Free Transit Options for Everyone!

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, a group of holiday-spirited older adults participated in a transit field trip highlighting the many free, safe, and accessible transportation options available throughout the City. Albuquerque is an officially recognized Age-Friendly City committed to livability, mobility, and connection for residents of all ages – and public transit plays a big part.

Hosted by ABQ RIDE and the City’s Department of Senior Affairs, the Age-Friendly Transit Field Trip introduced 20 participants to a range of transportation services including Senior Transportation, ART, fixed-route buses, Sun Van, and ABQ RIDE Connect. The goal was to ensure older adults not only know what services exist, but also feel confident using them. They learned which app to use for which service, how to report issues, and who to call for ride support.

“Being an age-friendly community means that everyone regardless of age or ability can experience all that Albuquerque has to offer. Today’s Age-Friendly Transit Field Trip helped to show older adults the myriad ways they can get around town without a car,” said Department of Senior Affairs Director Anna Sanchez. “We thank Mpact, AARP, and ABQ RIDE for their partnership in spotlighting how public transit options in Albuquerque, whether large or small scale, are accessible to all.”

The field trip began at the North Valley Senior Center, where participants experienced how simple it is to request an ABQ RIDE Connect van to travel to nearby destinations using the ABQ RIDE GO! app or by calling 243-RIDE. Bellies full with breakfast burritos sponsored by Roma Bakery & Deli, the group rode to Old Town while singing “happy birthday” to one of the field trippers, enjoyed hot chocolate sponsored by La Choco, and learned how they can take microtransit from the North Valley Senior Center and then connect to fixed route buses, ART, or Senior Transportation.

Field trippers learned that all Albuquerque transit services are free to the public, ADA accessible, and designed to be as user-friendly as possible, helping support the City’s vision of an inclusive community where older adults can thrive.

“Public transportation is crucial to allowing people to age in place, staying in their homes and communities where they want to be, especially as driving becomes less convenient or even safe,” said AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for Community Outreach Shanna Lapsley. “Today we want to show people how easy it is to use the City’s various transportation options and how those services can benefit people who may no longer drive, or who might want to save on gas or the stress of driving.”

“At Mpact, we believe transit, mobility, land use, and development work best when combined to create better lives and brighter futures. Strengthening communities through public transportation means making the system easy to use and welcoming — especially for older adults,” said Mpact Chief Executive Officer Kammy Horne. “Events like today’s ride-along help people feel comfortable, build connections, and discover new opportunities, especially when driving isn’t an option. Beyond meeting basic needs, public transit opens doors to connection, independence, and a higher quality of life.”

Free Transit Options in ABQ to Explore

• ABQ RIDE Connect
• Fixed -Route Buses
• Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART)
• Senior Transportation
• Sun Van
• Multi-Modal Options

“Albuquerque offers fantastic transit options for everyone regardless of age,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “Today’s field trip demonstrated how older adults can easily navigate the city in areas they might want to frequent — arriving at the North Valley Senior Center via Senior Transportation, using ABQ RIDE Connect within the Rio Grande Service Zone to places like Old Town or grocery stores, and connecting to fixed-route buses or ART for longer trips. Our goal is to remove perceived barriers and show how accessible and convenient City transit service is.”

The event was made possible through collaboration with Mpact, ABQ RIDE, and the Department of Senior Affairs. Special thanks also go to La Choco and Roma Bakery & Deli for generously sponsoring refreshments.

To learn more about free transit options offered by the Department of Senior Affairs and ABQ RIDE, please visit CABQ.GOV for details on Senior Transportation and ABQ RIDE services.

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

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs is committed to providing resources with care and compassion that help our community thrive while embracing aging.