ABQ Times

There is an update for students and commuters on Albuquerque's Westside. Starting Monday, January 13, 2025, the Route 790 bus service will resume its operations. The route will be available on weekdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The bus will run hourly, beginning at the Northwest Transit Center near Cottonwood Mall. It will travel south on Coors, east on I-40, south on Rio Grande, east through downtown on Lomas, and then south on University Avenue to provide service to both CNM and UNM.

"Connectivity to our city’s educational hubs is critical," stated Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel. "Bringing this route back for the spring academic semester supports students and commuters living on the Westside, giving folks a free and easy way to get across town and back."

The Route 790 service is set up as an interim solution for the spring semester while Albuquerque continues its efforts with the ABQ RIDE Forward Plan.

"The public will continue to see more and more bus service on the streets," said Transit Director Leslie Keener. "In 2024, we gained 145 weekly service hours and will continue to bring back service as we rebuild staffing levels. I am confident that we will increase staffing and retention with quarterly rapid hire events, our renewed mission statement, and a new strategic emphasis on employee-centeredness."

Riders can use tools like the Transit App or Google Maps for navigating the system. Further information about routes, including schedules and job opportunities within ABQ RIDE, can be found at ABQRIDE.com.

ABQ RIDE remains committed to offering safe, clean, and reliable transportation services to the community.