The City of Santa Fe Transit system connects buses, on-demand service, paratransit, and a free downtown shuttle, all supported by the Passio GO! app for real-time tracking and trip planning.
Getting around Santa Fe without a car is easier than ever!
This guide breaks down how the system works, how to use each service, and what to expect when planning a trip across the city.
What is the Passio GO! app and how does it work?
The Passio GO! app allows riders to track buses and shuttles in real time, plan trips using current route data, and receive service alerts directly on their phone.
With Passio GO!, you can:
- Track your bus or shuttle in real time
- Plan your trip with up-to-date route information
- Receive service alerts and updates instantly
The app works with both Santa Fe Trails and Santa Fe Pick-Up, making it the easiest way to understand timing, delays, and route changes.
After downloading the app, select Santa Fe Trails as your transit agency to access routes, live tracking, and service updates specific to Santa Fe.
What transit services are available in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe’s transit system includes fixed-route buses, on-demand service, paratransit, and a free downtown shuttle. Below is a quick reference for the main routes and services.
Santa Fe Trails routes overview
| Route | Service Type | Schedule | Map | Notes |
| Route 1 | Daily | View schedule | View map | Major corridor route |
| Route 2 | Daily | View schedule | View map | Cross-city route |
| Route 4 | Daily | View schedule | View map | Connects key areas |
| Route 24 | Daily | View schedule | View map | Extended coverage route |
| Route 26 | Daily | View schedule | View map | Serves multiple districts |
| Route 5 | On-Demand | View schedule | View map | Zone-based service |
| Route 6 | On-Demand | View schedule | View map | Flexible routing |
| Route 21 | On-Demand | View schedule | View map | Zone-based |
| Route 22 | On-Demand | View schedule | View map | Zone-based |
| Route M | On-Demand | View schedule | View map | Flexible service |
Routes 1, 2, 4, 24, and 26 may shift into on-demand service during certain hours listed in their schedules. Service generally runs seven days a week, but schedules may be reduced or paused on certain holidays. Riders should check schedules or use the Passio GO! app for real-time updates.
For first-time riders, trips may involve using more than one route depending on your starting point and destination. Riders can transfer between buses at shared stops along each route.
The Passio GO! app helps simplify this process by showing routes, live vehicle locations, and current service information, making it easier to plan your trip.
When do Santa Fe buses run?
Most Santa Fe Trails services operate daily, with a combination of fixed schedules and on-demand service.
- On-demand service: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily
- Fixed routes: vary by schedule
- Some routes transition between fixed and on-demand service
How does Santa Fe’s on-demand transit work?
Santa Fe Trails’ on-demand service operates within designated zones rather than fixed schedules.
To request a ride:
- Call the transit center at (505) 955-2001
- Request pickup from an established bus stop
- Select a destination within the service area
Trips are grouped with other riders traveling in similar directions to improve efficiency. Service runs daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and wait times may vary depending on demand. Riders should allow extra time when planning trips.
What is Santa Fe Pick-Up?
Santa Fe Pick-Up is a free shuttle service that circulates through the greater downtown area.
It’s designed for short trips, including commuting, shopping, and moving between central locations. Riders can hop on and off along the route, making it one of the easiest ways to get around downtown without driving.
View the full route map and schedule to see where the shuttle stops and how often it runs.
How does Santa Fe Trails support major community events?
Some of Santa Fe’s busiest annual events come with added transit options. Santa Fe Trails may offer event shuttles, modify existing service, or introduce temporary routes for the International Folk Art Market, Traditional Spanish Market, Santa Fe Indian Market, Fourth of July celebrations, the Burning of Zozobra, and the Canyon Road Farolito Walk.
Transportation arrangements depend on the event and may change each year. Riders should review current Santa Fe Trails announcements and the Passio GO! app before heading out for updated schedules, designated stops, shuttle details, and route changes.
What is Santa Fe Ride?
Santa Fe Ride provides shared-ride transportation through two distinct programs: ADA complementary paratransit and senior transportation.
ADA complementary paratransit is available to individuals whose disabilities prevent them from independently using Santa Fe Trails fixed-route buses. Riders must apply and complete the ADA eligibility certification process before using this service.
Senior transportation is available to Santa Fe residents aged 60 and older. Eligibility for senior transportation is based on age and city residency, not disability, so riders do not need ADA certification unless they are applying separately for ADA complementary paratransit.
Fares are $2 for ADA complementary paratransit trips and $5 for senior transportation. Eligible riders should contact Santa Fe Ride for application and scheduling information.
Is Santa Fe public transit accessible and how do you request help?
Santa Fe Trails buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps, priority seating, and trained operators who assist with boarding, securing wheelchairs, and announcing stops. Service animals are allowed, and riders may travel with necessary medical equipment.
Passengers can request service modifications to support accessibility needs. Requests should be made at least one day in advance and are provided at no additional cost. For assistance or to file a complaint, riders can contact transit services directly by phone or email.
How does Santa Fe Trails prioritize passenger safety?
The City of Santa Fe Transit Division treats passenger safety as its foremost responsibility. Santa Fe Trails follows applicable federal transit safety requirements while continually strengthening its services to provide safe, dependable, and accessible transportation for every rider.
Passengers can also support a safer trip by following operator instructions, keeping aisles and mobility-device areas clear, and reporting immediate safety concerns to the vehicle operator. Questions or concerns related to transit safety can be directed to the City of Santa Fe Transit Division.
Get involved: What is the Transit Advisory Board?
The Transit Advisory Board is a citizen advisory committee that provides input on Santa Fe’s public transportation system, including service planning, accessibility, routing, and rider experience.
The board serves as a way for community members to stay informed and engaged with how transit operates in Santa Fe. It also makes recommendations to the City and Regional Planning Authority on system improvements, funding, efficiency, and long-term planning.
The board includes nine members representing different community groups, along with at-large members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. If you’re interested, applications are now open for an at-large member of the Transit Advisory Board.
Tips for using Santa Fe transit more effectively
Using Santa Fe transit is straightforward once you know how to navigate the system.
- Use the Passio GO! app for real-time tracking
- Check route schedules before leaving
- Allow extra time for on-demand service
- Use Santa Fe Pick-Up for short downtown trips
These small steps make the system easier to use, especially for new riders.
Getting around Santa Fe starts here
Santa Fe’s transit system is built to give riders options, including fixed bus routes, on-demand service, paratransit, and the free Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle. With the addition of the Passio GO! app, it’s easier to plan trips, track vehicles, and stay updated in real time.
These tools make it easier to move through Santa Fe with more clarity and fewer unknowns.
For the most current schedules, service updates, and route changes, check the City of Santa Fe Transit page or download the Passio GO! app before you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track Santa Fe buses in real time?
You can track Santa Fe buses in real time using the Passio GO! app, which shows live vehicle locations, estimated arrival times, and service alerts for Santa Fe Trails and Santa Fe Pick-Up routes.
Once you select Santa Fe Trails as your agency, the app displays active routes and vehicles moving in real time. Riders can see how far away a bus is, check delays, and view route information before leaving. This is especially useful for routes that shift between fixed schedules and on-demand service, where timing can vary. The app also provides alerts about service changes, helping riders adjust plans as needed. Compared to printed schedules, real-time tracking gives a more accurate picture of when a bus will arrive and how the system is operating at that moment.
Is Santa Fe public transportation free?
Some Santa Fe transit services are free, while others charge fares depending on the service type and rider eligibility.
Santa Fe Pick-Up is completely free and operates throughout the downtown area. Santa Fe Ride charges $2 for ADA trips and $5 for senior service, though youth, veterans, and certain eligible riders may ride at no cost. Santa Fe Trails routes may have fare policies that change over time, so riders should confirm current details before traveling. Because the system includes both free and paid services, it’s important to check the most up-to-date information through official transit resources or the Passio GO! app. This helps avoid confusion and ensures you know what to expect before boarding.
How does on-demand bus service work in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe’s on-demand transit allows riders to request trips within designated service zones instead of following a fixed bus schedule.
To use the service, riders call the transit center at (505) 955-2001 and request a pickup from an established stop to another stop within the service area. Trips are grouped with other passengers traveling in similar directions, which helps improve efficiency. Because rides are scheduled dynamically, pickup times can vary depending on demand. The service operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and riders are encouraged to allow extra time when planning trips. This option is especially useful in areas where fixed-route service is limited or during hours when certain routes transition to on-demand operation.
Who can use Santa Fe Ride services?
Santa Fe Ride includes two separate shared-ride programs with different eligibility requirements. ADA complementary paratransit is available to individuals whose disabilities prevent them from independently using Santa Fe Trails fixed-route buses. These riders must apply and complete the ADA eligibility certification process.
Senior transportation is available to Santa Fe residents aged 60 and older. This program is based on age and city residency and does not require ADA certification. Fares are $2 for ADA complementary paratransit trips and $5 for senior transportation. Riders should contact Santa Fe Ride for current application, eligibility, and scheduling information.
What is the easiest way to get around downtown Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle is the easiest way to get around downtown Santa Fe, offering free service along a route that connects key areas within downtown.
The shuttle allows riders to move between locations without needing a car or searching for parking. It operates along a set route with designated stops, and riders can board and exit at any point along the line. This makes it useful for short trips, errands, and visiting multiple locations in one outing. Because there is no fare, it’s also one of the most accessible options for both residents and visitors. For many trips within downtown, it’s the simplest and most efficient way to get around.
This article was posted by Jess
