’Tis the Season to Ride Stress-Free!

ALBUQUERQUE – This holiday season, take the bus to your favorite local traditions and avoid the headache of traffic and parking. This free, efficient alternative to driving gives you more time to enjoy the festivities and shop at local businesses.

Shoppers who take public transit will also benefit from increased safety efforts on Central Avenue including system-wide monitoring by Transit Safety Officers, patrols on ART platforms, and Police Service Aides riding bus lines.

“Providing our community with free and convenient access to holiday shopping events reduces traffic on the streets and brings more traffic to local businesses,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Albuquerque has so many unique seasonal traditions that intersect with our local retail, a win-win to take care of holiday gift-giving and enjoy our city.”

“Taking ABQ RIDE is a great way to bypass traffic and parking hassles for Nob Hill's holiday events,” said And Stuff Shop Manager Lucy Gilster. “There is an ART stop just steps away from our door, so we hope that increased ridership from across the city will encourage folks who haven't shopped here before to attend upcoming holiday events in the neighborhood and fall in love with our super fun and eclectic shop!”

December is Buy Local Month, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses. According to studies, 68 cents of every dollar spent at local retailers stays within the community. Albuquerque residents are encouraged to explore small business events and initiatives taking place throughout the city. A full list of participating businesses and events can be found at cabq.gov/buylocalevents.

Nob Hill Shop & Stroll

Support Nob Hill shops on Thursday, December 5 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Passengers can park at the following locations to hop on ART to this event:

• Route 777 from Singing Arrow Community Center to Nob Hill 
• Route 766 from Uptown Transit Center to Nob Hill 
• Routes 766 and 777 from Central and Unser Transit Center to Nob Hill

Visit the Nob Hill Main Street website for event details.

Old Town Holiday Stroll

Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy local performers as you check off your holiday shopping list on Friday, December 6 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Parking is available at the lot on 18th St. between Mountain Rd. and Bellamah Ave. and in the Sawmill area. Free shuttles operated by Airport Parking will take event goers from the Sawmill Lot to the Albuquerque Museum lot near Old Town plaza. The last shuttle leaves at 9:30 p.m. 

Passengers can also take the Route 66 bus or park at the following locations to hop on ART to this event:

• Route 777 from Singing Arrow Community Center to Old Town 
• Route 766 from Uptown Transit Center to Old Town 
• Routes 766 and 777 from Central and Unser Transit Center to Old Town

Visit the City of Albuquerque website for event details.

Twinkle Light Parade

Enjoy a free, family-friendly holiday parade that illuminates a mile-long stretch on Route 66 in Nob Hill on Saturday, December 14 at 5:15 p.m..

The best way to arrive at this event is by taking advantage of the free Park & Ride operated by UNM. Parking will be available at the southwest corner of Lomas Blvd. and University Blvd. Buses will run from 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., taking parade goers from the lot to UNM’s Johnson Field near Girard Blvd. and Central Ave. ABQ RIDE Routes 5, 11, and 66 can also take you to this event.

Visit the City of Albuquerque website for event details.

Holiday Market at the Rail Yards

Find special gifts for loved ones at the Holiday Market at the Rail Yards on December 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.. ABQ RIDE is offering a Park & Ride shuttle on both days from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. from the ABQ BioPark Zoo parking lot to the Railyards. There is also convenient bus service available on Saturday via Routes 53 and 54.

“We know that many people want to enjoy the Rail Yards, and ask visitors to consider alternative modes of transportation – like the Park & Ride, carpooling, or using our FREE bike valet service,” said Karina Ortiz, Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator. “The Park & Ride partnership with the City of Albuquerque is one way our non-profit works to minimize the traffic impact on our neighbors, and welcome visitors to our historic community in a safe way."

Visit the Rail Yards website for event details.

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Plan your bus route by using the Transit App or Google Maps. For further route planning assistance, please call 243-RIDE between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit ABQRIDE.com for a complete list of Routes and Schedules.

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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with clean, safe, and reliable transportation.