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
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.
More policies coming soon!
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 provide your feedback before August 23, 2024.
Please Report Issues When You See Them!
Please call 243-RIDE 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.