Transit Plan
Rio Metro is the regional transit service planning effort for Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia counties.

You spoke, Rio Metro listened. During the public input effort in 2008 you told Rio Metro that there are six elements that must be included in any regional transit and financial plan:

1. More direct service (faster transit travel times)
2. Transit connections to regional transit services (such as the New Mexico Rail Runner Express)
3. Transit service within your neighborhood and community
4. Courteous and polite customer service
5. Affordable funding plan
6. Service and cost options

Types of Transit
High Capacity Transit Service (for example, New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the City of Albuquerque's Rapid Ride) includes trains, buses, or vehicle technology designed to speedily carry large numbers of passengers to and from common origins and destinations. This mode often operates in a defined corridor with relatively high population or employment density.

Commuter/Express Bus Service (for example, New Mexico Park-and-Ride and ABQ Ride) is designed to transport passengers to large employment centers or other regionally significant destinations. This type of service is characterized by a limited number of passenger stops in order to maintain high average operating speeds, and also utilizes park-and-ride facilities.

Local Fixed Route Bus Service (for example, ABQ Ride) is successful in both urban and rural areas. Local bus routes typically stop every quarter mile or closer, and operate on a regular schedule.

Neighborhood Circulator Serviceis similar to the local fixed route bus, but is typically provided with smaller vehicles capable of directly accessing neighborhoods. This type of service is intended to connect residents with nearby destinations such as schools, shopping, and work or to other transit services such as a local fixed route or express bus to access regional destinations.

Flex Route Service (for example, Sandoval Easy Express) operates on a regular schedule like the local fixed route bus, but a flex route bus may leave its route to pick up or drop off passengers at locations within a pre-defined proximity of the route.

Demand Response Service can most closely be compared to a public taxi service. These systems provide door-to-door or curb-to-curb service, but passengers will often have to share their trip with others.

About the Board of Directors
The Rio Metro board of directors lis responsible for carrying out the functions conferred by the provisions of the state's Regional Transit District Act.

These functions include the establishment of a regional transit system that is compatible with established state and local transportation plans; the development of policies and procedures to support the establishment of this system; and the development of a sound financial plan that provides for the capital, operating and maintenance requirements of this system.

The Board of Directors understands that the regional transit district has a need for public transportation services that address both local and regional needs. In order to provide public transportation services that address these needs and as a means to allow maximum local community input, Service Sector Councils have been formed.

These councils will assist in developing service plans, assist in monitoring operational performances, and provide input on local and regional public transportation needs.

The following governmental entities constitute Rio Metro:
County of Sandoval
County of Bernalillo
County of Valencia
City of Albuquerque
City of Rio Rancho
City of Belen
Town of Bernalillo
Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Village of Bosque Farms
Village of Los Lunas
Village if Corrales