Safety & Security
ABQ RIDE has mobilized a multi-pronged approach to public safety on buses, at bus stops, and at transit facilities. Albuquerque faces public safety challenges and at ABQ RIDE, we recognize that there’s not a one-dimensional solution to safety. By leveraging the following safety partnerships and proactive efforts, as well as our Rules to Ride, a true One Albuquerque effort is working hard for you to ensure the community can enjoy their ride.
Safety Partnerships
Transit Safety Officers
A specialized APD unit responding to transit emergencies, enforcing the Rules to Ride, and supporting APD undercover operations to crack down on bus crimes at transit facilities
Police Service Aides
An APD unit riding City buses in areas with a higher incident concentrations and educating the public about the Rules to Ride
Metro Security Patrols
The City’s Metro Security Division patrols transit facilities such as the Alvarado Transportation Center where they provide 24/7 security and mobile unit support to proactively curb potential issues at transit locations. Find transit-related Metro Security Calls data.
Contracted Security
More than 45 contracted security personnel to safeguard bus stops, ART platforms, and transit centers
Albuquerque Community Safety and Albuquerque Fire Rescue
ABQ RIDE works closely with these partners to triage emergencies and meets bi-monthly for collaborative safety meetings
Broken Window Theory
Cleanliness Efforts
To maintain a system for the community to be proud of, ABQ RIDE invests in keeping facilities clean to beautify the transit system with:
- 300+ bus shelters repainted and replacement of bus stop signage
- Installation of epoxy flooring at ART stations for cleanliness and sanitation
- Beautification and landscaping at the Alvarado Transportation Center
- Mid-day bus cleaning at the Central & Unser Transit Center
Improved Lighting
Transit centers now feature bright LED lighting
Adopt-A-Stop
A volunteer program to help clean bus stops and ensure they are in good shape for riders and local businesses. Find program information.
Leveraging Technology
See Say App
An easy to download real-time reporting app that allows the public to report safety concerns in the transit system. Learn more about the See Say App.
Security Cameras on Buses
Every ABQ RIDE bus features up to 18 cameras
Surveillance Monitoring
Over 2,700 cameras are installed in the transit system and monitored by APD’s Real Time Crime Center
Radios
A new radio system has been implemented radios for instant communication from bus drivers to dispatch for faster emergency response times
Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector pilot program is launched on select buses and will soon be implemented on every bus in the fleet
Policies
Rules to Ride
ABQ RIDE’s code of conduct is enforced by transit safety partnerships; all riders are expected to respect the system and use facilities for their intended purposes. Read the Rules to Ride.
Suspension Policy
On October 1, 2024, ABQ RIDE launched a Suspension Policy to suspend any individuals engaging in inappropriate and disruptive behavior from the transit system in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for passengers and staff. Read the Suspension Policy.
Looking Forward
Long Range Security Study
The City is undergoing a study to examine current safety efforts and to provide long-term safety solutions by the end of 2024.
Please Report Issues When You See Them!
Please use the See Say app or 911 if you spot something at a bus stop that is not in line with our Rules to Ride. Citizen reporting is critical to inform where further action needs to be taken and for strategic resource allocation.