What free transit looks like in Albuquerque, nearly two years after the city eliminated fares
BERNALILLO COUNTY, NEW MEXICO, JUL 31 – Nearly 90% of Albuquerque bus riders earn less than $35,000 annually and ridership rose 20% over three years, officials said.
- In November 2023, Albuquerque permanently adopted a zero-fare transit system, providing free bus rides to residents citywide.
- The city launched zero-fare transit after piloting it in 2022 to increase access for low-income residents and address ridership declines.
- Nearly 90% of Albuquerque’s bus riders have incomes under $35,000 annually, and many rely on transit for work, health care, and housing access.
- Christopher Ramirez emphasized that following the elimination of fares, the priority should be to increase service frequency specifically in areas with the greatest demand.
- The zero-fare system boosted ridership by 20% and helped ABQ Ride serve seven million passengers in 2024, prompting continued budget support and service expansion plans.
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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 Sources29
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
C 89%
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