The Rio Metro Regional Transit District, working with the Mid-Region Council of Governments and local stakeholders, has identified a potential north-south Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route that would link the UNM/CNM/Sunport corridor. This area contains some of the state’s biggest and busiest destinations: UNM Hospital, UNM North, Main, and South campuses, CNM Main Campus, the regional sports facilities, and the Sunport, as well as many nearby neighborhoods and businesses.
Project Team Work
The project team is examining potential Bus Rapid Transit features, such as bus-only lanes, advanced buses that are more attractive and easier to board, and comfortable stations with ticket machines and real-time arrival information. The team will also recommend land use and parking policies that would support transit use, walking, and biking in the area.
Next Step
The study kicked off in June 2012, and the Draft Locally Preferred Alternative was released in September 2013. The next step is to submit the project to the Federal Transit Administration for acceptance to conduct Project Development activities, including additional environmental review, engineering, and additional bicycle, pedestrian and land use planning.