ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque has installed new flashing warning signs along portions of Central Avenue in an effort to reduce collisions involving Albuquerque Rapid Transit, or ART, buses.
According to ABQ Ride, ART buses are involved in approximately three crashes per month caused by drivers making illegal left turns in front of approaching buses. Between November 2019 and December 2025, the transit system recorded 150 such crashes.
The new signs have been installed near ART stations at:
- Atrisco
- 59th Street
- New York Avenue
When an ART bus approaches, the signs flash and display the message: “Bus approaching when flashing.”
City officials say those intersections were selected because they have experienced some of the highest concentrations of left-turn-related crashes along the corridor.
According to ABQ Ride, each damaged bus costs an average of $30,000 to repair and can be out of service for about two months while repairs are completed.
Mayor Tim Keller said the signs are being introduced ahead of major events such as the New Mexico State Fair and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, when more out-of-town drivers may be using city streets.
The project cost approximately $30,000. City staff estimate that preventing just one collision per month could save roughly $360,000 annually in repair costs.
Officials plan to review crash statistics after six months and again after one year to determine whether the signs are effective. If successful, additional signs could be installed at other locations along the ART corridor.
The new signs are part of broader safety efforts that already include painted bus lanes, special curbs, traffic signage, public education campaigns, and driver awareness initiatives.
