Free Campus Connection EXPRESS fall bus service directly to UNM-Valencia

Students attending classes at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus this fall will have a free, reliable transportation option.

Starting Monday, Aug. 18, Rio Metro Route 209 will operate Monday through Thursday between the Los Lunas Rail Runner Station and the UNM-Valencia campus.

Buses to the campus will leave the train station, 101 Courthouse Road SE, at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

This schedule will provide university students and staff an easy, direct and convenient way to get to campus for fall classes during peak times with safe, reliable transportation.

There is no cost for the bus ride to and from the campus.

Parking is available at the station or riders can be dropped off to catch a ride on the Campus Connection EXPRESS bus shuttle at the set times.

Those wanting to take the bus to UNM-Valencia campus can take the Rail Runner to the station or use Rio Metro’s on-demand-ride-response to pre-schedule a free ride from other areas in the county by calling 505-352-3595 no later than 12 p.m. one business day before the ride is needed. For Monday rides, requests must be made by 12 p.m. the Friday before.

The purpose of the collaboration between Rio Metro Regional Transit District and the university is to provide reliable means of transportation for students and staff from the central part of the community. With anticipated increased ridership, the hope is to expand to other locations in the county.