Let me preface this article with the following information… You’ve probably seen me around town with my dog. I either walk or hike an average of 42 miles every week, especially when it’s nice outside. I live within 7.2 miles of everywhere I go. That being said, sometimes I would rather take the bus due to inclement weather or I am suffering from a bad case of sleep deprivation and just don’t have the motivation to walk.
When I heard about A.R.T. (Albuquerque Rapid Transit), I could not understand how anyone aside from those businesses that are on Central could possibly be upset about this project. Of particular concern was the Nob Hill district.
Granted, I live at the beginning of the war zone. I get tired of all of the drug dealers, pot (a.k.a. chronic) emanating from apartment buildings surrounding mine, alcoholics, tweakers and hypodermic needles I continue to find in my neighborhood. As a result, I wanted to move to a complex where I would be completely dependent on the bus system in Albuquerque.
I reconsidered due to A.R.T., thinking I could put off moving for a year, knowing full well the project could become problematic at times. I just wanted to be in a quiet, safe area away from all of the crime. Then, lo and behold, what did I find?
There are orange cones and barrels for safety purposes all over Central Avenue, which seem to move every week. Bus stops keep moving. I will go to what I think is for either the 66 or 777 bus.I will be waiting awhile and next thing I know, the bus I was waiting for goes right past me. I wind up walking at least half a mile trying to find another “correct” stop. I thought I knew where the bus stops all along Central and San Mateo were, but then they were moved.
Yesterday, I took the Lomas bus to San Mateo. Then I waited for the 140 or 141 to go south bound along San Mateo. It was supposed to be a straight shot. NO! The San Mateo bus went South to Copper Avenue, headed west on Copper, southbound one block to Central Avenue, then eastbound down Central. Holy crap! Talk about frustrating.
Now there’s talk that there might not be enough money to finish the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project.WTF? Mayor Berry has no back-up plan should funding run out. Who is going to foot the bill? My bet is the taxpayers.
So, my stance is, fix whatever holes are along Central and make the city go back to the old bus system.
Kelly King
Lost in A.R.T.
