ABQ RIDE is updating its microtransit service by adopting a new app, ABQ RIDE GO!, in partnership with RideCo. The transition aims to improve transportation options in the Southwest Mesa and Rio Grande areas of Albuquerque.
Mayor Tim Keller stated, “Our City’s transit system is constantly innovating. ABQ RIDE Connect is just one of the many services giving our community flexibility in how they get around. Microtransit is particularly unique, providing free rides in areas with fewer fixed bus routes. Now we’re taking it even further by pairing ABQ RIDE Connect with the industry’s leading on-demand transit technology.”
The formal switch to the ABQ RIDE GO! app will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20. Riders are encouraged to uninstall the previous app after that date. The new app is already available for download on Google Play and Apple Store as of October 7.
Transit Director Leslie Keener commented, “Upgrading to this new software is opening doors for our popular and fast-growing microtransit service. It allows us to make ABQ RIDE Connect more cost-efficient while maximizing our staffing and vehicle resources. More importantly, this software positions us to take our cutaway services into the future — ensuring the public can quickly and easily get where they need to go across the City with our growing network of free transit options.”
Prem Gururajan, co-founder and CEO of RideCo, said, “We are excited to support ABQ GO! in modernizing ABQ RIDE’s demand-response services, aligning with the agency’s vision of delivering an integrated, multi-modal regional transportation system. With the upcoming upgrade of ABQ RIDE Connect, we will assist the city to enhance service efficiency, elevate the customer experience, and help drive growth in ridership.”
Since its launch in March 2024, ABQ RIDE Connect has provided over 20,000 rides with a 97% average success rating and nearly 10,000 rider profiles created. The new software is expected to lower operational costs by $150,000 annually compared to previous systems while costing $205,000 per year.
Key updates include faster service through reduced travel and wait times, increased trip transparency, improved communication with riders, dynamic routing that adapts every 20 seconds based on real-time factors such as traffic or ride cancellations, and automated scheduling. Riders can book trips via the new app or by calling customer service at 243-RIDE.
Transit Deputy Director Mike Davis remarked on microtransit’s impact: “Microtransit has been a huge success in Albuquerque. Everyone has their preferred way to get around, and it’s been exciting to see people discover that microtransit is a convenient option for short trips across the city that connect to fixed-route bus service. Families use ABQ RIDE Connect to get to school, residents zip to the grocery store, and visitors explore destinations around Old Town. This service is reaching new audiences, and we look forward to building on its success with improved technology — ensuring ABQ RIDE Connect riders continue to enjoy reliable, fast, and efficient door-to-door service.”
A frequent user named Louis Garcia shared his experience: “I use ABQ RIDE Connect to run errands a couple times a week. It saves me a lot of hassle when I’m out and about. The vans are always fast, and the service helps people get closer to their homes without having to walk so many blocks from the bus stop by dropping you off right in front of your house. My rides are always the same – convenient, on time; I get there quickly; and I don’t have to wait,” adding that he often tells friends it’s like Uber but free.
The migration will occur in two phases; details about phase two will be announced later.
More information about these changes can be found at ABQ RIDE.com. Customer support is available at 243-RIDE for questions or tutorials regarding downloading or using ABQ RIDE GO!. The current operating hours for ABQ RIDE Connect are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
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