Albuquerque's Transit System Eliminates Fares While Traffic Flows Normally

ABQ RIDE operates Albuquerque’s public transit system with fixed-route buses, Albuquerque Rapid Transit and paratransit services, all currently zero-fare. Riders pay nothing to board any of these options.

Transit Services in Operation

The zero-fare policy covers the full network run by ABQ RIDE. Albuquerque Rapid Transit runs along Central Avenue, also known as Route 66, and carries over 2 million riders annually. Service on weekends operates every 8 to 15 minutes until 11 PM. Rio Metro Bus Route 50 links the Alvarado Transit Center downtown to Albuquerque International Sunport in a 25-minute trip. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express provides connections from the same downtown center to Santa Fe and Belen.

Road Network Conditions

Interstate 25 runs north-south and Interstate 40 runs east-west through the city. The two highways intersect in downtown Albuquerque. Most cross-city drives take 30 minutes or less when no accidents occur. Motorists can check conditions through the ABQ Roads app for live traffic data.

Active Travel Options

Albuquerque maintains over 400 miles of bike trails and paths. A 2021 Walk Score study placed the city 26th in bike friendliness among 130 U.S. cities. These routes connect with the transit network at multiple points, including near the Alvarado Transit Center.

The combination of zero-fare transit, direct airport bus service and the two main interstate corridors gives residents and visitors several ways to move around the city without paying fares. The ABQ Roads app supplies current roadway information for drivers. Riders seeking the most current schedules can consult the ABQ RIDE site or the Rio Metro resources listed by the city.