The Route

The Rapid Ride Red Line travels an 11-mile route along Central Avenue from Unser to Wyoming, then north on Wyoming to the Uptown shopping district. The route provides access from the West Side to:

• BioPark
• Old Town
• Downtown
• Presbyterian Hospital
• University of New Mexico
• Nob Hill
• NM Expo at the State Fairgrounds
• The new International Market
• Los Altos Golf Course / Skate Park
• Uptown shopping area

There is a Park & Ride lot at each end of the route -one at the Uptown Transit Center and another at Southwest Mesa. There is no charge to park in any of the Park & Ride lots.

Signal Priority

One of the key components of Rapid Ride is the signal priority system. The system enables the Rapid Ride bus to shorten a red traffic signal and lengthen a green signal. It is expected that the signal priority system will reduce travel time by 25%. The signal priority system allows Rapid Ride to save time (your time!) while you relax in comfort on our new buses.

The Stations

As part of the Rapid Ride system, all stops or “stations” include a Rapid Ride monument. Most station locations also feature a structure which allows passengers to wait in safety and comfort. The Pueblo-Deco inspired stations are spaced ½ mile to 1 mile apart at major intersections and activity centers. They have wind screens, “next bus” LED displays that calculate when the next Rapid Ride bus is due, and neon accents in keeping with the historic Route 66 theme. The stations along the Rapid Ride Blue Line are forthcoming.

Naming Rights and the Business Partnership Program

ABQ RIDE is offering businesses the opportunity to sponsor Rapid Ride stations. The “naming rights” for each station is dependent on the level of ridership at each station, the number of automobiles that pass that station, etc., similar to a billboard. We have had extreme interest by the businesses that we have spoken to already regarding naming rights, so don’t delay if you are interested in our program.

For more information regarding naming rights, please contact Dea Rankin at (505)724-3136 or visit our Naming Rights page.

ABQ RIDE is proud to announce the formation of the Rapid Ride Business Partnership Program (BPP). The BBP’s primary function is to create a cooperative marketing environment where businesses along the Rapid Ride corridor will promote Rapid Ride service in return for ABQ RIDE’s official recognition of their contributions via interior bus panels, web site promotion, and other promotional materials. For more information on the Business Partnership Program, please contact Dea Rankin at (505) 724-3146 or visit our Business Partnership Program page.

Rapid Up…I’ll Take It!