An Albuquerque city councilor wants a change in federal rules so the city can make fixes with it long-cussed and discussed Albuquerque Rapid Transit system.
City Desk ABQ reports that councilor Louie Sanchez seeks federal grant amendments in the 2025 transportation bill. He said the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus line is harming businesses along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) instead of helping.
Business owners along the city’s stretch of Route 66 blame ART’s design — especially limited left-turn access — for lost customers and a wave of vacancies.
Sanchez said current law could force Albuquerque to repay up to $100 million in federal “clawbacks” if it makes major changes to the project, even if the goal is to fix problems. Without more flexibility, he warned, Central Avenue could continue to decline just as Route 66’s centennial approaches.
“We’re seeing a lot of doors closed, a lot of businesses have closed their doors,” Sanchez said. “One of the constituents brought to my attention that he had gone down Central and counted 150 businesses that were closed on Route 66, this same individual was wanting to enjoy the celebration for the centennial of Route 66 and instead, he was worried that we’re not doing enough on Central to make it look like a celebration.”
The story goes on to report that ART — in addition to a lengthy construction period that disrupted businesses along that corridor — did not bring the economic boost that city leaders had predicted.
One particular champion of ART was former mayor Richard Berry. His political stock plummeted so badly since ART was started, he went from being mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate to a low-profile has-been when his term ended.
(Screen-capture image from William Archuleta video of two ART buses)
EVERYONE with any reason saw this coming as soon as they approved it. Don’t forget the wonderful Chinese busses that was part of this boondoggle.