Rapid Ride

[1] The original Rapid Ride line was inaugurated on December 21, 2004, serving an 11-mile (18 km) route along the Central Avenue corridor.

It was intended to provide a faster and more efficient means of public transit in Albuquerque and to serve as a pilot project for a potential light rail line.

The Blue Line operates from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays with buses scheduled every 12 to 30 minutes depending on time of day, with more limited service on Saturdays.

The service offers some BRT-like elements, including limited stops about 1 mile (1.6 km) apart instead of two blocks and high-capacity articulated buses with quick-deploying ramps and other accessible features.

However, unlike a true BRT system, the buses run in regular traffic and do not have off-bus fare payment.

Stops are equipped with distinctive branded shelters and signage, including digital message boards to announce upcoming arrivals.

All Rapid Ride buses had free wireless internet access and were also equipped with Digital Recorders automated stop announcement systems and TwinVision LED destination signs.

[5] Rapid Ride service began on December 24, 2004, with the Route 766 line, which ran along Central Avenue from Unser to Wyoming, North to Interstate 40, then west to the Uptown Transit Center.

For several years, ABQ RIDE operated the Red Line from 8:00pm until 1:00am on Fridays during Saturdays during the summer months.

[9] In November 2011, ABQ RIDE announced plans for true bus rapid transit service along Central Avenue.

In October 2014, The City presented to voters its final proposal for Albuquerque Rapid Transit, a true BRT system extending from Tramway Blvd.