Transportation & Connectivity

Situational Analysis

Albuquerque, known for its distance between neighborhoods, faces unique transportation challenges that impact residents and visitors. Although most residents travel by private vehicle, traffic congestion in the city is minimal compared to other urban areas. Perhaps because of the ease of getting around by car, the 188-square-mile city has limited public transportation options, with a bus system serving as the main form of mass transit. While efforts have been made to improve public transportation infrastructure and expand service routes, gaps in coverage and frequency still exist.

Throughout the planning process and across engagement, competitive benchmarking and utilizing JLL products such as the Tourism Readiness Index, it was revealed that each of the city’s neighborhoods has a walkable environment, but they lack connectivity between one another, creating difficulty in traversing the city, especially for visitors. JLL also studied different modes of transportation and their availability in Albuquerque, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. The initial research showed that the overall walk score for the city is relatively low, at 43, yet the neighborhood-specific scores are high, with scores ranging from 60 to 88, indicating that the neighborhoods themselves are walkable. The overall transit score is even lower at 29, indicating that most errands require a car and there are limited public transportation options available.

These opportunities were echoed in the stakeholder survey, where respondents cited the sprawl and lack of walkability in Albuquerque as a significant weakness, leading to car dependency. Furthermore, the inadequate public transportation system, with limited routes and hours of operation, was identified as another weakness, hindering accessibility and convenience for both residents and tourists.

Despite these challenges, Albuquerque has made efforts to address transportation issues through investments in the expansion of the Rapid Ride bus service, Rail Runner, All Aboard America, and development of multi-use trails and exploration of transportation programs such as bike and scooter sharing programs. However, there is still an opportunity to create a more efficient, connected and sustainable transportation system. Enhancing inter-neighborhood connectivity, expanding public transportation options and improving walkability are critical steps in overcoming the limitations identified by stakeholders and improving the overall transportation experience in Albuquerque.

To this point, the project team met with Z-trip, an innovative mobility and ridesharing platform that seamlessly integrates with a city's existing transit infrastructure to enhance urban transportation and tourism experiences. Originally designed as a microtransit solution, Z-trip has evolved to offer a dual-purpose app that serves both residents and visitors. Throughout the engagement process, Z-trip expressed interest in expanding partnerships with the City and Visit Albuquerque to customize the app for providing a comprehensive city guide and transportation solution. This collaborative approach allows for the development of solutions that can connect various aspects of the visitor experience - from airport arrivals to local exploration - helping cities like Albuquerque create a more cohesive, accessible and enjoyable tourism ecosystem.

Collaboration among local stakeholders, transportation experts and community organizations will be essential in identifying and implementing effective strategies towards a more interconnected transportation network. By prioritizing investments in transportation infrastructure and focusing on public transportation enhancements, Albuquerque can improve accessibility, reduce car dependency and create a more enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors. The following recommendations have been developed based on competitive research, JLL products and outcomes, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement through focus groups, interviews with the relevant infrastructure-related entities and surveys.

Transportation and Connectivity Strategies and Recommendations