Urban sprawl & public transportation in Albuquerque

[Jag]

Is there a tremendous amount of urban sprawl in Albuquerque? Do you have to own a car to get around. How is the public transportation? Is there a bus system?

[mark70669]

If you live in ABQ proper there is plenty of public transportation. The buses go most everywhere. There is also the RailRunner that can get you to Santa Fe and Bernilillo.

Choose your location carefully and you could easily get by without a car.

Stay away from Central ave between Eubank and Louisiana, it can get a bit rough.

[dogunter]

Buses are decent but for the most part not nearly good enough for a city its size. I wouldn't recommend anyone live here w/o a car.

[sarmeier]

I would difficult to live in the Albq area without a car. The public transportation system is pretty basic, not like in the east coast cities.

[JeeperDon]

Originally Posted by Jag

Is there a tremendous amount of urban sprawl in Albuquerque?

From a few visits and home shopping there, I believe this to be true for the core area of Albuquerque... The Sandia mountains limit eastern growth, the Native American reservation limits northern growth, the Air Force base limits southern growth, and the Rio Grand river to the west divides the city into about 80-90% of it to the east and 10-20% to the west. The west side can grow, but since the river is there as an obstacle for travel, I think the west will evolve into a more self contained area.

[RiponredTJ]

The ABQ public transit system map can be found at http://www.cabq.gov/transit/document...ar08sysmap.pdf

[madrabbitt]

Depending on your needs, and where you plan on living, you can get by without a car.
If you live in core areas, you have what you need within walking distance, or via public transit.
Also, being a large city, there are alternative transportation options like rideshare, or alternative rental services like zipcar.

[Bamataco]

If you don't have or want a car then stay in Albuquerque. Because in most of the out lying areas the public transportantion is sub par. I live in Rio Rancho and just couldn't get along with out a vehicle.