ABQ Ride launched a new app on Monday for its microtransit program

Key Takeaways

ABQ Ride launched the new “ABQ Ride Go!” app on Monday.The app targets the Southwest Mesa and Rio Grande corridor areas with free rides.Riders on the microtransit program say they are happy with the service.The “Teeniors” group says it is ready to help senior citizens learn how to use the app.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The latest ride-sharing app picking up people from their doorsteps in Albuquerque isn’t Uber, it’s on the city of Albuquerque’s dime.

“Microtransit is a growing national trend,” said Madeline Skrak, ABQ Ride’s public information officer. “People are really onboarding this in different transit systems to supplement areas where there’s fewer fixed route services.”

The new microtransit app launched on Monday. It’s tailored toward giving the Southwest Mesa and Rio Grande corridor on-demand rides from their doorsteps to their chosen destination. The city says the new app optimizes routes every 20 seconds, looking into traffic patterns, driver availability and cancellations to make rides as quick and efficient as possible.

“You can use ABQ ride connect to take you straight from your doorstep anywhere around the zone that you’re in,” said Skrak. “So, if you live in the southwest Mesa zone, you can have them actually pick you up at your doorstep and take you anywhere within that zone that you need to go.”

Downloading the app

Now that the app is live, passengers can download “ABQ Ride Go!” from the App store from their iPhones or Google Play and start riding — or call 234-RIDE. The free service runs from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday.

ABQ Ride told KOB that by Monday evening on the first day of the app, at least 25 people hitched a ride with the electric vans. They say more than 400 people have created accounts with the ABQ Ride Go! app.

Servicing areas with fewer bus routes

ABQ Ride’s microtransit program serves areas with fewer regular bus routes, giving riders like Serafin and her daughter free trips to run errands, like picking up their family’s groceries from Walmart.

KOB took a ride along with them.

“Pos porque ya no batallo de andar con el cartito jalando,” said Serafin (because I no longer struggle taking a cart), who takes the microtransit service twice a week.

“My mom’s saying because she doesn’t struggle taking a cart,” said her daughter, translating for her. “The van picks her up and drops her at her house.”

“Los choferes son muy buenos,” Serafin said (the drivers are very good). “Muy amables,” (very friendly).

“Yeah, they’re very nice,” her daughter translated. “They’re nice. They’re caring.”

“It’s really helpful for people like where they want to go, they can go,” said ABQ Connect Driver Muhammed. “We pick them up from the house, from curb to curb, and drop them in this zone, everywhere where they want to go. Before that they have to come to bus stops and wait for the bus.”

“Teeniors” ready to assist with navigating new app

“Teeniors,” a group dedicated to helping Albuquerque senior citizens navigate technology, says it’s ready to assist with the new app.

Teeniors’ mission is to connect teens with older adults to help them with technology.

“I am certainly familiar with the fact that everything in our society is becoming more digital, like you are living in an increasingly digital age whether you like it or not. And so, that’s why our goal is to empower people,” says Trish Lopez, the founder of Teeniors.

“We will show you how to download the app, we will show you how to create an account, we will show you how to use it,” Lopez says.

Lopez says Teeniors has partnered with the City of Albuquerque for years. Seniors who are interested in receiving help from Teeniors to use the new app have several options to contact them or sign up for help.

“We are at all 9 senior centers and Multi-Gen centers every other month. We are at 6, the most popular, the busiest ones every single month,” Lopez says.

Teeniors has a listing of their schedule on their website. Lopez says Seniors can also RSVP with their senior center to get a free coaching session to learn how to use the app.

Seniors can also call (505) 600-1297 to reach out for help.

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