ABQ Ride Zero Fares Banner: Public transportation in Albuquerque New Mexico is now free. Enjoy exploring Albuquerque by bus with zero fares on ABQ Ride.
Discovering Albuquerque, New Mexico has never been more accessible, especially with ABQ RIDE officially implementing a zero fares program. That’s right, navigating the city by bus is now free for everyone! Whether you’re a resident or visitor, understanding the ABQ RIDE system is key to making the most of your time in Albuquerque. This guide will walk you through the essential ABQ RIDE routes and how to effectively plan your journey using their resources.
Navigating ABQ RIDE Routes
ABQ RIDE offers an extensive network of bus routes designed to get you where you need to be in Albuquerque. To help you plan your time efficiently and utilize public transport, understanding the route system is crucial. Below is a breakdown of the routes, service availability and important notes:
Understanding the Route Table
The ABQ RIDE system is organized with various routes covering different parts of the city. Here’s a table summarizing the key routes to help you get started:
| Route | Route Name | Availability | Route Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juan Tabo | Park & Ride | |
| 2 | Eubank No service to KAFB all day | ||
| 5 | Montgomery/Carlisle/Lomas | Park & Ride | |
| 8 | Menaul | Park & Ride | |
| 10 | North Fourth Street | Park & Ride | |
| 11 | Lomas | ||
| 16 | Broadway/University/Gibson | ||
| 31 | Wyoming No service to KAFB | Park & Ride | |
| 36 | 12th Street/Rio Grande | ||
| 50 | Airport/Downtown (Note: At the Sunport the #50 is located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island, look for the Bus Stop Signs.) | ||
| 51 | Atrisco/Rio Bravo | ||
| 53 | Isleta | Park & Ride | |
| 54 | Bridge/Westgate | Park & Ride | |
| 66 | Central Avenue | ||
| 97 | Zuni | ||
| 140 | San Mateo/CNM | ||
| 141 | San Mateo | ||
| 155 | Coors | Park & Ride | |
| 157 | Montaño/Uptown/Kirtland Limited service to KAFB | Park & Ride | |
| 198 | 98th St. / Dennis Chavez | Park & Ride | |
| 222 | Rio Bravo/Sunport | ||
| 251 | ABQ-Rio Rancho/Rail Runner Connection | ||
| 766 | ART Red Line (CUTC to UTC) | Park & Ride | |
| 777 | ART Green Line (Tramway to CUTC on Central Avenue) | Park & Ride | |
| 790 | Coors / University Effective Monday, August 19, 2024 through the end of the 2024 Academic Year | Park & Ride |
This table provides a quick overview of each route, its name, availability (including Park & Ride options), and any specific notes like limited service areas. For detailed schedules and real-time updates, you can click on the route name to access the “Where’s My Bus” information.
Reading Maps and Timetables
To effectively use ABQ RIDE and make the most of your time in Albuquerque, understanding how to read route maps and timetables is essential. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- System Map: Begin by using the ABQ RIDE system map to identify the route number that serves your desired area. The system map provides a visual overview of all routes across Albuquerque.
- Route Schedules: Once you’ve identified your route, select the appropriate schedule – “Weekday,” “Saturday,” or “Sunday” – depending on when you plan to travel. Schedules provide specific times for each stop along the route. For example, if you’re near San Mateo and Montgomery and need to reach the VA Hospital, Route 140/141 San Mateo is your option. Download and print the Route 140/141 Guide to follow along.
- Locate Your Stop: Find the nearest intersection to your starting point on the route map and check the corresponding time in the schedule. If your exact intersection isn’t listed, plan to be at your stop five minutes before the time listed for the preceding intersection. Time points are marked with letters on the route schedule; for Route 140/141, San Mateo and Montgomery is point ‘E’.
- Identify Your Destination Stop: Similarly, locate the intersection closest to your destination on the route map. For our example, the VA Hospital is point ‘I’ on the Route 140/141 schedule.
- Check Arrival Times: Look across the timetable column for the VA Hospital stop to find an arrival time that suits your schedule. Timetables are read from left to right, ensuring you are looking at the correct direction of travel (East/West or North/South). If you have a 11 a.m. appointment, the 10:49 a.m. bus arrival at the VA Hospital gives you ample time.
- Determine Boarding Time: Trace back across the arrival times column to your starting point intersection (San Mateo and Montgomery, point ‘E’) to find your boarding time. For the 10:49 a.m. arrival at the VA Hospital, you’d need to board the #140/141 bus at 10:29 a.m. Always aim to be at your stop a bit earlier to ensure you don’t miss the bus.
Types of ABQ RIDE Services
ABQ RIDE offers different types of services to cater to various needs throughout the week and during peak hours:
Weekday & Weekend Services
It’s important to note that some routes do not operate on weekends, and those that do often have different schedules compared to weekdays. Weekend schedules can also vary between Saturdays and Sundays. Always verify the specific schedule for the day you plan to travel to ensure accurate time planning.
Commuter Routes
Commuter routes are designed for rush hour travel, primarily during morning and afternoon peak times. These routes typically operate between 6-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Commuter routes have fewer stops, marked with a red “Commuter” sign, for quicker transit times.
Local Routes
Local routes provide all-day service, generally from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some routes running later. These routes have frequent stops, approximately every two blocks, making them ideal for local travel within Albuquerque. Schedules for local routes can vary throughout the day, so it’s always best to check the specific route schedule for precise times.
With zero fares now in effect, taking the time to understand and utilize ABQ RIDE is a fantastic way to explore Albuquerque and navigate your daily commute without any cost. Make the most of your time in Albuquerque by taking advantage of this free and efficient public transportation system. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official ABQ RIDE website.
