ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque’s public transit agency, has announced several initiatives and accomplishments from 2025 aimed at improving city transportation. The department focused on modernizing operations, updating route maps, centralizing safety teams, and transforming an underused Park & Ride facility into a new transit-oriented development.
Mayor Tim Keller stated, “Our department leaders are changing the game of transit by improving day-to-day operations in addition to charting the long-term success of public transit. Formerly clunky practices are being streamlined, dated route maps modernized, safety teams centralized, an underutilized Park & Ride will soon be transformed into a thriving transit-oriented development, and more – all reasons for Albuquerque to take pride in their ride.”
The city highlighted its efforts to enhance safety, cleanliness, and reliability across the transit system. Transit Director Leslie Keener said, “In 2025, we made giant steps to improve the experience on the bus including enhancing systemwide cleanliness, hiring more drivers and mechanics, onboarding new technology, boosting safety, launching the first phase of our new route network, starting a new volunteer program, and improving our team culture and retention to ensure your favorite smiling faces are here to greet you. If you haven’t been on the bus in a while, take a ride with us in 2026 to see all the improvements in action!”
Among ABQ RIDE’s main projects this year was ABQ RIDE Forward—a comprehensive update to city bus routes informed by community feedback and industry consultants. The first phase launched on December 13 and affected nine routes. Additional phases are planned for mid-2026.
The agency also began implementing its Long-Range Transit Security Plan with consultant Parametrix. New data collection methods will launch in January 2026 alongside centralization of security responsibilities with Albuquerque Police Department’s Transit Safety Officers.
ABQ RIDE introduced a new app called ABQ RIDE GO! This digital platform streamlines scheduling for microtransit (ABQ RIDE Connect) and paratransit (Sun Van) services.
The Uptown Connect project reached 75% design completion this year through collaboration with PacifiCap Construction and Family Housing Development Corporation. The project aims to redevelop an existing Park & Ride location into a mixed-use site connecting transportation options with housing and commerce; construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.
A volunteer Ambassador Program was also started this year. Volunteers wearing neon green uniforms now assist riders at stations and on buses by helping them navigate routes or use apps.
Riders are encouraged to download three apps—Transit for planning trips; ABQ RIDE GO! for booking rides; See Say for reporting safety concerns—and try out free microtransit services available through ABQ RIDE Connect. Zero fares remain in place across all city-run transit services.
Albuquerque has historically served as both a cultural landmark—through venues like KiMo Theatre (https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/kimo/history-of-the-kimo)—and as a transportation hub since the arrival of the railroad transformed it from a farming village (https://www.cabq.gov/railyards/rail-yards-history). The municipal government oversees these developments as part of its broader mandate (https://www.cabq.gov/council/council-history).
More information about these changes can be found at ABQRIDE.com.
