ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE is introducing new high-tech bus shelters along Central Avenue, aiming to improve safety and cleanliness for transit users.
“We’re ‘pulling out all the stops’ by investing in smarter and safer bus shelters,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Customized to the unique needs of Albuquerque, they are yet another way we are prioritizing safe, enjoyable transit.”
The new shelter design was developed by ABQ RIDE’s resident welder, William Casias, who was tasked with creating a model that would increase visibility and discourage loitering while still offering weather protection and comfort. The resulting “thin line” model removes benches and advertising panels but includes seats, wheelchair access, and shade. It was tested at Central and Coors with positive results.
“The results were amazing – we immediately saw less loitering and more people using the bus shelter for its intended purpose,” said Transit Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros. “By recognizing an issue and using our internal talent to solve it, we’ve made a real difference.”
ABQ RIDE has contracted Tolar Manufacturing to produce similar shelters that will replace all 55 existing bus shelters on Central Avenue in two phases: 14 in the International District by the end of 2025 (Phase I), followed by 41 more along Central by summer 2026 (Phase II). Phase I began this spring with installations at the International District Library and Central at Louisiana. Existing shelters will be repurposed elsewhere as needed.
“We are happy our patrons have a nicer place to wait for the bus,” said International District Library Manager Florence Sablan. “Open access at our library is important to us, so it’s great to see ongoing support of transit in the neighborhood.”
The new “smart” features include solar LED lighting, real-time arrival screens with audible information buttons at some locations, and upgraded trash cans designed to reduce tampering. The updated design replaces shelters installed between 10-20 years ago, providing better lighting and fewer places for hiding or vandalism.
“Albuquerque Police Officers, Transit Safety Officers, and our ridership have a clearer view of the transit stop as they approach these open-design bus shelters,” said APD Commander Gerard Bartlett. “We believe these bus shelter designs serve as an environmental approach to enhancing safety for all.”
In addition to safety improvements, ABQ RIDE officials say Smart Shelters will enhance visual appeal while reinforcing transit rules.
“Access to cleaner, safer bus stops helps encourage ridership and deliver the best service possible for the community,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “Rather than having to take away bus shelters due to safety concerns, through smart design we can keep our shelters while boosting safety and cleanliness.”
This project coincides with preparations for the Route 66 Centennial celebration on historic Central Avenue.
“Bus shelters make an enormous difference in how nice the experience of using the bus is, especially on Central where the buses come often enough that it’s frequently worth waiting around for the next one,” said Transit Advisory Board Member and transit rider Patrick Martin. “The fact that the city has identified a shelter design that offers protection and amenities to riders while also furthering the safety and cleanliness goals that benefit all Burqueños, is a great development.”
Volunteers interested in supporting maintenance efforts can participate through ABQ RIDE’s Adopt-A-Stop program; more information is available at ABQRIDE.com.
