To reinforce its commitment to public safety, Albuquerque, New Mexico’s ABQ RIDE is launching an internal campaign, “Drive Safe, Ride Safe,” to ensure the transit system’s culture of safety starts with its staff.

The campaign will run for 12 months.

“Improved public safety for our transit system depends on strong leadership,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By starting with safety inside our organization, that culture will spread to every bus route and van ride in town.”

ABQ RIDE’s Drive Safe, Ride Safe Program

The campaign includes a commitment from all managers to encourage safe practices among staff; a department-wide survey to gauge safety perceptions; the formation of a new safety committee; monthly safety audits; safety talks and modernized training; and tangible safety solutions based on survey feedback.

“Our team is building a culture that’s fanatical about safety. That means considering it in every meeting, every time we step onto a bus, and every time we drive out of the yard at night,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “By going back to the basics like slip, trip, and fall prevention, we’re fostering a department where safety is always the priority.”

According to the Victoria Transit Policy Institute, driving a car is far more dangerous than taking transit in terms of crash risk and crime.

ABQ RIDE is focused on addressing preventable safety issues, especially falls, which accounted for approximately 34% of department accidents in 2025. There were 264 accidents in 2025, 44% of which were preventable, and this campaign aims to cut that number by 15%, according to agency officials.

“In the transit industry, we often talk about schedules and ridership. While those matters are secondary to one thing: the safety of our team and the people we serve,” said Transit Safety Compliance Specialist Michael Kitchen. “Our department is working to be a proactive, safety-first environment, which translates to improved safety for the public.”

What’s Next

ABQ RIDE officials said riders should expect new safety announcements on buses, illuminated bus floors during boarding and exiting, more high-visibility safety signage, public invitations to annual town halls on transit safety, and safety tips on its website.

“There are risks in any form of transportation, but ABQ RIDE is dedicated to a culture of safety to provide better rides in Albuquerque,” said Transit Deputy Director Mike Davis. “We are working with our entire staff, from drivers and mechanics to IT, to promote the ‘three Ps’: pause, proactive, and patience.”