The city of Albuquerque, N.M., unveiled a demo bus at ABQ RIDE’s Daytona facility on June 12. The 60-foot articulated, five-door, clean diesel bus will eventually serve on Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) routes.
ABQ RIDE logs a daily average of 160,000 passenger miles on its buses and when the ART routes begin, which is anticipated in late 2019, they are expected to deliver quick and efficient bus service, offering increased dependability and timeliness for passengers by using dedicated lanes to boost the frequency of bus operations.
The demo bus is one of 10 Xcelsior buses originally ordered in December 2018 from New Flyer of America Inc. following the city’s return of electric battery buses ordered from another manufacturer that the city said failed to meet performance and safety standards.
The buses will be outfitted with Q’Straint’s Quantum wheelchair securement, automatic passenger counters, a fare box and six inside bike racks. The demo vehicle currently has a turquoise colored base, which will eventually be painted with a design that city officials say will reflect the spirit of New Mexico.
“Our administration’s hard work throughout last year has enabled the city to obtain buses for the ART project in roughly six months, and saved taxpayers money,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “These buses will also have a new distinctively New Mexico look; something to better reflect our Burqueño spirit.”
The demo bus has passed the Altoona Testing as required by the Federal Transportation Administration and is equipped with all of the necessary safety certifications. Albuquerque officials explained that the demo bus will receive a post-delivery inspection to ensure all mechanical and air conditioning/heating equipment is working.
The city and ABQ RIDE have also exercised an option to order 10 additional 60-foot Xcelsior buses from New Flyer with an option remaining the contract for 10 more buses. New Flyer explains that the buses are specifically designed for high capacity transit, providing full accessibility and efficient entry and exit through level platform-to-bus boarding.
“We are very proud to receive this additional order from Albuquerque in support of their ABQ RIDE service built to reduce urban congestion with high capacity BRT buses,” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer of America.
Delivery of the buses is expected to complete this year.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
