Throughout history, railroads in New Mexico have provided an essential transportation infrastructure, and served as powerful economic engines for the area.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has made transportation improvements a cornerstone of his economic development initiatives, and made passenger rail a top priority for his administration. Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership Plan (GRIP), House Bill 15, was passed in the 2003 special session of the New Mexico State Legislature. GRIP allocated funding for the implementation of commuter rail and marked the official start of the Rail Runner. Rail Runner’s overall plan culminates with service to Santa Fe in 2008.

Planning and Development Agencies

The New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Mid-Region Council of Governments are responsible for developing the Rail Runner. While the NMDOT is the ultimate authority responsible for the Rail Runner, the Mid-Region Council of Governments is the lead agency for implementation of the new passenger rail service.

In addition to the NMDOT and the MRCOG, local governments – counties, towns, and the Native American Tribes and Pueblos in the corridor, all have key roles in the planning and execution of the Rail Runner. This local involvement is an essential ingredient in the development of the project. Specifically, local jurisdictions have participated in the planning stages as well as the facilitation of public involvement and outreach. These communities will play important roles in the day-to-day operations of the Rail Runner.

Private Participation

The private sector will also have an important role in the future of the Rail Runner. Some of those duties include:

• Sponsorship of the stations

• Providing transit connections for riders

• Subsidizing Rail Runner and transit passes.

Read about Project Plans >>