Albuquerque Retires Christmas Eve Luminaria Bus Tour, Eyes Safer Alternatives

Albuquerque’s ABQ RIDE will stop its Christmas Eve Luminaria Bus Tour due to high costs and a history of unused tickets (about 62% on average over the last decade). The tour cost roughly $200,000 to serve 586 attendees (about $341 per person), and as a zero-fare system, ABQ RIDE cannot offset expenses with fare revenue. The city and neighborhood groups are exploring alternatives like a walking tour or a revised bus route, while preserving the luminaria tradition and giving transit staff more holiday time with their families.