Are you one of the many Albuquerque residents who look forward to the Luminaria Bus Tour every Christmas Eve? Good news because the holiday tradition will return this year.
Mayor Tim Keller reversed the city’s earlier decision to end the event. City officials confirmed the decision Wednesday.
ABQ Ride earlier announced the nearly 60-year-old tour’s cancellation, citing declining attendance and financial challenges.
According to city administration officials, the bus tour costs $200,000. They said the city does not generate revenue ticket sales. They added that nearly half of ticket holders skip the tour, even though tickets sell out quickly.
City Council members questioned the mayor’s office about the decision this week.
Councilor Joaquin Baca said the cost was relatively small for the city, but officials did not consider the broader impact.
“You’re going to add more traffic into an area with no security structure, with people driving with their lights off and pedestrians out. That’s a recipe for disaster,” Baca said via KOB 4.
Keller said the city will keep the tour while making changes to help manage its cost.
“Some traditions are worth fighting for, and Albuquerque’s Luminarias Bus Tour is one of them,” Keller said via KOAT Action News. “But we’re not going to lose an Albuquerque tradition while we figure out a better way to keep it going.”
The mayor said the Transit Department will conduct research and hold community meetings. The agency will gather public input and use that feedback to help guide the tour’s future.
