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Job Access Resources

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1. What is job access?

Job Access provides transportation to and from job sites for qualifying individuals. Eligibility includes financial need based upon federal guidelines for individuals with a residential address in Bernalillo county.

2. How do I apply for job access?

To apply for Job Access, you must fill out an application for services and provide all of the requested supporting documentation to accompany your completed applications. There are a couple of ways you can apply:

• Call and make an appointment with a Job Access representative.
• Call and request an application be mailed, emailed, or faxed to you.
• If you are a TANF recipient, contact your CDS at your HSD office.

3. Do I qualify for job access?

To qualify for Job Access:

• You must live in Bernalillo County.
• Your residence or employment location must be more than one quarter mile walking distance from the nearest ABQ Ride bus stop.
• The total gross household income must not exceed the 150% poverty level stated in the federal guidelines.

4. I work the late shift. How late/early can I get a ride?

Transportation services run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

5. Do I qualify for a monthly bus pass?

An applicant may qualify for a bus pass only if they first qualify for taxi cab service. TANF and Workforce participants qualify for bus passes. Please contact your agency representative for more information.

6. If I qualify for service, can I get a childcare drop off?

Yes, if you qualify for Job Access services you may add a childcare drop off to your route. 

Note: Only children five years or younger are eligible for childcare transportation.

7. How do I turn in my application for the program?

Mail or Drop Off Your Application:

Rio Metro Regional Transit District
Attn: Job Access Program
809 Copper Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102

Fax: 505-247-1753, Attn: Job Access Progrm

Email: JAccess@mrcog-nm.gov 

By Appointment: 

• Contact a Job Access representative at 505-724-3623
• Appointments will be available at the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Office

8. When can I get a hold of a Job Access Representative?

• By Phone: Call 505-724-3623 to speak with a Job Access representative Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• By Appointment: Call to make an appointment. Appointments are available at the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Office, 809 Copper Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
• Representatives are not in the office on weekends or holidays

9. I am disabled. Can I use job access for doctor's appointments as well as my job?

No, the Job Access program only provides transportation from home to a job site.

10. How much does a ride cost through the program?

Riders pay $1 to $2 cash drop fare (based on a sliding scale) for each one-way ride with a meter reading of $20 or less. If the final meter reading is over $20, the customer pays the difference, in addition to the $1 to $2 cash drop fare.

11. Once I am approved for Job Access, how long do my services last?

Once you have been approved and added to the Job Access ridership, you are certified to use the services for six months. At the end of your six month service period, you may re-certify for services by filling out a recertification application.

12. How long will it take for my application to be reviewed for eligibility?

Once the Job Access representative has received your completed application packet, the review process can take up to, but will never exceed, 30 calendar days. Approved riders may be subject to a waiting list due to funding availability.

13. Can Job Access contact my employer to request proof documentation?

You are responsible for collecting all proof documentation. Job Access is not responsible for collecting proof documentation for applicants. Job Access will not contact employers, human services representatives, or landlords for verification or to request proof documentation.

14. What are accepted types of proof documentation?

• Accepted forms of proof of earned income: 
  • Wages and salaries documentation: 2 consecutive pay stubs, letter from employer on company letterhead stating work hours per week, hourly wage and start date, copy of previous year's income tax return.
  • Earned benefits documentation: Most current award letter for long-term disability benefits and/or union strike benefits, monthly bank statement that includes unearned benefits received.
• Accepted forms of unearned income: Award letters from those agencies listed on the program application checklist.
• Accepted forms of proof of identification: Current government issued Drivers License or I.D. card.
• Accepted forms of proof of physical address: The proof of income or proof of identification with the address, a letter from human service agency, shelter, transition home, etc., or a hotel receipt.

15. Once I have been approved, when can I begin using services?

The client may begin scheduling rides only after a Job Access representative has confirmed program approval with the client, and the client has been added to Ridership. Approved riders may be subject to a waiting list due to funding availability.

16. How can I find job search assistance?

Visit the NM Workforce Connection Website for help in finding a job.

17. How do I know if bus service or public transportation is available for me?

• ABQ RIDE for bus service within the city of Albuquerque
• The New Mexico Rail Runner Express for train services and shuttles from Belen to Santa Fe
• Rio Metro for regional bus and shuttle service

18. Where can I get information for other support services in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Resources website provides comprehensive information on many government-funded programs, including cash assistance, childcare, energy, housing, and additional low-income transportation programs.