enters the yard after its route, efficiency is key,” said Assistant Fleet Manager Patrick Cordero. “Our team inspects it, fuels it up, tops off fluids, sweeps and mops the interior, then sends it through the bus wash. The new wash shaves about 30 minutes off that process and allows us to clean the vehicles in-house daily rather than biweekly by contractors.”

Ken Sanchez Transit Facility’s original bus wash was completed in 2004 and lasted about 20 years before it wore down. The new system features reverse osmosis filtration to recirculate and reduce water usage, and allows two buses to be cleaned at a time. 

The project’s total cost is $3.2 million, funded with a mix of local dollars and Federal Transit Administration grants. ABQ RIDE received $50,000 from the New Mexico Legislature through capital outlay bill HB450 passed in 2025, with project funding sponsorship by Rep. Kathleen Cates.  

“Decision-makers often look at housing and business opportunity as the way to support their constituents, but none of it works without transportation,” said Cates. “This facility is key in keeping costs down and quality high as we drive people around town.”

“We’re not just piling on to the local hype around car washes right now,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “This project helps us meet our goals. A clean bus exterior indicates a clean interior, encouraging ridership. A big thanks to our transit maintenance and finance teams, hard-working contractors who have been handwashing our buses for the last year, construction contractors, and project funders for making this bus wash possible.”

Learn about job opportunities, transit services, and more at ABQRIDE.com. 

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