IntelliSkin® wrapped A9+ tablets paired with Uni-Conn™ docks helped ABQ RIDE improve driver efficiency, device durability, and reduce expenses across its fleet.
The Challenge
ABQ RIDE operates fixed route, bus rapid transit, paratransit, and microtransit services, providing accessible transportation options for residents. ABQ RIDE launched ABQ RIDE GO!, a RideCo platform that digitizes trip management, navigation, rider tracking, and driver communication.
Their previous setup posed both durability and connectivity challenges. Over time, charging ports wore out, devices were damaged from drops and daily handling, and wireless connectivity to onboard systems proved unreliable. ABQ RIDE needed a solution that could:
- Protect tablets from physical wear and tear
- Eliminate charging port failures
- Provide consistent, hardwired connectivity to onboard gateway
- Securely mount tablets while allowing easy adjustability for drivers
- Avoid the high cost of fully rugged tablets
To make the system successful in the field, ABQ RIDE needed to upgrade to a larger tablet with a rugged mounting solution to withstand demanding vehicle environments while keeping drivers connected.
"RAM® Mounts never lets us down. ABQ RIDE has relied on RAM® Mounts hardware since 2012, and the technology continues to improve year after year. I want to extend a big thank you to the RAM® Mounts team for going above and beyond to help us quickly adapt our van fleet with new tablets. The newest hardware stands out for its connectivity backup, protective skins, easy adjustability for drivers, and its solid, rugged design."
The Solution
ABQ RIDE partnered with Samsung and RAM® Mounts to deploy Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablets, with a complete in-vehicle mounting and docking ecosystem across 110 vehicles.
The IntelliSkin® sleeve added a critical layer of drop protection while shielding the tablet's USB-C port. Instead of plugging and unplugging cables, drivers dock the device into the Uni-Conn™ dock that delivers charging through integrated pogo pins, reducing port damage and device downtime.
The Uni-Conn™ dock also includes RJ45 ethernet connectivity, allowing tablets to maintain stable hardwired connectivity to the vehicle's onboard gateway. This eliminated the connection drops and ensured reliable data transfers for trip updates, navigation, and compliance reporting.
RAM®'s ball and socket mounting system allows drivers to adjust the tablet position quickly and without tools, improving visibility and supporting safer driving by helping them keep their eyes on the road, while keeping the device securely in place during daily operations.
Image provided by ABQ RIDE
Image provided by ABQ RIDE
"RAM® Mounts hardware has been a key driver of our new ABQ RIDE GO! app, powered by RideCo. As we continue to digitize operations and improve efficiency across ABQ RIDE's services, having reliable, rugged hardware is essential. These mounts allow our operators to securely access manifests and navigation at a glance, helping them stay focused on the road. Supporting our drivers with trusted technology ultimately helps us deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable rides for our passengers."
The Results
ABQ RIDE was able to confidently deploy cost-effective consumer-grade tablets, saving approximately $800 per vehicle. With RAM®'s protective and powered ecosystem in place, drivers now have a secure, adjustable, and always-connected Operator Control Unit that supports every part of their workflow in one integrated system.
By eliminating common failure points and improving usability, RAM® helped ABQ RIDE by:
Significantly improving program efficiency, described by the team as a "night and day" difference in their rideshare operations.
Reduced device damage and port failures with protective IntelliSkin® sleeve and pogo pin docking.
Reliable, hardwired connectivity via RJ45 Ethernet.
Lowering hardware costs, enabling the use of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ devices.
Driver-friendly adjustability with RAM®'s ball and socket mounting system for optional positioning without tools.
