The Future of ABQ RIDE Is Arriving

ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE is launching a once-in-a-generation plan to improve City bus routes. ABQ RIDE Forward modernizes City transit while steering it back to 2019 levels of bus service and taking into consideration emerging travel trends.

“We are building a world-class transit system that Albuquerque can truly be proud of,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Updated routes with better reliability, frequency, and coverage will make it even easier and quicker to get around town.”

The phased implementation of ABQ RIDE Forward will begin on Saturday, December 13, with updates to nine bus routes that will account for about 10.6% of the plan’s 16-phase implementation. The other phases will take place over the next several years to ensure ABQ RIDE can meet staffing and fleet needs.

Each phase is designed to ensure a smooth transition. Changes will include:

• Increases or decreases in how often buses arrive.
• Route additions or discontinuations.
• Service on new days of the week.
• Adjustments to route lengths and destination.
• Different route numbers.
• On-demand ABQ RIDE Connect service instead of buses in low-use areas.

“We are modernizing how Albuquerque moves with ABQ RIDE Forward,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “Not only are we bringing better bus service to the community, we are building upon our other major improvements in safety and cleanliness to also deliver consistent transit throughout the day that takes riders beyond their work schedules into recreation, errands, and more.”

ABQ RIDE Forward refreshes Albuquerque’s antiquated bus system, which hasn’t been updated in over 25 years, to a plan that makes sense for how people live, work, and connect today.

“We started by asking what Albuquerque’s bus network should look like for the next generation,” said Principal Planner Andrew de Garmo. “Following multiple rounds of public feedback, detailed equity analyses, and top-notch guidance from Jarrett Walker + Associates and Toole Design, we are ready to drive Albuquerque into a well-connected future.”

“Jarrett Walker and Associates plans transit networks for cities and transit agencies across the US, and we’ve been impressed by how much thought, integrity, public spirit, and care the City of Albuquerque staff and City Council put into this plan,” said Principal Associate Michelle Poyourow. “Community organizations and stakeholders, especially the Transit Advisory Board members, also contributed energy and insights that will make the bus network better for the whole city over the coming years.”

“Throughout two years of engagement with thousands of riders, stakeholders, and community members, our consulting team consistently heard support for both renewed investment in transit and strategic changes to make the City’s bus network more useful and sustainable over the long-term,” said Toole Design Market Lead Aaron Sussman. “The feedback underscored significant shifts in travel behavior and a strong desire for expanded evening and weekend service. We are confident that the upcoming service enhancements will deliver a more reliable and accessible ABQ RIDE system that better meets the needs of community members.”

“We ask for patience and open-mindedness as we roll out these improvements. Some beloved routes will change, and in turn new routes will be transformational,” said Transit Deputy Director Mike Davis. “Every decision has been carefully analyzed and contributes to a better system for Albuquerque. Now is a great time to ride the bus – ABQ RIDE will continue to get better and better.”

“One of our many roles is to provide support and data for projects like this so that everyone gets the services they need,”  said Dr. Billy Jivetti, Race and Equity Data Analyst for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. “ABQ RIDE Forward brings transit closer to the people who need it most. This is what equity in action looks like.”

What the public needs to know:

• Your route may change.
• All changes are outlined on ABQRIDE.com.
• Route changes will be updated in the Transit app and Google Maps.
• ABQ RIDE Forward estimated to be implemented fully by late 2029.
• Customer service team is here to answer questions at 243-RIDE.

Visit ABQRIDE.com for more information on the implementation schedule, winter schedule changes, and a video on the roll-out. 

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