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1. What is Bus Rapid Transit or BRT?

Bus Rapid Transit refers to high-end bus services that provide a fast, comfortable, and convenient way to travel. BRT can include any or all of these features:

• Bus lanes that allow buses to avoid traffic jams, making trips faster and more reliable.
• Frequent and fast service so that riders don’t have to wait long for the next bus.
• Longer hours to allow more people to ride.
• Queue-jump lanes that can give buses a head start over cars, reducing the wait time at red lights.
• Sleek, advanced buses that are safe, comfortable, and easier to board. These buses may be branded with a specific logo or identity to distinguish them from regular bus service.
• Well-designed bus stations that provide shade structures, ticket machines, and real-time arrival information. These stations can be located next to the road or in the median. Stations can also be raised so they are level with the bus floor, allowing people with wheelchairs, strollers, or bikes to roll straight onto the bus.

See how BRT works in other cities.

2. What routes are under consideration?

The draft Locally Preferred Alternative, released in September 2013, is shown in this map. It would run primarily down University Boulevard from Menaul to Avenida Cesar Chavez, where it would zig east to Yale and connect to the Sunport. Alternatively, if the existing UNM South park-and-ride lot were relocated from Avenida Cesar Chavez to University, the route would follow University all the way to Gibson, as shown by the dashed line. Most of this route would consist of bus-only lanes. More information will be posted in the next few days.

View a map of route options (PDF).

3. How were routes identified?

Local stakeholders identified a “long list” of potential routes in January 2013. These routes were evaluated based on their potential productivity and vetted through a series of public meetings. The lowest-performing routes were discarded, and a “short list” was presented to the public in April and May. Since then, the routes have been narrowed further based on more detailed analysis and feedback from the public and institutions such as UNM, CNM, and the City of Albuquerque.

To view the earlier routes, visit our Materials page.

4. How can I get involved?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please visit the Get Involved page to reach the project team, email us to sign up for email updates, or follow us on Facebook. The next round of public meetings will take place in September, so check this website for updates.

5. Who is leading the study?

The Mid-Region Council of Governments is managing the study. MRCOG is partnering closely with:

• Bernalillo County
• City of Albuquerque
• CNM
• Rio Metro Regional Transit District
• The Sunport
• UNM

Parsons Brinckerhoff is the lead consultant, working with Better Foundations and Planning Technologies.

6. Where can I learn more?

You can learn more by viewing:

• Background: Learn more about the study area.
• Bus Rapid Transit: Learn about potential transit features and how they work in other cities.
• Get Involved: Contact us directly and stay informed on the latest news and updates.
• Materials: View handouts, slideshows, maps, and more.