Rio Grande Credit Union and MetroSMS Partner to Bring Free, Real-Time Bus Arrival Updates to Every Neighborhood in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sept. 28, 2026 — In a significant step forward for local community mobility, MetroSMS™ and Rio Grande Credit Union (RGCU) today announced a citywide partnership dedicated to making public transit easier, more reliable, and completely barrier-free for Albuquerque residents.

Through this 12-month community collaboration, Rio Grande Credit Union is directly underwriting free, real-time bus arrival updates across all 22 ABQ RIDE routes, 1,758 neighborhood bus stops, and the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) corridors along Central Avenue. Starting October 1st, anyone in Albuquerque can text or call a local phone number—(505) 448-8007—and receive exact, live bus countdowns in seconds, entirely free of charge.

A Simpler, More Accessible Way to Ride

For thousands of Albuquerque residents who ride the bus to get to work, medical appointments at UNMH or Lovelace, classes at UNM and CNM, or the grocery store, knowing when the next bus is coming can be the difference between making a shift on time or being left stranded in freezing winter weather or blazing summer heat.

While modern transit apps exist, they often leave behind the riders who need transit most: seniors unfamiliar with app stores, low-income families on restricted prepaid data plans, and commuters dealing with low batteries, cracked screens, or spotty cellular service.

This partnership eliminates those hurdles completely. Riders don’t need an expensive smartphone, an app download, or a cellular data connection. Whether using a modern iPhone, an older Android, or a basic $15 flip phone, riders simply text their intersection or landmark—like "4th & Central", "San Mateo & Lomas", or "Route 66"—to (505) 448-8007. The system immediately texts back exact arrival times. Riders can also dial the number to hear arrival times read out loud in clear English or Spanish.

“Albuquerque is a community where neighbors look out for one another. We created this service because no one should have to stand in the cold wondering when their bus will arrive just because their phone died, their screen cracked, or they don’t have mobile data. Rio Grande Credit Union stepped up to make sure every single rider across Albuquerque can check their bus for free. This partnership is about real people, everyday commutes, and keeping our community connected.”

Direct Benefits for the Albuquerque Community

• 100% Free for Everyday Commuters: Thanks to Rio Grande Credit Union’s local sponsorship, the service is completely free to use for any rider across Albuquerque.
• Full Bilingual Accessibility: Reflecting Albuquerque’s vibrant Hispanic heritage, Spanish-speaking residents can text or call in Spanish to receive seamless, culturally verified arrival times.
• Morning Commute Alarms: Commuters heading to morning shifts can set weekday reminders (such as texting "COMMUTE 7:30AM CENTRAL & SAN MATEO") to receive an automatic heads-up before their bus leaves, helping workers arrive on time with peace of mind.
• Hands-Free Phone Access for Seniors & Visually Impaired: Callers can dial (505) 448-8007, speak their stop naturally without pushing confusing buttons, and hear spoken arrival times clearly.
• Rider Privacy Guaranteed: The service does not require account sign-ups, downloads, or passwords, and never tracks personal rider information or sells data.

How Albuquerque Residents Can Try It Today

Any Albuquerque resident or transit rider can test the free service right now from any mobile phone by texting an intersection or route to (505) 448-8007: