The City of Albuquerque is intensifying its efforts to enhance transit safety, implementing stricter regulations and increasing security measures. This initiative includes updated Rules to Ride, heightened security presence, and public service announcements on city buses in areas with higher incident rates.
“Bad and criminal behavior will not be tolerated on our buses,” stated Mayor Tim Keller. “We are fighting to bring back a transit system we can feel comfortable with our loved ones riding on.”
This year, the City revised its Rules to Ride and launched a marketing campaign featuring extensive signage at transit facilities.
Key safety partners include 10 Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Police Service Aides (PSA), six Transit Safety Officers, two 24/7 Metro Security Division Officers patrolling the Alvarado Transportation Center, four Mobile Patrol Units, and over 45 contracted observe-and-report security personnel.
“APD is taking intentional steps towards collaboratively cultivating positive perceptions and realities of public safety on our transit system,” said Commander Gerard Bartlett. “The Rules to Ride have been developed for ridership and Motorcoach Operator safety and must be followed.”
ABQ RIDE is addressing incidents at bus stops proactively to prevent issues from boarding the bus. Security officers often assist by connecting community members to local resources, preventing potential problems, and providing route directions.
“It’s time to respect and care for one another,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “With nearly 400 employees and over 500,000 passengers per month on our fixed route services, we expect people to follow the rules and will continue to implement new ideas including an initiative that will launch soon to give riders an instant and anonymous reporting mechanism.”
Updates to the Rules to Ride include:
- No more eating and drinking – only drinks with closed, sealable containers
- No smoking including vaping and e-cigarettes
- No blocking the bus aisle with bags or items
New rules added:
- No large carts
- No loud music
- No drug use
- No sleeping across multiple seats; taking up more than one seat is prohibited
- No littering
- No defacing property
- No abusive behavior
- General respect for each other
The City is also conducting a Long Range Security Study aimed at addressing public safety through community-informed ideas and strategic long-term solutions.
“We hope these expanded transit safety efforts bring an increased sense of safety to our passengers, Motorcoach Operators, and the general public,” said Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros. “We’re taking back our transit system.”
Incidents can be reported via 311 or 243-RIDE. The community is invited to participate in the Long Range Security Study Survey before August 23, 2024. The Rules to Ride can be found on ABQRIDE.com.
