The Much-Requested Return of Route 790
ALBUQUERQUE – As staffing allows, ABQ RIDE is working to return bus service paused due to staffing shortages. On August 19, the popular Westside, Route 790 returns as an important link from the Westside of Albuquerque to the University area and major destinations in central Albuquerque including Old Town and Downtown. The much-requested route benefits commuting students and staff to the University of New Mexico (UNM) with one change. It will now also serve Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) in addition to the UNM Campus.
“The City of Albuquerque and CNM have been working together for a long time to make it easier for students to use public transportation to get to class, so bringing back this route was a priority for us,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel. “Many students commute from the Westside, and the return of this route connects them to training and education that leads to employment opportunities.”
The Route 790 will run hourly on weekdays from about 6 a.m. - 7 p.m., starting at the Northwest Transit Center near Cottonwood Mall and going: South on Coors, East on I-40, South on Rio Grande, and East on Lomas through downtown, and South on University where it will now provide service to CNM as well as UNM.
This route serves as an interim bridge between the City’s public transportation today and where it wants to be with the ABQ RIDE Forward Plan’s Recovery Network, which will begin phased implementation of a re-envisioned route map in Summer of 2025. The Route 790 will be in place for the upcoming fall and spring academic semesters and then be transitioned into a new route map that is currently under public review.
“We heard the community and are reintegrating the Route 790 as soon as staffing levels have permitted,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener, “While many routes serve the UNM area, this route improvement will serve CNM’s main campus for the academic year before we transition into even better connectivity in our Recovery Network.”
“This route is an improvement and step in the right direction,” said Transit Principal Planner Andrew de Garmo, “Bringing back service means that we can serve more people.”
Route schedules and ABQ RIDE Forward information can be found on ABQRIDE.com.
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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.