ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Martin Chávez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne are pleased to announce the opening of the Northwest Transit Center on September 2nd, 2008. The new facility is located on the northwest corner of Ellison and Coors By-Pass, across from Cibola High School and next to Fire Station 21. There will be a ribbon cutting at a later date.

“I am thrilled to see improved transit service to one of the City’s fastest growing areas,” said Mayor Martin Chávez. “The Northwest Transit Center provides a convenient location for people who would like to park their cars and ride the bus.”

The new $2.5 million facility was built by David Montoya Construction, in conjunction with the City’s Department of Municipal Development and the Transit Department. There are 176 parking spaces, 3 bus bays, plus a staging area for more buses. An additional 100 parking spaces will be available in about two weeks, located between the main transit facility and the fire station.

There are also bike racks and there will be bike lockers in the future. Although this facility is not quite completed, it is safe for the public to use. This location was chosen for its location and proximity to residents in northwest Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Corrales.

“This has been a banner year for ABQ RIDE. We have seen record increases in ridership, new diesel-electric hybrid buses, new bus shelters and expanded routes,” said ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne. “And this is only the beginning. We have plans for expanded park-and-ride facilities, additional buses and improved customer service.”

The Northwest Transit Center will serve 8 routes, including the Blue Line Rapid Ride, the 151 Rail Runner Shuttle, the 155 Coors route, the 157 Uptown/Kirtland route, and all the Westside commuter routes – 92, 94, 96 and 98. These commuter routes serve Downtown, UNM and Kirtland Air Force Base, as well as many stops along the way. The Northwest Transit Center replaces the Cottonwood Mall park-and-ride and the Montano Plaza park-and-ride.