Rio Metro is the regional transit service planning effort that is underway in Sandoval, Bernalillo, and Valencia counties.

Public input is an integral part of this planning effort. Public input meetings allow citizens the opportunity to present views regarding transit services and possible methods to fund these services.  

Public Comment

There are no public meetings currently scheduled, but you can submit comments online. We want to hear from you!

Why Regional Transit?

Over the next 20 years, the region in which we live, work, and play is going to change dramatically. The addition of people and jobs will put pressure on our existing transportation system, increasing automobile travel time significantly. Similar to national trends, our population will grow older and need transportation to keep medical appointments, dates with grandchildren, and trips to the grocery store. Developing a transit service plan now will help reduce the impact of the changes that are going to come, while expanding the benefits of public transit to more people in the community.

Rio Metro PowerPoint presentation:  Bernalillo County 470.99 Kb
Rio Metro PowerPoint presentation:  Sandoval County 420.91 Kb

Travel Time Will Increase

The concentration of new jobs in Bernalillo County and population growth in surrounding counties will result in even more workers traveling between Bernalillo County and nearby areas. In 2004, it took approximately 45 minutes to drive from downtown Belen to Downtown Albuquerque. In 2025, it is estimated that the same trip will double—taking nearly an hour and a half.

Transportation Options for Everyone 

Ensuring that we can maintain a reasonable travel time between our homes and jobs in the future is just one reason we need to consider future transit service options. We also need to look at how people with disabilities and our aging population will get around.

Community Benefits 

The community can benefit in many ways from the availability of public transit alternatives:

• Better Mobility—Affordable access to services and places for everyone.
• Clearer Skies—Reduced driving results in a reduction of harmful auto emissions.
• Increased Savings—Auto ownership represents 19% of a typical household budget. Fewer dollars spent on transportation means more money available to spend on other things.

Types of Transit Service 

High Capacity Transit Service (for example, New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the City of Albuquerque's Rapid Ride) includes trains, buses, or vehicle technology designed to speedily carry large numbers of passengers to and from common origins and destinations. This mode often operates in a defined corridor with relatively high population or employment density.

Commuter/Express Bus Service (for example, New Mexico Park-and-Ride and ABQ Ride) is designed to transport passengers to large employment centers or other regionally signifi cant destinations. This type of service is characterized by a limited number of passenger stops in order to maintain high average operating speeds, and also utilizes park-and-ride facilities.

Local Fixed Route Bus Service (for example, ABQ Ride) is successful in both urban and rural areas. Local bus routes typically stop every quarter mile or closer, and operate on a regular schedule.

Neighborhood Circulator Serviceis similar to the local fixed route bus, but is typically provided with smaller vehicles capable of directly accessing neighborhoods. This type of service is intended to connect residents with nearby destinations such as schools, shopping, and work or to other transit services such as a local fixed route or express bus to access regional destinations.

Flex Route Service(for example, Sandoval Easy Express) operates on a regular schedule like the local fi  route bus, but a flex route bus may leave its route to pick up or drop off passengers at locations within a pre-defined proximity of the route.

Demand Response Service (for example, Los Lunas and Rio Transit) can most closely be compared to a public taxi service. These systems provide door-to-door or curb-to-curb service, but passengers will often have to share their trip with others.

Regional Transit Plan Goals

Regional transit services should address the growing demand for transportation services. The goals of the planning process include:

• Identify local community and regional public transit needs.
• Address the community’s transportation challenges through improved public transit alternatives.
• Develop land-use recommendations that identify and recognize the relationship between public transit ridership and land use.
• Develop an affordable funding plan that is sufficient to implement and maintain a regional public transit system.

Citizen Input Needed 

We need to know what your regional transit service needs are. We’re listening to the community and have set up an extensive public outreach program to accommodate your input. 

We are taking public comments online. Submit your comments today.

Contact:  If you want to arrange for a presentation, or if you would like to have a Rio Metro staff member attend an event, please contact: Bruce Rizzieri Regional Transit Manager ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )