The city of Albuquerque has this new, five-minute video that explains the design and concept behind the proposed Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system that would run down Central Avenue, aka Route 66.
Albuquerque Rapid Transit – Final from Two Hundred on Vimeo.
The video was created by Denver-based Two Hundred, which specializes in three-dimensional and animated footage.
If ART gets built as expected, it will be the one of the biggest changes in the history of Albuquerque’s Route 66 corridor.
(Screen capture from the video of an artist’s rendering of Albuquerque Rapid Transit station in Nob Hill)
For the cost of separated bus lanes, raised platforms, stations and the next 20 years of tires, labor, fuel, and maintenance cost on buses, you can install a nice light rail system that will enhance the neighborhoods it passes through, and the infrastructure and equipment lasts for years.. Dallas has a wonderful example of this type system, which has done more for the community than buses ever would have.
Pretty futuristic!!! I hope they got the $$$$ to put up the tab on those buses
First) Don’t trust those animated videos. Somehow these popsicle stick graphics make everything look fancy and idyllic. The really good ones focus on diverting attention away from areas of known concern.
And B) A more speculative project I cannot imagine. Was there ever a chance for public opinion to affect this project? No. This plan was in the works for years, (improvements to Lead/Coal, developments East of Nob Hill, downtown development, vacant land and property sales…) I’m all for innovative, fwd thinking, and even risky ideas, creative development, and main street urban planning. But in this case, my skepticism has not abated. While we may be getting some kind of ‘great deal’ -and everyone loves a good value(!), beware the hidden costs to this mother road. Some of the potential pitfalls may be well known but kept under wraps. And many more are unforeseen (not least of all costs to the community and cultural value).
While ’66’ needs to be prep’d for the future ABQ wants to be, my theory on ART stands: Buyer, beware the seller. Since Day 1, the insiders and investors involved in pushing this project must be getting some very sweeeet deals. And that is why ART was inevitable. At our expense.
I’d like to see full transparency. Stuart Dyson, Larry Barker, anyone? Follow the money here. I’ll bet it’d suprise you and everyone! Magic Beans
We do not need it. Just refurbish the route. Peoples will come. Spend the money on more attractions along the way on Central.