ABQ RIDE Revs Up Transit Safety

ALBUQUERQUE  – ABQ RIDE is advancing transit safety through a collaborative effort including the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Albuquerque Metro Security, and contracted security. The combined efforts of these agencies provide the following safety personnel and services:

• 10 APD Police Service Aides (PSAs) riding city bus routes to observe and report incidents and educate the public about the Rules to Ride
• 6 APD Transit Safety Officers enforcing the Rules to Ride and providing intervention as needed
• An average of 4 Metro Security Mobile Patrol Units proactively conducting welfare checks and responding to calls for services at bus stops and on buses
• 2 Metro Security Officers patrolling 24/7 at the Alvarado Transportation Center issuing misdemeanor citations and enforcing ordinances and the Rules to Ride
• 47 contracted observe and report security personnel safeguarding bus stops, transit centers, and buses
• APD Real Time Crime Center monitoring over 2,713 transit cameras

“Public safety is our number one priority, that’s why we’re having multiple agencies pool their resources to improve our transit system,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We want to ensure buses and stops are safe for everyone who uses this vital service and works to get people around town.”

“This elevated security presence is proactively helping us curb incidents at bus stops and shelters that arise so issues aren’t boarding the bus,” said Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros. “ABQ RIDE is already seeing improvements in transit safety both visually and through a decrease in reported incident numbers which we attribute to these proactive initiatives.”

In addition to the multi-agency partnership, ABQ RIDE’s safety efforts include:

• Adding LED lighting to all transit facilities
• Repainting 300+ bus shelters and replacing all signage on Route 66 bus stops
• Installing new epoxy flooring at ART stations for cleanliness and sanitation
• Onboarding radios for more instant communication to dispatch
• Launching a smoke detector pilot program on select buses
• Facilitating bi-monthly safety calls public safety and security teams

Help ABQ RIDE report incidents by calling 311 or 243-RIDE to document incident data to inform collective improvements and safety strategy. Interviews available upon request.

ABQ RIDE strives to be the first choice in transportation services for the Albuquerque Metropolitan area. By using this alternative to the single-occupant vehicle, riders are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate traffic congestion while building a strong, resourceful, and sustainable community.