Bus service is planned that day to and from the celebration from two Park and Ride locations - one on the Westside at St. Pius X High School, 5301 St. Josephs Dr NW (and across the street at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande when the St. Pius lot is full) and on the Eastside at Coronado Center (west of Macy's parking lot on San Pedro).
"Once again, I urge people to take the Park and Rides to Freedom Fourth and leave the fireworks to the professionals," said Mayor Richard J. Berry. "It helps reduce fireworks-related problems on a very busy night for firefighters."
Bus service to Freedom Fourth will start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Return trips to the two Park and Ride locations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks show, with the last bus leaving the park at 11 p.m.
Round-trip cost for riding the bus is:
· $1 for adults
· 35 cents for honored citizens (62 years and older and disabled) and students ages 10-18
· Children nine and under ride free
· Cash only
· Exact change is needed and bus passes will not be honored for this event.
The following will not be allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park or on the Park and Ride buses:
Pets, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, weapons, fireworks, and open containers. You also cannot bring B-B-Q grills, camp stoves or other cooking devices or pop-up tents.
The following is allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park and on the Park and Ride buses:
Sealed plastic containers, blankets, strollers, umbrellas, picnic food and small compact chairs. Coolers and picnic baskets are subject to search prior to loading onto the Park and Ride buses.
"Let us be your own personal service to Freedom Fourth and leave behind the hassle of driving," said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE.