MRMPO is hosting three public meetings in conjunction with the release of the Draft Futures 2040 MTP to gather feedback on the public's thoughts on the findings of the draft plan and the proposed strategies. The meetings will be in an "open-house" format with staff on hand to discuss the draft plan and gather feedback. A formal 30-minute presentation will be given at 6pm at each meeting. The meetings will be held in locations convenient for those in Sandoval, Valencia, and Bernalillo Counties:

Sandoval County:

Thursday, January 8, 2015

4-7pm

Loma Colorado Library

755 Loma Colorado Drive NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (map)

Valencia County:

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

4-7pm

Belen Community Center

305 Eagle Lane

Belen,  NM 87002 (map)

Bernalillo County:

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Noon-7pm

MRCOG Building

809 Copper Ave NW

Albuquerque, NM 87102 (map)

If you require special assistance to attend a meeting, contact Tara Cok at 505-724-3627 or tcok@mrcog-nm.gov. 

SERVICE CONNECTS US. Veterans can now ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express for free. In November 2014, the Rail Runner launched a pilot program that gives veterans with a VHIC (VA Card) an annual pass to ride the train. Since its inception more than 2,000 veterans have received a free annual pass. To get your free pass, bring your VHIC (VA Card) to the Rail Runner Customer Service Office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, or stop by one of the many upcoming outreach events at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. The pilot program runs now through December 31, 2015.

Learn More        

Median simulation from ART project plans, www.brtabq.com/Plans

Improving transportation options is a vital component of the MTP's Preferred Scenario and for improving the metro area's quality of life and generating economic development opportunities. In cities like Cleveland, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake, and Charlotte, transit-oriented development (TOD) has been useful in attracting direct investment and in growing locally-owned businesses, providing jobs, and increasing employment and sales tax revenues. In previous years, the City of Albuquerque evaluated other transit options to spur economic development, but like other cities, determined that trolleys and light rail were not cost-effective compared to bus rapid transit. Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) has been proposed as a way to improve the on-time performance of bus service, make trip times shorter and spur economic development along Albuquerque's Central Avenue corridor. After a round of public meetings, work on the project continues. For more information and to see proposed project plans for ART, visit www.brtabq.com.