Traffic Levels in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area Hold Steady

MRMPO tracks several key datasets and statistics through its Traffic Monitoring Program that relate to travel volumes and associated behavior. The new numbers are out for 2024 and reveal some interesting patterns. First, work-at-home trends that had ramped up during COVID continue to have an impact on reducing regional travel. Data from the US Census Bureau show that four years following the pandemic, approximately 13.3 percent of workers continue to work from home on most days, compared with just five percent in 2019; this amounts to 52,000 workers off the roads on most workdays. Second, the vehicle miles tracked in the region have been essentially unchanged over the past three years and remains approximately eight percent lower than 2019. Taken together, these figures present a potential opportunity to reevaluate how we accommodate regional travel need today and into the future. However, there is a complexity to the issue that planners and engineers face when considering the region’s mobility needs and travel options. 

Chart 1: Trends in Regional Population and Daily Average VMT

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New Socioeconomic Forecast Dashboard Tool

MRMPO’s socioeconomic forecast data is now available in a new online interactive dashboard. This dashboard replaces the map that was previously available, creating a more user-friendly experience with added functionality, including the ability to view county summaries, customize sub-zone selection, and download data directly from the dashboard.

The socioeconomic forecast provides predictions about changes in population, housing, and employment by sector between the years 2020 and 2045. Estimates are broken down geographically by county as well as by Data Analysis Subzone (DASZ). DASZs are small geographic units designed to provide location-specific insights into potential trends and travel demand.

You can find the dashboard, as well as accompanying information about the forecasting methodology, on MRCOG’s website. 

MRMPO Welcomes New Staff

Tyler Hanson, Transportation Planner

Tyler Hanson joined MRMPO as a Transportation Planner in November. He will be working on the Congestion Management Process, the Project Evaluation Process, and the Long Range Transportation Systems Guide.

Tyler holds graduate degrees in urban planning and transportation from the University of New Orleans. Prior to joining MRMPO, he worked as a municipal planner in Nevada.

Amelia Horton, Planner

Amelia Horton joined MRMPO as a Planner in December. She will be focusing on public outreach and engagement, as well as working on updates to the Long Range Transportation Systems Guide and the Parcel Database.

Amelia holds a master’s degree in geographic information science (GIS) from the University of Denver. She previously worked as a GIS Intern at Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Chicago area’s MPO. 

MRMPO Assistance Available for 2026 BUILD Grant Applications

USDOT recently released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the fiscal year 2026 BUILD Grant. This grant can provide up to $25 million in funding for transportation planning and capital projects. Local agencies are encouraged to apply for grant funding for any applicable projects by the deadline of February 24^th, 2026. If your agency is in need of assistance with the application process, MRMPO may be able to help. MRMPO can assist by furnishing data required for the application or drafting letters of support.

For any inquiries pertaining to MRMPO assistance, please contact Kendra Montanari, Transportation Planning and Technical Services Manager, at kmontanari@mrcog-nm.gov.

NMDOT Active Transportation Plan Survey

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is creating an Active Transportation Plan to address the needs of our state’s pedestrians and cyclists and establish safety guidelines for future active transportation infrastructure projects on state roads. This plan builds upon previous plans, including the 2018 NMDOT Bike Plan and the 2021 NMDOT Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. It is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Now through January 31^st, you have the opportunity to provide feedback about your own active transportation needs and experiences in New Mexico via the Active Transportation General Needs Survey. The survey collects information about your comfort level with walking, biking, rolling, and crossing the street under various roadway design conditions. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and the information you provide plays a valuable role in shaping the future of active transportation in our state.

In addition to filling out the survey, you can contact NMDOT with questions, comments, or ideas about the plan by emailing dot-activetransportationplan@dot.nm.gov.

ABQ RIDE Connect Microtransit Service Expansion

ABQ RIDE’s on-demand microtransit service, ABQ RIDE Connect, has expanded service to cover more destinations in the Rio Grande Zone. The new service area extends east to I-25, adding coverage to destinations like the Montaño Transit Center and Jefferson Commons. The expansion also increases transportation options for residents of Gateway Recovery, a micro-community that provides housing to people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder. 

ABQ RIDE Connect has been operating in the previous boundaries of the Rio Grande Service Area, as well as the Southwest Mesa Service Area, since March of 2024. It connects communities with important destinations including fixed-route transit stops, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities.

The service can be accessed on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. by booking a free ride in the ABQ RIDE GO! App. 

ABQ RIDE Forward: Improvements to the Bus System Underway

ABQ RIDE is implementing a new plan to bring increased service frequency and expanded coverage to the bus system over the next several years. The first phase of the 16-phase plan took effect on December 13^th, with changes to the following routes: 5, 8, 10, 11, 36, 53, 54, 66, and 198. The changes include adjustments to bus frequency, route changes, and the addition of new service on Sundays. Further phases of implementation are planned to take effect later this year through late 2029.

For more information about how your route may be affected now or in the future, please visit the ABQ RIDE Forward: Implementation webpage, or contact customer service at 505-243-RIDE. 

Bernalillo County Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Action Plan Draft Now Available

Bernalillo County has published the draft version of their new Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Action Plan. The plan focuses on vulnerable community areas in unincorporated Bernalillo County, selected through analysis of equity criteria and transportation insecurity metrics. In addition to providing general recommendations for bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements for all county infrastructure projects, it allocates over $18 million in funding to 27 specific projects in selected vulnerable community areas. 

For questions or comments about the plan, please contact Julie Luna, Transportation Planner at (505) 377-7136 or jaluna@bernco.gov. 

AARP Community Challenge Grant Funding Available

Applications are now open for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. Organizations may seek grant funding for a wide variety of projects, including improvements to public places, transportation, safety, housing, internet access, and disaster preparedness. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and other organizations on a case-by-case basis. Applications must be submitted by March 4, 2026 at 3pm MT for consideration. To learn more or submit an application, please visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Please direct any questions to the AARP Community Challenge team at communitychallenge@aarp.org. 

Upcoming Meetings and MRCOG Office Closures

Friday, January 16 (10:00AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting-CANCELED

Monday, January 19 (all day): MRCOG Offices Closed

Friday, February 6 (1:30PM): Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting

Monday, February 16 (all day): MRCOG Offices Closed

Friday, February 20 (10:00AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting

Friday, March 6 (1:30PM): Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting

Friday, March 20 (10:00AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting

Please see the Mid-Region Council of Governments website for details and the full calendar of meetings. To arrange special accommodations for attending meetings, please notify the MRCOG office by phone at (505) 247-1750 or email kbenavidez@mrcog-nm.gov seven days prior to the meeting.

Please note that Travel Times is now published on a quarterly schedule with issues released in approximately January, April, July, and October. If you have any questions regarding newsletter articles or suggestions for future content, please do not hesitate to contact Amelia Horton by email at ahorton@mrcog-nm.gov.