Clean Air Challenge 

 

Albuquerque's Clean Air Challenge encourages citizens to use alternative modes of transportation including the bus, carpooling, bicycling, riding the train and walking. Citizens fill out pledge cards at on-site promotional events and, for the first time in 2008, on line.

 

We Use Segways

That funny-looking scooter is called a Segway Personal Transporter. It runs on electricity rather than fuel and is inexpensive to operate.

The City of Albuquerque owns Segways that are used by the Albuquerque Police Department, Security, and Parking.

The City of Albuquerque is a big believer in the benefits of bikes, buses, and hybrid vehicles. Reducing our dependency on automobiles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is Mayor Chávez Doing?

Alternative energy and transportation are at the top of the Mayor's list of priorities.

• Promote ABQRide Ridership- In addition to the fixed route bus service, Mayor Chávez and the City of Albuquerque also offer bus transportation for special events to reduce congestion and emmissions. Each year, the City provides bus service to the July 4th celebration, the State Fair, the Luminaria Tour, certain concerts at the Journal Pavillion on the Rockstar Shuttle and late night service during the summer on the Rapid After Dark. 
   

• Rapid Ride - The Mayor launched the Rapid Ride bus system which operates 18 60-ft articulated buses.
• D-Ride - The D-Ride is a downtown shuttle bus which connects commuters to RailRunner train and other bus routes.
• Alternative Fuel Buses - The City of Albuquerque currently has compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and diesel electric hybrid buses in its ABQ Ride bus fleet.
• More On The Way - In the future, Mayor Chávez will replace old buses with diesel electric hybrids and bus fleet expansions will also be with hybrid vehicles.
• Bike Racks - All city buses have bicycle racks mounted on front bumpers. Learn More about biking in Albuquerque >>
• Free Parking For Hybrid, Alt Fuel, and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles - The City provides free parking at city meters to hybrid, alternative fuel, and fuel efficient vehicles.

Strive Not to Drive

During the Strive Not to Drive week, Albuquerque citizens are encouraged to avoid driving single-occupancy vehicles by using alternative transportation.

• Not only do single-occupancy vehicles add to air pollution, but they also strand citizens on the congested Albuquerque roadways.
• Did you know Albuquerque ranks 36th for its congestion and the traffic delays waste an average of 21 gallons of gas per year? That’s one tank of gas going up in smoke rather than propelling you down the road.
• Another fact – households that use public transportation save an average of $6251.00 every year. Even more as the price of gas continues to rise. Read more about the program >>

Dump the Pump! Ride the Bus!

In the past year (July '06 to July '07), we recorded a record of 9.39 million passenger boardings! 

ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque's bus system. View Routes & Service Maps

Albuquerque also offers the following transportation options:

• Rail Runner -- You can now connect downtown to the NM Rail Runner commuter train. You can catch the free D-Ride bus from the Rail Runner station and other downtown locations.
• Rio Rancho Connection -- Do you live or work in Rio Rancho? Catch bus #151 to connect in Rio Rancho to the NM Rail Runner commuter train.
• For Tourists & Families -- Visiting the BioPark? Catch the Rio Line train, which runs between the Botanic Garden and the Zoo, stopping at each facility and the Tingley Beach train station.

Take Action

If you can, consider ways to reduce the use of autos and oil. Here are some tips:

• Take the Rail Runner and the bus to work! Get a train schedule and map from Rail Runner and a bus schedule and map from ABQ RIDE.
• Use ABQ Ride to get to Albuquerque's top destinations.
• Consider carpooling.
• Ride your bike. Learn more about bicycling in Albuquerque.

More ideas >>

Bicycling in Albuquerque

In 2006, Albuquerque was named one of "The 21 Best Cities for Cycling" in America by Bicycling Magazine.

That's great news for alternative transportation in the Duke City.

• Get a Bike Map of Albuquerque.
• Enjoy one of the best bike trails in the West! Ride the Paseo del Bosque Trail.
• Check out BikeNOW to get tips for bicycling in Albuquerque.
• Can't afford a bike or have an old bike you'd like to get rid of? Contact the Community Bike Recycling Program!

Walking Tours

Albuquerque has great neighborhoods for walking. Try visiting Old Town, Nob Hill, or downtown to enjoy the benefits of the oldest form of human transportation.

New to town? Pick up a Neighborhood Walking Tour Guide.

Hybrid, Alternative Fuel, and Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Do you drive a hybrid, alternative fuel, or fuel-efficient vehicle? If so, you can park for free at city meters!