This grant funds RIO metros demand response bus operations in the albuquerque NM UZA using FY2021-FY2025 section 5307-large urban funds

The Federal Transit Administration awarded RIO Metro Regional Transit District $7.24 million on February 24, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to fund demand-response bus operations serving seniors ages 60 and older and persons with disabilities ages 18 and older in Rio Rancho and Corrales, New Mexico.

RIO Metro will use the funds to operate directly controlled paratransit service, paying for salaries and benefits for management, vehicle operators, staff mechanics, dispatchers, and other support personnel; administration; casualty liability and other insurance; facility maintenance; equipment and supplies; and vehicle costs including fuel, parts, preventative maintenance, and repair. The service provides trips within Rio Rancho and Corrales and connections to medical appointments in Albuquerque and to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail station.

The award obligates $7.24 million with a period of performance through July 1, 2030. Work is performed in New Mexico. The grant carries no subrecipients; RIO Metro delivers all services directly.

Activities

RIO metro will use FY2021-FY2025 section 5307-large urban funds to pay for directly operated demand response bus service that benefits city of RIO rancho and village of corrales residents ages 60+ and persons with disabilities ages 18+. Relevant activities that this grant will fund include but are not limited to salaries and benefits for management vehicle operators and staff mechanics dispatchers and other support personnel; administration; casualty liability and other insurances; facility maintenance; equipment and supplies; and vehicle costs including fuel parts preventative maintenance and repair.

Expected outcomes

This grant enables RIO metro to continue providing demand response bus service to the elderly and disabled residents of the city of RIO rancho and the village of corrales. This service not only provides trips within the those communities but also to medical appointments in the city of albuquerque as well as a connection to a new mexico rail runner express commuter rail station.

Intended beneficiaries

This grant will benefit the residents of the city of RIO rancho and village of corrales who rely on RIO metros demand response bus service.