Building on ART's Foundation to Create a World-Class Transit System
Learn About ART Integration →The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) currently operates along Central Avenue with dedicated lanes, modern stations, and signal priority. While ART has improved transit speed and reliability, the streetcar network will address key limitations:
| Feature | Current ART | Proposed Streetcar | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Spacing | 0.5-1 mile apart | 0.3-0.5 mile apart | Better local business access |
| Platform Design | Center-running, raised | Curbside, level boarding | Direct storefront access |
| Vehicle Capacity | 60-80 passengers | 120-150 passengers | Higher capacity for growth |
| Ride Quality | Diesel/CNG buses | Electric rail | Smoother, quieter ride |
| Development Impact | Moderate | High (3-5x investment) | Greater economic development |
| Operating Cost/Hour | $150-180 | $200-250 | Higher capacity offsets cost |
This proposal outlines a comprehensive modern streetcar network for Albuquerque that builds upon the existing ART (Albuquerque Rapid Transit) infrastructure. Rather than disrupting the successful BRT system, our phased approach will initially complement ART with parallel streetcar service, then gradually transition key corridors to streetcar operation as ridership grows and infrastructure matures. This strategy minimizes business disruption while creating a world-class transit network that serves local businesses and neighborhoods.
The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) currently operates along Central Avenue with dedicated lanes, modern stations, and signal priority. While ART has improved transit speed and reliability, the streetcar network will address key limitations:
| Feature | Current ART | Proposed Streetcar | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Spacing | 0.5-1 mile apart | 0.3-0.5 mile apart | Better local business access |
| Platform Design | Center-running, raised | Curbside, level boarding | Direct storefront access |
| Vehicle Capacity | 60-80 passengers | 120-150 passengers | Higher capacity for growth |
| Ride Quality | Diesel/CNG buses | Electric rail | Smoother, quieter ride |
| Development Impact | Moderate | High (3-5x investment) | Greater economic development |
| Operating Cost/Hour | $150-180 | $200-250 | Higher capacity offsets cost |
Our phased approach ensures continuous transit service throughout construction:
Route: Old Town → Downtown → UNM → Nob Hill (12.5 miles, 25 stations)
ART Integration: Shares infrastructure, adds 15 intermediate stops for local access
Key Destinations: Museums, Downtown offices, University, Entertainment district
Route: Alameda → Sawmill District → Rail Yards → Downtown (8.2 miles, 16 stations)
Connects: North Valley communities to downtown employment
Key Destinations: Sawmill Market, Rail Yards, Museums, Government offices
Route: Montgomery → Uptown → Midtown → Central (11.8 miles, 24 stations)
Purpose: North-south connector serving major shopping and medical facilities
Key Destinations: Uptown shopping, Medical offices, Strip malls
Route: Old Town → Presbyterian → UNM Hospital → CNM (10.3 miles, 21 stations)
Focus: Healthcare and education access
Key Destinations: Major hospitals, UNM campus, CNM campus
Route: Westside → Journal Center → Montgomery Plaza → Foothills (16.7 miles, 33 stations)
Purpose: East-west connector across metro area
Key Destinations: Major employment centers, Shopping areas
Route: Westside → National Hispanic Cultural Center → South Valley (18.5 miles, 37 stations)
Focus: Equity and cultural connectivity
Key Destinations: Cultural centers, Historic neighborhoods, Community services
Direct curbside access to shops and restaurants without barriers
$3-5 of private investment for every $1 of public investment
Level boarding for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes
Electric operation reduces air pollution and carbon footprint
Preserves street-level activity and walkable communities
10-15% increase within 0.25 miles of stations
Creating 18,000 jobs and generating $12.6B in private development
*Savings from reusing existing ART infrastructure, stations, and right-of-way
For comparison: Current ART ridership is approximately 2.5M annually
Learning from ART's construction challenges, our approach prioritizes business continuity:
Launch public input process with neighborhood meetings, business forums, and online surveys
Submit FTA Capital Investment Grant application for Red Line pilot project
Begin NEPA process and environmental impact studies
Complete 30% design for Phase 1 corridors
ART service will continue uninterrupted during streetcar construction. We'll work primarily at night and on weekends, completing small segments quickly to minimize disruption. Real-time updates will be provided through our app and website.
ART buses will be redeployed to new rapid transit corridors as streetcars come online. The existing stations and dedicated lanes will be adapted for dual use during the transition period, maximizing our infrastructure investment.
We'll implement a unified fare system allowing seamless transfers between all transit modes. Monthly passes will work on both systems, and contactless payment will make boarding quick and easy.
The funding strategy relies primarily on federal grants (40%), state transportation funds (20%), and value capture from new development (25%). Any local contribution would come from existing transportation bonds already approved by voters.
Each streetcar can carry 150 passengers, replacing up to 100 cars during peak hours. With 45 million annual trips projected by 2035, we'll remove approximately 30,000 daily car trips from our roads.
The Albuquerque Modern Streetcar Network represents our city's commitment to sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and quality of life for all residents. By building on ART's foundation and learning from its challenges, we can create a world-class transit system that serves our community for generations.
Quiet, clean, and efficient
$12.6B in new investment
150,000 tons less CO₂ annually