ABQ Times

Former Albuquerque Mayor David Rusk received a tribute today with the renaming of ABQ RIDE’s original transit facility and the KiMo Theatre’s orchestra pit in his honor. Rusk, who led the city from 1977 to 1981, was known for his focus on smart growth, sustainability, and public safety in transit. His role was crucial in the renovation of the KiMo Theatre, which he envisioned as a central piece in Downtown's transformation into an arts and entertainment hub.

The Yale Transit Facility has been renamed the Mayor David Rusk Transit Facility. This facility serves as an internal operations center dedicated to career development, technological advancement, and aesthetic enhancement. It holds historical importance as Albuquerque's first bus transit facility and remained the city's sole transit hub until expansion efforts in the 2000s.

Transit Director Leslie Keener commented on the dedication: “The heart of this facility is to train, grow future leaders, and create an environment for the transit system to thrive and better serve the public,” she said. “I hope Mayor Rusk is proud of ABQ RIDE’s progress and what our department is doing to improve public safety and increase equity.”