Albuquerque's Recently Opened Bus Rapid Transit Line Sets a New Standard

Overcoming lawsuits and controversy, Albuquerque opened the Albuquerque Rapid Transit to partial service over the holiday weekend.

1 minute read

November 28, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) electric bus launched partial operation, celebrating the occasion offering free service to and from the Albuquerque BioPark’s River of Lights event on Friday and Saturday nights.

Maddy Hayden and Matthew Reisen report on the first days of the new service over the holiday weekend. "There was one hiccup, however: On Saturday evening, an ART bus shuttling riders to the show collided with a car whose driver made an illegal left turn, said ART Project Manager Dayna Crawford."

As noted in the article, the $126 million project has faced controversy and lawsuits on its path to opening day. The project also still has work to do: "Construction on the controversial project that involves connecting around 10 miles of Central from Unser to Louisiana via fully electric, articulated buses is expected to be completed by the beginning of next year."

In one additional bit of news that will appeal to public transit enthusiasts, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy awarded ART the Gold Standard for Bus Rapid Transit Standard. "It’s the first BRT system in the country to receive the top designation," according to Hayden and Reisen.

Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Albuquerque Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog