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ABQ RIDE Bus Transfers Now 25¢ - Bus Pass Point-of-Sale Kiosks Coming Soon!
Mayor Martin Chávez announces 25¢ transfers and bus pass kiosks.
ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Martin Chávez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne announce that on September 2, 2008, the transit department will begin to charge 25¢ to use a bus transfer. The added charge comes as a result of increasing fraud, waste and abuse in the use of bus transfers and the safety risks to drivers and passengers related to the fraudulent use.
“The abuse of transfers affects all taxpayers,” said Mayor Chávez. “We believe that by adding a nominal charge to the transfer, the fraud will be reduced and our drivers and passengers will be safer.”
Passengers will be given bus transfers when requested. However, to use the transfer on a connecting bus, 25¢ will be charged. The fee will be paid to the fare box and the transfer will be valid for two hours. Bus drivers do not carry cash and do not make change.
Regular bus fares will not be affected by the change. Fares will remain $1.00 for adults and 35 cents for honored citizens and students. The cost for bus passes will also remain the same. The adult monthly pass is $28 and the pass for students, honored citizens and those who are mobility impaired is $12 per month.
“We urge our passengers to take advantage of our bus passes,” said Director Payne. “They are the best value for riding the bus and eliminate the use for transfers and speed up your commute.” For the adult rider who makes 19 round trips per month, a monthly pass can save $120 per year over the standard fare.
The passes are available for 3-days, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually. Monthly passes are currently available at more than 20 locations throughout Albuquerque. The purchase of bus passes will be even more convenient in the future when the number of locations where they can be purchased will be increased.
As part of the increase, ABQ RIDE is in the process of obtaining self-serve kiosks where customers can buy passes at anytime. Plans are for the initial kiosks to be installed at several park and ride facilities. The first is planned for the Northwest Transit Center and will be installed soon after the facility opens September 2.