Rapid Ride has changed the face of public transportation in Albuquerque. ABQ RIDE's fleet of 18 60-foot articulated buses are used on two Rapid Ride routes - the Red Line (Central Avenue) and the Blue Line (West Side to UNM).

Rapid Ride Red Line route operates seven days per week, and the Blue Line route operates six days a week (Mon.-Sat.).

Learn more about Rapid Ride:

The Red Line - The Original Central Route

Rapid Ride service began in December 2004. By November 17, 2005 the one-millionth passenger boarded the Rapid Ride and by March 21, 2008 5 million people had taken the Rapid Ride. Today, the Red Line logs more than 155,000 passenger boardings each month, with ridership expected to exceed 1.87 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. This will be up almost 13% from the previous fiscal year. Learn more >>

The Blue Line - West Side to UNM Service

In July 2007, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne recently announced Rapid Ride service between Albuquerque's West Side and the University of New Mexico. Learn more >>

Rapid After Dark

Do you have plans on Friday or Saturday night? This summer you can stay out late and not have to worry about driving. Rapid After Dark runs every Friday and Saturday night until 3:00 a.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through September 21. If you don't live near the route, use one of the two Park & Ride locations and avoid the traffic and parking nightmares. Learn more >>

The Buses

Rapid Ride features 60-foot long, articulated buses that accommodate up to 86 passengers. The New Flyer buses are powered by cutting edge technology - a diesel electric hybrid engine that has an extremely low level of emissions while providing power and improved gas mileage. Rapid Ride buses are low-floor, allowing for speedy passenger and wheelchair access.

Rapid Ride buses feature a wheelchair ramp instead of a lift, which deploys extremely quickly. This system, when combined with fewer stops and quicker loading, translates to faster, more efficient, comfortable service.

The buses are loaded with new technology, including:

• An automatic announcement system to notify passengers when the next station is approaching
• Automatic passenger counters to identify segments where more service might be needed
• A global positioning system to aid in the signal priority system
• The latest in security cameras and microphones

On the outside, all Rapid Ride buses have a paint scheme that is hard to miss!

For our bike-riding friends, the Rapid Ride buses feature a rack that holds 3 bikes, an improvement from the typical 2 bikes that most of our racks now hold.

High Speed Wireless Internet Access

The Rapid Ride experience has something to offer business people and college students alike. Rapid Ride Red Line passengers get free wireless Internet access. There are 83 hot spots along the route that allow the buses to establish a connection from zone to zone.

This new technology will allow passengers with laptop computers to surf the Internet, check email, send reports to work, or chat with friends. Now, many people will find their commute time to be productive time. (Note: Wireless Internet access will eventually be offered on the Rapid Ride Blue Line, as well.) Learn more >>

Children's Books on Board

As part of the Discover a Book on ABQ RIDE program, each Rapid Ride vehicle has a selection of children's books to make each Rapid Ride experience an educational one. This literacy program is one of the largest in the country and has received a second place award from the Southwest Passenger Transportation Association. Learn more >>

Ridership Statistics

The Rapid Ride Red Line has been a hit since it began service in December of 2004. In fact, the Rapid Ride Red Line registered its five millionth passenger. The route is the second most popular in the ABQ RIDE system, behind only Route 66 (Central). During Fiscal Year 2007, the Rapid Ride Red Line recorded more than 1.6 million passenger boardings - an increase of 28 percent over Fiscal Year 2006.

Business Partnership Program

If you own or manage a business along the Rapid Ride Route or within one easy connection, ABQ RIDE offers free advertising on board Rapid Ride buses. Eligible businesses receive one interior panel on four Rapid Ride vehicles, a link to their web site from the ABQ RIDE page, and discounted monthly bus passes for all of their employees. Find out about all the benefits >>