Google Maps Is Now ABQ Ride’s Trip Planner of Choice

Dec. 23, 2014
“Plan My Ride” option still available in several places on ABQ Ride’s website.

If you’re planning your bus trip online and click on Trip Planning on ABQ Ride’s website, you’ll now automatically be directed to Google Maps. It’s the Internet search engine’s tool to show you how to get from one point to another in Albuquerque by using transit (or if you so choose, bicycle, walking, or auto).

Whether you use ABQ Ride’s website, smartphone app or Google Maps app to access ABQ Ride’s Trip Planning feature, you will see a number of icons on the top of your screen. The “bus” icon will put you in position to list your starting and ending points, along with different bus routes available.

ABQ Ride originally formed its partnership with Google in May, 2011 to take advantage of the burgeoning smartphone market in Albuquerque. Just by using Google Maps on a smartphone or personal computer, bus riders could then get step by step directions for taking trips on ABQ Ride.

This includes how to plan a trip from Point A to Point B in the city and which bus routes to take.  The individualized trip plan also comes with an itinerary, step-by-step transit directions, maps and a calculation of walking distances.  You can even click on the small, blue bus symbol Google has placed on its maps for every one of ABQ Ride’s designated bus stops- to get the next, regularly scheduled buses for that stop.

All ABQ Ride route, bus stop and schedule information is available online through Google Maps as well as in a smartphone application.

“We believe the ease of Google Maps, whether used with a smartphone, personal computer or in the ABQ Ride app, will help attract new riders; people who will quickly learn to use ABQ Ride as an alternative transportation option,” said Bruce Rizzieri, director of ABQ Ride.

In addition to Google Maps, riders can still access ABQ Ride’S Plan Your Ride online trip planner.