Politics
Albuquerque's Free Bus Service Ridership Jumps as Network Redesign Launches
The city's ABQ RIDE Forward plan, launched in late 2025, aims to reshape bus routes as officials weigh safety concerns and access for low-income residents.
How we reported this
Albuquerque has locked in free bus service for riders citywide, riding a wave of increased ridership even as officials debate the policy's future and a major network overhaul takes shape. The city made its zero-fare transit pilot permanent in November 2023, becoming one of the largest U.S. cities to offer free bus service.
The policy has contributed to a 20% increase in ridership over three years, according to city data. ABQ RIDE carried 7 million passengers in 2024, up sharply from 4.4 million in 2021, though still below the 9 million recorded in 2019 and the 10 million peak in 2016. The rebound has drawn attention to who is riding: advocates point to improved access for low-income residents who lack vehicles, while some councilors have raised safety concerns about the program, citing issues with homeless riders.
Network redesign underway
In 2024, the city finalized the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan, a comprehensive review of the bus system's purpose and performance. The new route system launched in December 2025 and is being phased in over several years. A 2024 legislative amendment designated sections of Rio Grande Blvd., Indian School Rd., and Menaul Blvd. as Major Transit Corridors to support transit-oriented development aligned with the plan.
For residents, the changes mean new routes and frequencies along key arteries, with the aim of improving connections to jobs, schools, and services. The city's planning documents emphasize that the network redesign is meant to match service to current travel patterns, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods that rely heavily on public transportation.
Access vs. safety debate
The debate over free fares remains active. Supporters argue that eliminating the fare box has removed a barrier for the city's poorest residents, many of whom have no other means of transportation. Critics, including some city councilors, contend that the program has made it too easy for individuals with behavioral health issues or who are experiencing homelessness to ride without oversight. No changes to the fare policy have been enacted since it became permanent.
As the phased implementation of the new network proceeds, city officials say they will continue to monitor ridership and adjust service. The next milestones include further route expansions and corridor improvements tied to the Major Transit Corridor designations, as outlined in the city's long-term transportation plans.