US EditionWhat free transit looks like in Albuquerque, nearly two years after the city eliminated fares
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, JUL 31 – Albuquerque’s zero-fare bus program serves mostly low-income riders, boosting transit use by 20% and restoring 78% of pre-pandemic ridership, city officials said.
- Recently, the City of Albuquerque made zero-fare transit permanent and retained its subsidy in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
- For residents facing homelessness and poverty, Rachel Biggs says transportation is a top barrier to accessing healthcare, jobs, and housing.
- Since its 2022 pilot, ABQ Ride reports ridership up nearly 90%, serving seven million riders in 2024—about 78% of pre-pandemic levels, with about $3 million in fare revenue.
- Many passengers now pay nothing for trips, as Wohlmuth, a 67-year-old rider, says each bus trip now costs zero dollars, saving her at least $20 a month.
- In the recently approved fiscal year 2026 budget, ABQ Ride plans to expand routes and increase frequency, with a recovery network targeting about 95% of pre-pandemic service levels.
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Helena Independent Record+26 Reposted by 26 other sources
What free transit looks like in Albuquerque, nearly two years after the city eliminated fares
Next City reports Albuquerque's zero-fare transit, made permanent in 2023, has boosted ridership by 20% and aids low-income residents.
·Helena, United States
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Total News Sources28
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center24Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
C 89%
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