ABQ Ride’s staff numbers are trending in the right direction after two successful recruitment events held last month.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – After two successful recruiting events held last month, ABQ Ride’s staffing numbers are trending in the right direction.
But efforts to turn things around have been going on for much longer.
ABQ Ride riders can be excited about these recent numbers as they currently serve a large number of patrons.
“I don’t have a car. Yes, I depend on the bus. Sometimes this is like my office,” said ABQ Ride rider Anton Kozikovsky.
Leaders said riders like Kozikowski are about to experience some positive change throughout the city.
“We’re really seeing the improvements that we’ve been working on for a long time,” said ABQ Ride spokesperson Megan Holocomb.
This includes improving staffing levels across agencies.
Two recruiting events last month helped us get back on the right track.
“We’re seeing a really significant increase in people participating in the hiring process. So we’re really looking forward to seeing them participate,” Holcomb said.
The leaders made 76 conditional offers to 44 bus drivers, 19 sun van drivers and six mechanics. They started the hiring process for most applicants on the spot.
ABQ Ride applicant Shawn Chavez said, “This service really helped me get in the door, get the interview, and complete the process.”
“It’s an essential service that people really need. So having full staffing is really important. It allows us to really do what we’re supposed to do,” Holcomb said. he said.
Holcomb said staffing and safety also go hand in hand. We will continue to meet weekly with ACS, APD, and Metro Security to discuss further improvements.
Meanwhile, more drivers on the route means more eyes watching for potential problems.
“We want to make sure our passengers have safe, accessible, reliable and on-time service,” Holcomb said.
We have further improved the system, which has already received high praise from some people.
“I think we’re on the path to a really first-class transportation system here,” Kozikowski said.
ABQ Ride already has another recruitment event scheduled for January.
APD secured funding for 23 traffic safety officers who were sworn in earlier this year. There are currently two students in the academy and they could be on the bus by December, according to representatives.
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