U.S. Department of Transportation Provides $4.6 Million for Transit in Albuquerque

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a $4.6 million grant to the city of Albuquerque Transit Department for continued construction of its West Side Transit Facility.

Located on a 24.4-acre site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the new facility will relieve overcrowded conditions at the South Side Facility caused by the expansion of transit service in this rapidly growing urban area.

“Sound transportation investments improve service and contribute to economic development,” said FTA Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn. “Today, the Bush Administration does its part to help Albuquerque meet its future transit needs, as its size and economy continue to grow.

 “Thousands of people rely each day on our city’s mass transit system to get to work or school,” said Congresswoman Heather Wilson.  “Mass-transit serves as a safety net for people who have to get to work and have trouble finding reliable transportation on their own.  It’s important that we have a reliable system people can count on when they need to get to work.  This significant federal investment in transit on the Westside reflects our commitment to placing resources where they're most needed.”

When completed, the West Side Transit Facility complex will include a covered storage area and maintenance facility that will accommodate 150 buses and vans. The complex also will have a vehicle service facility that will provide compressed natural gas, diesel and gasoline fueling services for buses, vans and service vehicles.

The West Side Transit Facility will include amenities like bus washers and an administrative building to accommodate daily operations. Additional project construction activities will include parking areas, paving and landscaping, utility extensions, and security enhancements.