Ride Rio Metro Blog

Welcome to the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Blog! Here you will find resources and information related to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Rio Metro's bus services, public transportation, transit safety, special events and more. 

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Jul 19

Ways to Beat the Heat Using Public Transit

Posted on July 19, 2023 at 12:56 PM by Riann Martinez

Water tank at the Santa Fe Railyard next to the Rail Runner commuter trainThis summer has been HOT, and it looks like the high temperatures aren’t going away any time soon. To help you keep cool and stay entertained this summer, we’ve put together some ideas of how to beat the heat using public transportation.

Take the Rail Runner to the Santa Fe Railyard
The Santa Fe Railyard is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Just steps away from the Santa Fe Depot Station you’ll find a variety of cool, indoor experiences, breweries, restaurants, and more!

Art aficionados will enjoy exhibits at SITE Santa Fe and El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe.

Violet Crown Cinema movie theater building exteriorLooking to take in a movie? Violet Crown Cinema shows new releases as well as timeless classics, and boasts a bar and restaurant for those who would like to enhance their movie experience.

Those looking for a cold drink or a bite to eat will find a wide variety of options at the Railyard. Stop by Cafecito for coffee, breakfast or lunch. La Lecheria offers locally crafted ice cream with bold flavors. Check out Boxcar or Second Street Brewery for lunch dinner and drink options. 

Four scoops of ice cream in a clear dishWant to do a little shopping? The Store at SITE Santa Fe features an expertly curated selection of art books, artist designed products, unique gifts, and more. S2 Supply Co. is a great place to find New Mexico branded goodies such as clothing, outerwear, backpacks, and stickers. The Santa Fe Farmers Market Shops offer a browsing and shopping experience with a little bit of everything including gift items and wine!

Check out the Santa Fe Railyard website for a comprehensive directory of businesses in the area, as well as a list of events that are sure to bring you back for another visit. Visit the Rio Metro Regional Transit District website to view the Rail Runner schedule and start planning your trip!

Take ABQ RIDE to the Uptown Transit Center
ABQ RIDE Routes 8 (Menaul), 157 (Montaño/Uptown/Kirtland), and 766 (ART Red Line) all go to the Uptown Transit Center, providing easy access to one of Albuquerque’s most popular shopping hubs. 

A short walk north of the Transit Center will take you to Coronado Center. Spend the day shopping the brands that you love, enjoy casual or sit down restaurants, or bowl and play video games aAlbuquerque Uptown Shopping Mall Exteriort Round1 Bowling and Amusement.  

A short walk east will bring you to ABQ Uptown, a destination for upscale shopping, home furnishings, and dining. Also in the area are Albuquerque Uptown Target and Trader Joe’s

While a bit of a longer walk, heading southeast you’ll find Winrock Town Center. Here you’ll find even more dining, services and entertainment, including Regal Cinema, a 16 screen stadium seating theater, and Dave & Buster's

Visit the ABQ RIDE website to view all routes and schedule times. 

Take the NCRTD Mountain Trail Route to the Santa Fe National Forest
The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) offers a unique way to access the great outdoors with the 255 Mountain Trail Route. The bus takes passengers into the cooler mountain air of the Santa Fe National Forest. 

Blue passenger bus driving on a windy mountain roadA perfect option for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Mountain Trail Route provides stops at popular trailheads and points of interest, including Chamisa Trailhead, Black Canyon, Little Tesuque, Hyde State Park, Norski Trailhead, and Aspen Vista.

During the non-winter season, bicycles are allowed on this bus (bike racks are first come, first served), and it is free to ride. Another bonus – the Mountain Trail Route bus stops at the South Capitol Rail Runner Station and does meet some trains. Bicycles are welcome on the Rail Runner at no extra cost, too, if you’re planning to mountain bike. Make sure to view the schedule to check times!

Visit the NCRTD website to view the Mountain Trail Route schedule and learn more.