ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Martin Chávez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne announced today two summer programs designed to provide the whole family with transportation options for activities, concerts, shopping and entertainment. 
 
“Transit should be more than providing basic services,” said Mayor Chávez.  “The City of Albuquerque also offers transportation alternatives to citizens of all ages for a variety of activities and events.”
 
   •  Rapid After Dark is a late-night extension of the Rapid Ride “Red Line” service on Central Avenue.  It runs every 20 minutes from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m.  The Rapid After Dark service begins May 23, 2008 and will continue Friday and Saturday nights until September 21, 2008.  The fare is $1 per trip, but for only $15, a VIP pass can be purchased that can be used for Rapid After Dark trips all summer.  In addition the pass offers discounts at some of the restaurants and business along the Red Line route.  Free parking is available at the park and ride facilities at the Uptown Transit Center near Coronado Mall and at the corner of Central and Unser.
   
   •  The Summer Fun Pass, now on sale, is for children from the ages of five to eighteen and provides unlimited access to all ABQ RIDE buses through August 31, 2008.  The $13 pass also contains coupons and discounts for food, bowling, swimming, miniature golf, a batting cage, museums, haircuts, skateboard equipment, the zoo and arcades. The pass is valued at more than $200.
 
“Summer is a time for fun,” said Director Payne.  “ABQ RIDE wants to be there to help people enjoy the summer while avoiding the high price of gas and congested streets.”
 
The Rapid After Dark and Summer Fun Passes can be purchased at the information booths at Coronado or Cottonwood Mall, Albertsons, the Alvarado Transportation Center and the City Treasurer’s office.  For details on all of the summer programs, log on to www.cabq.gov/transit, or call 243-RIDE (7433).