Help Make Bus Stops Shine!

ALBUQUERQUE  –  ABQ RIDE seeks volunteers for its fifth annual Community Bus Stop Cleanup. Help make an immediate, visible impact by tidying stops on Central from Girard to Wyoming.

This day of action celebrates ABQ RIDE’s volunteer program, Adopt-A-Stop, where people claim local bus stops to keep them clean for riders and passersby alike. The program has 108 volunteers who maintain 172 stops and stations throughout Albuquerque.

“Our transit system serves thousands of folks,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Let’s keep our bus stops nice for them and everyone across Albuquerque.”

ABQ RIDE hopes for 50 volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help make Central sparkle. Participants meet at the Uptown Transit Center at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, and are encouraged to register in advance. Volunteers are then shuttled from bus stop to bus stop to pick up trash until noon, when everyone returns to the Uptown Transit Center to enjoy a sweet treat. Water bottles and cleaning equipment will be provided.

“With more than 2,700 bus stops around Albuquerque, Adopt-A-Stop volunteers play a critical role in keeping them safe and clean for everyone,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “We want the entire community to be proud of our transit system and for riders to have a pleasant travel experience.”

At last year’s event, volunteers collected 2,000 pounds of trash safely disposed of by the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Department.

“Our city is great at coming together for events like this,” said Solid Waste Management Director Billy Gallegos. “We’re creating a better Albuquerque together.”

 

Transit rider Joshua Bukendorf adopted two bus stops next to the Joy Junction sites where he volunteers. He joined Adopt-A-Stop in March because he saw the need to help clean the stop near Prospect and 2nd in the South Valley, which many shelter guests rely on. Bukendorf has made a routine of both commitments by cleaning the bus stop before or after he volunteers at Joy Junction. 

 

“We need to recognize our transit system’s importance,” said Bukendorf. “Since the bus is a great city resource and integral for Joy Junction, I want to show appreciation for that route. I encourage others to consider adopting bus stops. Cleanliness is good for everyone.”

Volunteer Coordinator Dwayne Baker says he is always inspired by the giving spirit of the volunteers in the Adopt-A-Stop and Ambassador programs he leads at ABQ RIDE.

“Adopt-A-Stop is a wonderful opportunity because there’s immediate gratification for your work,” said Baker. “Plus, when volunteers are out cleaning their stops, it inspires others. People drive by and thank our volunteers for what they’re doing.”

A special thanks to event sponsors: Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, Coca-Cola, The Paleta Bar, The Home Depot, and Anchor Behavioral Health.