ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Public transportation in Albuquerque is getting a fresh look as the city begins upgrading dozens of bus stops with newly designed “Smart Shelters.” Officials say the changes aim to improve safety, modernize the rider experience, and address long-standing concerns about how shelters are being used.
For years, many residents have voiced frustration that bus stops often became gathering places for people who had no intention of boarding a bus. That misuse sometimes left riders standing outside shelters rather than inside them. “It’s not unusual for someone to skip waiting in a shelter because it was being occupied by someone not planning to use transit,” explained Patrick Martin of the city’s Transit Advisory Board.
A Sleeker, Safer Design
The city hopes its new shelters will curb those issues. Unlike the traditional enclosed stops, the Smart Shelters feature a wall-free, open design that makes them easier to monitor. Matthew Wheelan, Albuquerque’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the importance of visibility: “These shelters allow APD to do quick drive-bys without the barriers of enclosed walls. It’s a safety upgrade as much as it is a comfort upgrade for riders.”
Along with improved sight lines, the Smart Shelters are being equipped with solar-powered LED lighting to brighten the stops at night and tamper-resistant trash cans to cut down on litter.
Technology Enhancements
Half of the shelters will also come with digital display screens offering real-time updates. These screens provide bus arrival times, location details, weather conditions, and service alerts. Riders who need assistance can even have the information read aloud in either English or Spanish at the press of a button.
Transit Director Leslie Keener showcased one of the new models at a demonstration outside the International District Library. “You’ll be able to see the exact location, the time of day, and the next three bus arrivals,” Keener explained. “We think this will make waiting for a bus more convenient and less stressful for riders.”
Revitalizing the Central Avenue Corridor
Beyond rider safety and convenience, city leaders see the project as a way to beautify Albuquerque’s busiest transit corridor. Many of the existing shelters along Central Avenue are more than a decade old, showing heavy wear and patchwork repairs.
“Anyone driving down Central can see the shelters are aging, and some are in poor condition,” Keener said. “This project gives the corridor a fresh, modern look while supporting the community’s needs.”
Reusing the Old Shelters
The city isn’t discarding the outdated shelters entirely. Instead, they plan to repurpose them in other neighborhoods where bus stop structures are needed. Wheelan praised the decision as both cost-effective and environmentally conscious: “Rather than throwing them away, we’re moving them where they can still serve a purpose.”
Timeline for Completion
Work is already underway, with 14 Smart Shelters expected to be completed by the end of this year. By summer, the city plans to have replaced 41 more shelters along Central Avenue.
The initiative reflects Albuquerque’s ongoing commitment to making public transit not only functional but also safe, clean, and appealing to residents. As the new shelters appear across the city, officials hope they will not only improve the transit experience but also create a more welcoming and modern urban environment.
