Hot off the press –from the
NM Rail Runner Express
Members of the media prepare for a summer
news conference
If you are a member of the news media and have any questions about the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, please contact our Communications Manager Augusta Meyers at ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov
Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express!
(Albuquerque, NM – December 6, 2011)- This Saturday, December 10th - people will once again get a chance to have their child's photo taken with Santa Claus aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Read More
Rio Metro Board votes to increase fares on the NM Rail Runner Express
(Albuquerque, NM – October 21, 2011) – In a nine–to-three vote, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Board last night voted on a fare increase for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Read More
Public
Meetings Announced for Possible Fare Change
(Albuquerque, NM –
September 27th, 2011)
– The Rio Metro Regional Transit
District has scheduled a series of public meetings in October to
address a possible fare increase for the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express. This move comes in light of the upcoming discontinuation of
significant federal funds that are currently being used to pay for
Rail Runner service.
Read More
Rio Metro Board Votes to
Keep Weekend Trains
(Albuquerque, NM – July 15th,
2011) –
The Rio Metro Regional Transit District Board rescinded the proposed
elimination of weekend service on the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express. Last month in a surprise six-to-five vote, board members
took action to eliminate weekend service to balance the Fiscal Year
2012 budget, which is 1.2 million dollars less than the previous
fiscal year’s budget. Today’s 14-to-one vote means that weekend Rail
Runner service will not be cancelled at the end of next month.
Instead, board members voted on cost-saving modifications to both
the weekday and weekend train service.
Read More
Reduction in revenues requires adjustment of expenditures for train service
(Albuquerque, NM – June 17th, 2011) – As part of discussions and deliberations concerning balancing the FY12 budget, which is 1.2 million dollars less than the previous fiscal year's budget, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Board voted to eliminate weekend service on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. The board had been considering two weekday schedule options to address the budget reduction, but in a six-to-five vote earlier today, board members instead took action to eliminate weekend service to balance the Fiscal Year 2012 Federal budget.
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Discounted Cliff's Tickets When You Ride the Rail
Runner
Train Ticket Saves You $6 off a Ride Pass
at Cliff's
(Albuquerque,
NM-
May 4th, 2011)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express
is partnering with Cliff’s Amusement Park this summer by offering a
deal that is too good to pass up. Anyone who purchases a Rail
Runner ticket between May 6th and August 31st
will receive $6 off a ride pass at Cliff’s Amusement Park. Each
ticket will allow up to four people to get the $6 discount anytime
during the season. That’s a $24 savings!
More
Information
Take the Rail Runner Express Survey Today
Win a FREE All Zone Monthly
Pass
(Albuquerque, NM - April 1, 2011) - The New Mexico
Rail Runner Express will be conducting a short, on-line survey April
1 through April 15. People completing the survey will be entered
into a drawing for one of six all zone monthly passes, valued at
$110. The responses will help us fine-tune our operations to serve
our passengers better. The survey will be posted on our web site
beginning April 1, 5:00 pm.
Take the
Survey
El Pueblo Road Construction near Los Ranchos Station
Passengers Urged to Give Themselves Extra Time
(Albuquerque,
NM
– April 1, 2011)-
Beginning Monday, April 4th, Rail
Runner passengers who use the Los Ranchos/Journal Center station may
want to allow themselves some extra time in getting to that station.
Construction crews will begin widening the asphalt shoulders on both
sides of El Pueblo for bike lanes.
More Information
XPress Magazine Cover Art Contest
(Albuquerque, NM - April 1, 2011)
- Children ages 6-12 are invited to enter their artwork in the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express and Xpress magazine’s cover contest.
Artists are encouraged to depict the Rail Runner Express as they see
it. The art competition also gives local youth a great chance to
show the community the benefits of riding the train. The winning
entry has a chance of being on the cover of the September Xpress
magazine
Read More
New Rio Metro Bus Route in Belen Connects riders
to New Mexico Rail Runner Express!
New Rio Metro Route 206 to
start on Monday!
(Belen, NM – March 9, 2011) – Beginning this
coming Monday, March 14th, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District
will begin a new bus route in Belen connecting commuters to the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express.The new route – Rio Metro Route 206 -
will meet weekday northbound train #'s 506, 508 and 510 and weekday
southbound train #'s 511, 513 and 515 – basically three Rail Runner
trains in the morning, and three afternoon trains.
Office of Homeland Security recognizes Rail
Runner for implementing Strong Security Program
Rail Runner to be awarded “Mass Transit System
of Distinction”
(Albuquerque,
NM – February 16th,
2011)- Representatives from the
Office of Homeland Security’s Passenger Rail Security Division will
be in Albuquerque
Thursday, February 17th to present the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express with the 2010
Mass Transit System of Distinction Award.
“This is quite an honor for us as we have always
made it a priority to put the safety and security of our passengers
first”, says Dewey
Cave, Executive
Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “My sincere
congratulations go out to the many hardworking men and women who
oversee and operate our train system here in
Central New Mexico.”
More Information
Rio Metro and ABQ RIDE
Expand Service into Southern Rio Rancho
ALBUQUERQUE, NM --- For the first time
ever, ABQ RIDE will provide bus service into southern Rio Rancho and
has created a new commuter route between Rio Rancho and the
Jefferson corridor.
The route expansions, which begin on January 31,
2011, are a joint effort between the Rio Metro Regional Transit
District and ABQ RIDE.
More Information
Get Connected 2 The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express!
Bus Schedule changes set to go into effect
January 29th!
(Albuquerque,
NM
– January 26, 2011)
– Beginning this Saturday, January 29th, most bus routes
that begin with the number “2” will be timed to connect with the
train. Some routes in Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia Counties
have been changed to meet the new criteria.
“This is a great way to simplify the process of
public transportation”, says Isaac Benton, Chair of the Rio Metro
Board. “With so many transportation options, this system will make
planning the journey that much easier for those using the bus and
train.”
More Information
Sandoval
County Rail Runner Stations to Offer“Preferred”
Carpool Parking – and Generate Solar Electricity
Eight carpool spaces added to Sandoval County / US 550 Rail Runner station
Today!
(Bernalillo,
NM
– January 25th, 2011)-
Starting today, Rail Runner customers
carpooling to the Sandoval County
/ US 550 Rail Runner station will be rewarded with covered parking.
The spaces are located closest to the platform and are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. Eight spaces are being dedicated
to vehicles with two or more adults.
As demand increases, up to 20 spaces could be dedicated for
carpool parking. A similar program for the Belen Rail Runner station
is expected to come online next month.
More Information
Not one, but two choirs to entertain passengers
on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express!
The Albuquerque Boy Choir and the
Public Academy for Performing Arts Girls Choir perform
Holiday
songs on the New Mexico Rail Runner!
More Information
Area Businesses get a chance to Walk the Walk
and
“Ride the Ride” when it comes to promoting Alternative
Transportation
Event launches Smart Business Partnership to create awareness
around transportation choices
(Albuquerque,
NM
– December 2, 2010)
–
On Tuesday morning, December 7th, several area
businesses from Belen to
Santa Fe
will gather to look in a new direction when it comes to public
transportation. The Smart Business Partnership offers
employers an opportunity to be recognized as one of the first in the
region making smart decisions about transportation.
“This is a great way for
businesses to get well-deserved recognition for being a Smart
Partner in our community”, says Isaac Benton, Chair of the Rio Metro
Board. “We’re hoping that this program is contagious among employers
– and that when one business sees another supporting alternative
modes of travel for its employees, then that makes the other want to
jump on the band wagon.”
More Information
Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa on
the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express!
Santa rides the rails
from Belen to Santa Fe
and back for Christmas Photos on the train!
(Albuquerque,
NM –
November 24, 2010)- On
Saturday, December 4th - people will once again get a
chance to have their child’s photo taken with Santa Claus aboard the
New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Santa will begin his journey at the
Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station when he boards the 9:40
a.m. train heading south to Belen. Once he arrives in Belen, he will
hop on the 10:46 a.m. train heading north and arriving at the Santa
Fe Depot at 1:04 in the afternoon. At 1:17 p.m., Santa will leave
Santa Fe and take the Rail Runner all the way
back to Downtown Albuquerque where his journey will end.
More Information
New Mexico
Rail Runner Express Issues schedule adjustment for one weekday train
Effective Monday, November 22nd
New Mexico Rail Runner
Express train #505 will depart downtown Albuquerque at 6:35 a.m. -
9 minutes earlier than its standard departure time.
More Information
New Mexico
Rail Runner Express teams up with the Storehouse of Greater
Albuquerque
NM Rail Runner Express/Storehouse Food Drive
The holidays can be difficult for much of our
community, therefore the Rail Runner Express will begin collecting
non-perishable food items starting November 8th
- November 22nd. All donations collected will benefit the
Store House of Greater Albuquerque. Food barrels will be available
on every train set
More Information
New Mexico
Rail Runner Express running Saturday Schedule for Veteran's Day
Saturday schedule offers more mid-day service
for those wanting to ride the train on their day off!
(Albuquerque,
NM
- November 1, 2010) –
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is making an adjustment to the
train schedule for Veteran’s Day - Thursday, November 11th.
The Rail Runner’s Saturday schedule will be operated in place of the
normal weekday commuter schedule giving people more opportunities to
take the train during the mid-day, rather than its normal a.m. and
p.m. peak hour schedule that accommodates commuters.
More Information
Mid-Region
Council of Governments to address River Crossing Issue in 2035
Metropolitan Transportation Plan
First of three Public Meetings scheduled to gather
input on river crossing strategies
(Bernalillo, NM
– September 22, 2010)
- The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) is kicking off a
series of three public meetings on the 2035 Metropolitan
Transportation Plan. These upcoming meetings will focus on how the
Plan will address river crossings in the region. The first meeting
will take place Wednesday, September 29th at the U.S. 550
Transit Center in Bernalillo. Several alternative river crossing
strategies will be presented for public review and comment.
More Information
New Mexico
Rail Runner Express Suspends two Sunday trains for Bridge Repair
Due to bridge repair work
in the Rail Runner corridor, the #502 train from
Belen (8:50am) and the #505 train from
Santa Fe
(11:20am) will be cancelled.
More Information
Sandoval County/U.S. 550 Rail Runner Station
Temporarily losing some parking spaces as construction project
begins
Due
to the start of construction on the Photovoltaic shade structure
project, the
lower parking lot at the Sandoval County/U.S. 550 Rail Runner
Express station will
temporarily lose a number of parking spaces while the construction
is taking place.
More Information
Special Labor Day Weekend
Service to the Wine Festival
Purchase Tickets in Advance online and Save
Money
(Bernalillo,
NM-August 27, 2010)-
For the fifth year, visitors to the New Mexico
Wine Festival will have another transportation alternative to get to
the wildly popular affair. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is
once again offering special train service over the upcoming long
Labor Day weekend. And just as in years past, people taking the
train can catch a free shuttle bus from the U.S. 550/Sandoval County
station to the festival, or they can opt to take a short walk from
the station to the annual event.
“Using the Rail Runner to get to the Wine Festival
has been a big success the past four years”, said Dewey Cave,
Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “This is a great opportunity to avoid traffic and
parking hassles and leave the driving to someone else.“
More Information
Kewa
Pueblo Awarded $1-Million to Restore Historic Trading Post
Kewa Pueblo,
NM – July 29,
2010) -
The U.S. Economic Development Administration formally awarded Kewa
Pueblo (formerly Santo Domingo) $1-million to restore its
historic Domingo Trading Post. The trading post, adjacent to the
Kewa Rail Runner station, was once the most recognized building on
the Native American landscape, before it was consumed by fire in
February of 2001. Restoring the Trading Post will bring new economic
development opportunities to the area and provide services to Rail
Runner commuters, tourists and local residents.
“I am happy and proud to see the revitalization
of the trading post taking place after many years”, said Kewa Pueblo
Governor Tony Tortalita. “I thank the Economic Development
Administration for the generous investment in this project and look
forward to the partnership. The trading post has been an icon of our
history and now will stand as a testament to our future as we plan
to use this as an avenue to showcase our culture and traditions
through arts and crafts. Many of our artisans at the pueblo had used
the trading post as a way to sell their jewelry, pottery, and such
to tourists passing via the train and now we can revive that
tradition with the newly opened Rail Runner station just across the
street. I am excited for all our pueblo members who grew up seeing
the trading post everyday and can once again see it rebuilt to its
original state.”
More Information
$6.72
Million to Help Construct New
Albuquerque
ABQ RIDE/ Rail Runner Station
Mayor Richard J. Berry today announced that the City of
Albuquerque
has been awarded $6.72 million from the U.S. Department of
Transportation to build the
Montaño
Intermodal
Center. The center will provide a new
connection between ABQ Ride buses and the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express commuter train near the intersection of Montaño and 2nd St.
“This is a huge win for Albuquerque,”
said Mayor
Berry. “We are
paving the way for 21st century transportation needs with this
project. Every time we add to our public transportation
infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of people benefit every single
year.”
Through a grant application submitted jointly by the City of
Albuquerque Transit Department and the Rio Metro District,
$6,722,800 was requested for land acquisition, environmental and
engineering services, and related costs. Through the legislative
efforts of City Councilor Debbie O’Malley, the City of Albuquerque was able to
match $1,927,120.
More
Information
Limited number of tickets left
for first-ever Rail Runner and Georgia O'Keefe Museum and
Anniversary Excursion
Rail Runner train celebrates 4th anniversary while
O’Keeffe Museum marks 13th!
(Santa
Fe, NM
– July 13, 2010)-
Better hurry if you were
thinking of taking part in this Saturday’s special anniversary
excursion in honor of both the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express. There are only 55-tickets left to be
sold for this one-of-a-kind event.
“The response we’ve had so far has been amazing”,
said Dewey
Cave, Interim Executive
Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. “People from
neighboring Arizona
to as far away as the east coast are going to celebrate this
momentous occasion with us.”
More Infomation
Groundbreaking for Belen Pedestrian Overpass
ARRA Funds Used for Reinken Avenue Project
(BELEN, NM - June 23, 2010) – Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón was joined by state and
local officials today as they broke ground on the Reinken Avenue project in Belen. The $2.4
million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act and will include building a pedestrian overpass at the Belen
Rail Runner Station. It is expected to be complete by this November.
“This project will provide safe and easy access
into the heart of Belen,” said Transportation Secretary Girón. “We
are grateful for the funds provided through the Recovery Act to
complete this project and I anticipate that the construction of the
new bridge will encourage Rail Runner riders to explore more of the
city and spawn additional economic development in Belen.”
More Information
NMRX Launches Passenger Text Alert System
Get Texts on Delayed Trains Sent Directly to Your Phone
(Albuquerque,
NM – June
21, 2010)
- The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is launching a new passenger
text message alert system to inform riders of significant train
delays.
“This new texting system is really going to make
it easier for our regular Rail Runner riders to better gage their
time”, said Dewey
Cave, Interim Executive
Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We want to make the
experience of commuting by rail as seamless as possible for those
who rely on public transportation. This is another way to keep our
passengers informed with the most up-to-date information.”
More
Information
NMRX Offers
First Ever Georgia O'Keeffe Anniversary Excursion
Rail Runner and O'Keeffe
Museum Offer Public Double Deal for Anniversary Celebration
(Santa
Fe,
NM – June 21,
2010)-
On Saturday July 17th, in celebration of both the Georgia
O'Keeffe Museum's 13th anniversary and the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express' 4th anniversary, a special "O'Keeffe Express" train
excursion is planned.
“This is a great way to expand the anniversary
celebrations of two of the state’s most recognized attractions”,
said Dewey Cave,
Interim Executive Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This
anniversary excursion will give people a chance to appreciate the
convenience of New Mexico’s commuter
train, while taking in a dose of our state’s unique and artful
culture.”
More
Information
NM Rail Runner Express
Announces Mother's Day Special
Mom's Ride Free with a Paying Passenger
(Albuquerque,
NM – May 5, 2010) -
You’ve heard the saying “There’s
no such thing as a free lunch”? Well that may be true, but this
Sunday mothers will get a
free ride aboard
the New Mexico Rail Runner Express if accompanied by a paying
passenger. It’s the Rail Runner’s way of paying respect to mom
on her special day!
More Information
New Mexico Construction Firm to Build
Belen Pedestrian Overpass
(Belen,
NM – April 23, 2010)-
Through a competitive bidding
process, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District has selected New
Mexico-based Meridian Contracting for the development of a
pedestrian overpass linking the Belen New Mexico Rail Runner Station
with Downtown Belen.
Meridian
specializes in heavy/civil, structural and industrial construction.
“This
pedestrian overpass will eliminate the challenge for Rail Runner
passengers to easily access Downtown Belen”, said Dewey
Cave,
Interim Executive Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This
structure will serve as a new gateway to the city, letting arriving
passengers know as soon as they get off the train that they have a
connection to downtown”.
More Information
NMRX Tweaks Schedule to Avoid Late TrainsNew
Schedule Involves Minor Adjustments
(Albuquerque,
NM –
April 5, 2010) – One
week from today, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will be
making some minor adjustments to the current weekday train
schedule. After operating under a new schedule, which began on
March 22nd to accommodate the addition of the new
Kewa Rail Runner Station, it has become apparent that a few
minor adjustments are in order to keep trains running smoothly
and on time.
More Information
NM Rail Runner to Open
Wi-Fi to Public Testing on Train
Beginning Monday, Passenger Can Log On, Send
Emails and Surf the Net While Riding the Rail
(Albuquerque,
NM –
April 1, 2010) –
Beginning
Monday, passengers aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will
get a chance to try out the train’s new Wi-Fi system. For the last
several months, only a group of 50-volunteer participants have been
given access to test the system. Now, the final test phase is being
opened to all
passengers for the next 90-days to work out any remaining bugs in
the system.
More Information
Santa Fe Based Solar
Energy Company Selected for Photovoltaic Panels at Two Rail
Runner Stations
Belen and US 550 Stations Soon to Go
Green and Generate their Own Electricity
(Albuquerque,
NM –
March 30,
2010)-
The Rio Metro Regional Transit
District has selected Santa Fe-based solar company
Positive Energy for
the development of photovoltaic energy systems at two more Rail
Runner train stations.
NM Rail Runner Express
Announces Mother's Day Special
Mom's Ride Free with a Paying Passenger
(Albuquerque,
NM – May 5, 2010) -
You’ve heard the saying “There’s
no such thing as a free lunch”? Well that may be true, but this
Sunday mothers will get a
free ride aboard
the New Mexico Rail Runner Express if accompanied by a paying
passenger. It’s the Rail Runner’s way of paying respect to mom
on her special day!
“There’s no better place than
New Mexico to convert sunlight into electricity”, said Dewey Cave,
Interim Executive Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This
emerging technology has numerous environmental and economic
benefits. It makes perfect sense to pair it with the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express, which is also a clean, efficient and environmentally
friendly system”.
More Information
Maggie Ryan is the Three
Millionth Passenger
UNM Student
From Santa Fe Wins Annual Pass
(Albuquerque,
NM –
March 22, 2010)
-This
morning following the arrival of the 8:34 southbound Rail Runner
train at the Downtown Albuquerque Station, commuter Maggie Ryan
became the three millionth passenger to ride the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express! The University of New Mexico
graduate student says she boards the train at the Santa Fe Depot
Station two to four times a week, and takes it into Downtown
Albuquerque where she connects to the Rapid Ride to get to UNM.
More Information
Customer Service Network Down this Weekend
(Albuquerque, NM
– February 24, 2010)
– This coming Sunday, the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express customer service network will be down
for scheduled maintenance from about 11 am through about 4 pm.
This includes the customer service phone system and digital
message boards at Rail Runner train stations throughout the
corridor.
More Information
Open House Looks at Bus Rapid Transit from Northwest Mesa to I-25
Kick off Meeting to Look at Taking Congestion out of East-West
Commute
(Albuquerque,
NM –
February 19, 2009) – This
coming Tuesday, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District is hosting
the first in a series of public meetings aimed at coming up with
different and better ways to move people across the river from west
to east. The meeting focuses on a Bus Rapid Transit Study that looks
at the Paseo del Norte corridor between Unser Boulevard and I-25. Based on current
land-use, the construction of a new river crossing is unlikely, and
the widening of existing crossings is extremely limited.
More Information
Rail Runner Announces
Schedule & Fare Adjustments
Changes Effective February 15, 2010
(Albuquerque,
NM –
February 1, 2010) – In two
weeks, passengers aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will see
some changes in both train fares and service. The Rio Metro RTD Board – which manages the Rail Runner and
its regional transit connections – voted on these changes last week.
More Information
Governor Bill Richardson Announces Plan to
keep Rail Runner Running on Weekends
(Santa Fe, NM - January 25, 2010)–
Governor Bill Richardson today announced a plan that ensures weekend
service for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
The Governor’s Office worked with the
Department of Transportation and the Rio Metro Regional Transit
District to come up with a funding solution that would cover the
district’s shortfall, keeping the train running seven days a week.
More
Information
Collectible
Station Pins & Patches Now Available
A Different Station Pin & Patch Will Be
Released Each Month
(Albuquerque,
NM –
January 7, 2010) – This
coming Monday, January 11th, the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express will release its first in a series of collectible pins and
patches displaying the icons of each Rail Runner train station. The
first pins and patches to be released for sale to the public on
Monday include the Belen and Los Lunas Rail Runner Stations.
“People
have really come to identify with the Rail Runner logo”, says Dewey Cave,
Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “These commemorative pins and patches take the branding
a step further with each individual station logo, as well as provide
something collectible for those who’ve watched the Rail Runner add
stations as the service has grown.”
More Information
San Felipe Pueblo Gets Quiet Zone
Pueblo Residents Will Hear
Less Train Noise
(San Felipe Pueblo,
NM – December 30,
2009) –
This coming Monday
– January 4th – the Hagen Road railroad crossing on San
Felipe Pueblo will officially “go quiet” - meaning that trains will
stop sounding their horns when passing through the area.
“The
residents of San Felipe Pueblo will notice a significant difference
in this area in terms of train noise reduction”, says Dewey Cave,
Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “The upgrades that are made to qualify the quiet zones
are meant to keep motorists from trying to beat a train through the
crossing. The obvious bonus of course is that they also reduce the
impact of noise in the community”.
More Information
Rail Runner Express Offers Rides
to the New Mexico Bowl
Lobo Special Events Platform a Convenient Stop
for Fans
The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express once again prepares to help football fans
get to this weekend’s New Mexico Bowl featuring
Fresno State and
Wyoming.
More Information
New Mexico Rail Runner Express Featured on the
Santa Fe TV Show
Lifestyle Show Highlights
Train as Part of Santa Fe's Chic Urban Lifestyle
(Albuquerque,
NM –
December 11, 2009)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express is very proud to be part of a new monthly web program called
the "Santa Fe TV Show.com". The Rail Runner will be featured in the
first episode which premiers today directly on our website:
www.nmrailrunner.com.
The show features Santa Fe's
urban city chic style with its fine dining, refined wine culture,
and hip art scene. It also explores various “day trips” that can be
taken all over New Mexico – in many
cases using the Rail Runner and some of its many connecting partners
to get there.
More Information
Bring Your Camera and Take
a Picture with Santa
Santa Rides the Rails for Photos on the Train
(Albuquerque,
NM –
December 8, 2009)- The next
two Saturdays - December 12th and 19th -
people will get a chance to have their child’s photo taken with
Santa Claus aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Santa will
begin his journey at the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station
when he boards the 9:46 a.m. train heading south to Belen. Once he
arrives in Belen, he will hop on the 10:48 a.m. train heading north
and arriving at the Santa Fe Depot at 1:06 in the afternoon. At 1:20
p.m., Santa will leave Santa Fe and take the Rail Runner all the way
back to Belen and then catch the 3:58 p.m. train to finish his day
right back where he started in Downtown Albuquerque.
More
Information
Bernalillo County Approves New Vision for
Area Near South Valley Rail Runner Station
Rail Runner Will Provide Focal Point for Mixed-use
District Offering a Broad Range of Jobs, Housing Types and
Destinations
(Bernalillo County, NM – November 25,
2009) –
With the New Mexico Rail Runner Express bringing a steady flow of
commuters in and out of the station at Rio Bravo and south Second
Street, the Bernalillo County / International Sunport Rail Runner
station is poised to play an important role in the future of the
South Valley. The Bernalillo County Commission last night
unanimously adopted the “Bernalillo County / International Sunport
Station Area Plan” which is designed to help the area transform into
a mixed-use area offering local and regional employment and retail
opportunities, housing, and other amenities.
More Information
MRCOG Executive Director Featured Next to
Train on Cover of November Issue of Mass Transit Magazine
(Albuquerque, NM - November 23, 2009)
-The New Mexico Rail Runner Express got the cover spot on this
month’s Mass Transit Magazine – a national publication dedicated
to critical issues in our nation’s transit industry.
“This is great public relations for New Mexico”,
says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “We are certainly proud of the job we’ve done to bring
commuter rail to our citizens, and now the rest of the country can
read about it. This really puts New Mexico on the map.”
More Information
Rail Runner Holiday Coat Drive
Passenger encouraged to clean out their closets and help keep New
Mexico warm this winter!
(Albuquerque,
NM -
November 4, 2009)-
During
this economic recession, thousands of people in New Mexico are in need of food and
clothing. The holiday season is particularly difficult for many
families. This year, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has teamed
up with the Storehouse of Greater Albuquerque to sponsor a holiday
coat drive. There will be collection barrels on each Rail Runner
train beginning tomorrow - Thursday, November 5th.
“This is a great way for Rail Runner passengers to
reach out to those in need this holiday season,” says
Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region
Council of Governments. “Many of the thousands of New Mexicans who
don’t have sufficient winter clothing are children. The Storehouse
of Greater Albuquerque has more than a 150-people coming to receive
food and clothing each day, so we’re glad the Rail Runner can help
with their efforts.”
More Information
Defibrillators Installed on
Train
Staff Members Get Trained on CPR and
Lifesaving Equipment
(Albuquerque,
NM –
October 8, 2009)
–
41 engineers, conductors and
ticket clerks on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express are now fully
trained and certified in the use of lifesaving defibrillators that
are now installed on the cab cars of every New Mexico Rail Runner
Express train set.
“When you consider the fact that a person can be
on the train anywhere from 15-minutes to two-hours, it makes sense
to have this kind of equipment in the event of a medical emergency”,
says Lawrence Rael,
Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We
look at this as a continued effort to provide safe transportation”.
More Information
NMRX Enhances Safety with New Signaling
System
CTC System Offers Greater Safety & Efficiency in
Corridor
(Albuquerque,
NM – October 5, 2009) –
Various construction crews are working
on the last 13 miles of railroad track in the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express corridor replacing the train’s current system of
signals with a new Centralized Traffic Control System. The CTC,
as it’s called, will assist train dispatchers in moving trains
more efficiently, thus enhancing the safety of the corridor
while also improving on-time performance for the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express.
“This
CTC system addresses on-time performance, but even more so – it’s
about safety”, says Lawrence Rael,
Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Much
like traffic signals in a roadway system that keep traffic flowing
smoothly, the synchronized signals in this new system are designed
to create greater safety in the corridor.”
More Information
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Teams Up with the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express for a Special Offer
Offer Valid October 12 - November 30
SANTA FE, N.M – The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is proud to
announce that it will be offering a $2 admission discount to anyone
presenting a valid ticket for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express
between Oct. 12 and Nov. 30, 2009.
With the Rail Runner’s Santa Fe Depot station
only a half–mile away from the museum, many visitors from
Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, Bernalillo and the rest of the middle
Rio Grande valley have a more convenient way to visit the museum and
experience Georgia O’Keeffe’s works for themselves.
More Information
Introductory Run for NM Rail Runner Express
to Lobo Football Game working so well that it continues for
this Saturday’s game!
New Platform at Commercial and Avenida Cesar Chavez perfect for
boarding and deboarding
(Albuquerque,
NM –
September 15, 2009) –
The first run of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express to its new
Lobo Special Events Platform last Saturday was a big success –
in fact, it went so smoothly that Lobo football fans will get
another chance to do it again for this Saturday’s home
game with Air Force.
“We’re very excited about
how well this past Saturday’s introductory run worked out for those
who decided to avoid the hassle of parking and use the train and
shuttle to get to the game”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director
for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This was a great
opportunity to see how this set-up will work for future events at
the University, as well as events at Albuquerque Isotopes Stadium.”
More Information
NM Rail Runner Express completes Lobo
Special Events Platform
Special Platform at Commercial and Avenida Cesar Chavez
ready for boarding and deboarding
(Albuquerque,
NM – September
9,
2009)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express is ready to open its Lobo Special Events Platform.
“This is yet another way
the New Mexico Rail Runner Express can help New Mexicans attend
special events at the University of New Mexico”, says Governor Bill
Richardson.
More
information
Ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and
use the “Buddy Plan” to get two-for-one admission at the NM
State Fair
Fair Deal Bargain Book offers savings when two people
ride the train!
(Albuquerque,
NM – September
9,
2009)-
Those wanting to use the
New Mexico Rail Runner Express to get to the New Mexico State Fair
this year will get the price of one Fair admission free if they ride
the train with a buddy! The train and the fair have partnered to
offer a “Rail Runner Buddy Plan” which allows two-for-one admission
to the fair when two people ride the train.
More
information
Record crowds ride train for Labor Day
Weekend
More than 26,000 ride the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express over the holiday weekend!
(Santa
Fe,
NM – September
8,
2009)-
A whopping 26,483
people boarded the New Mexico Rail Runner Express this past Labor
Day Holiday weekend. Many used the service to get to the New Mexico
Wine Festival in the Town of Bernalillo, and the City of Santa Fe’s
400th Celebration.
More information
NM Rail Runner Express begins Sunday Service
this weekend
This Sunday train schedule goes from six to seven days
a week on a regular basis
(Santa
Fe,
NM – September
8,
2009)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express will officially kick off its regular Sunday service this
coming Sunday, September 13th. While Sundays are still important
days for track and equipment maintenance, a limited schedule of
service will offer opportunities for people to ride the train both
early in the day and later in the evening.
“We can certainly tell from
our past experiences of offering special Sunday service, that people
are going to embrace this opportunity”, says Lawrence Rael,
Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments.
“Offering Sunday service will offer more options to those wanting to
use the train to spend the weekend in Santa Fe, and for those who
simply want to go up for the day.”
See the new Sunday
Schedule.
New Mexico Rail Runner Express running later
train to accommodate Santa Fe’s Zozobra Event
Last train back from Santa Fe will leave later than
usual this Thursday
(Santa
Fe,
NM – September
8,
2009)-
An adjustment is being made
to the train schedule for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express to
allow people to attend the burning of Zozobra on Thursday, September
10th. The last train leaving Santa Fe will be moved from 9:30 p.m.
to 11:00p.m.
People planning to use the
train to get to Zozobra can take the short walk from the train
station to Fort Marcy Park for the event.
“Extending our late train a
little later will allow those attending the burning of Zozobra to
use the train to get to the event and back”, says Lawrence Rael,
Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments.
Later Trains for Labor Day Weekend
Activities
Last Trains Departing Santa Fe Will Leave Later on Friday,
Saturday & Sunday
(Santa
Fe,
NM – September 1,
2009)-
Those planning on using the New Mexico
Rail Runner Express to partake in various Labor Day Weekend
festivities going on throughout the region, will be able to catch
some later trains home from their respective events. There are a
number of events going on for the Labor Day Holiday Weekend
including the New Mexico Wine Festival in the Town of
Bernalillo, the
Santa Fe 400th Anniversary
celebration, and activities at the Santa Fe Opera grounds. To allow
people to attend various events and still return on the train at the
end of the evening, the last train leaving Santa Fe has been moved
from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
More Information
Special Labor Day Weekend Service to the Wine
Festival
Passengers Urged to Purchase Tickets On-Line
(Bernalillo,
NM-August
26, 2009)-
For the fourth
year, visitors to the New Mexico Wine Festival will have another
transportation alternative to get to the wildly popular affair. The
New Mexico Rail Runner Express is once again offering special train
service over the upcoming long Labor Day weekend. And just as in
years past, people taking the train can catch a free shuttle bus
from the U.S. 550/Sandoval County station to the festival, or they
can opt to take a short walk from the station to the annual event.
“For the past three years, the Rail Runner
connection to the Wine Festival has been a tremendous success”, says
Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the
Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Lots of people take advantage of
the opportunity to avoid the traffic and parking hassles, and we
expect record numbers to take the train to the Festival again this.”
More Information
New Mexico Initiates
Safety Program for ATV's
Bobby J's Yamaha Hosts Safety Program Friday
(Albuquerque,
NM August 26, 2009)
–
New Mexico all-terrain vehicle (ATV) owners
are the focus of a new safety program to educate ATV riders not to
ride on or near railroad tracks. The goal of the effort is to reduce
the trespassers along the Belen to Santa Fe Corridor, followed by
other areas throughout New Mexico.
Members of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), NM Rail Runner
Express, BNSF, and NM Operation Lifesaver will visit
Albuquerque-area ATV retail outlets this Friday to inform ATV riders
of the dangers of trespassing on railroad rights-of-way.
More Information
US Patent & Trademark
Office Renders Decision on Trademark for New Mexico Rail Runner
Express
Commuter Train Maintains Right to Use Name and
Logo
(Albuquerque,
NM – August 11,
2009) –
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(PTO) issued a determination stating that the
New Mexico Rail Runner Express
has met the requirements for official trademark registration as set
forth by that office.
“As New Mexicans, we are all proud of the name and
logo of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express,” Governor Bill
Richardson said. “This trademark decision is a huge victory for the
people of New Mexico.”
More Information
Emergency Preparedness Training at Domingo
Siding
First Full Scale Emergency
Exercise on Tribal Land
(Domingo,
NM – August 4,
2009)
-
This Sunday,
emergency responders from Santo Domingo Pueblo, the New Mexico State
Police, and throughout
Sandoval
County will get an opportunity to respond
to a “Real Time” emergency aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner
Express. A full scale emergency preparedness exercise has been set
up to allow members from pueblo and area law enforcement, fire, and
rescue agencies to test their skills in the event of a true railway
disaster.
More Information
New Mexico Rail Runner Express Installs Life Saving Defibrillators
on Train Cars
Staff Gets Qualified on Equipment
(Albuquerque,
NM – July
31, 2009) –
Engineers, conductors and ticket clerks on the New Mexico Rail
Runner Express are beginning the first of four weekends of classes
on how to administer defibrillator procedures to passengers in an
emergency situation aboard the train. The training comes in advance
of defibrillators that will soon be installed on the cab cars of
every Rail Runner train set.
“When
you consider the fact that a person can be on the train anywhere
from 15-minutes to two-hours, it makes sense to have this kind of
equipment in the event of a medical emergency”, says Lawrence Rael,
Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We
look at this as a continued effort to provide safe transportation”.
More Information
New Mexico Rail Runner Express Creates Overflow Parking Lot at Los
Ranchos
Goal is to clear El Pueblo of parked cars and
create better traffic flow near station
(Albuquerque, NM - July 30, 2009) -
This week, crews have begun construction on an overflow Rail Runner
parking lot at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center Rail Runner Station in
the north valley. The overflow lot, which is directly across
the street from the station, will add another 130 parking spaces.
"This is a critical station for the Rail Runner," says Lawrence
Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments.
"The number of vehicles that park here on a daily basis is way over
what we had originally planned. By adding this overflow lot,
we can ensure our riders that we are responding to the increased
demands while easing congestion and traffic flow in the area."
More Information
New Mexico Rail Runner
Express Quiets North Valley
Residents living north of Osuna will soon hear less train noise
(Albuquerque,
NM – July 29, 2009) –
On Friday of this week, the remaining six North
Valley
railroad crossings between
Osuna Road and
Alameda Road will officially “go quiet” -
meaning that trains will stop sounding their horns when passing
through the area.
“This
has been a tremendous effort, but certainly well worth it when you
consider the significant difference in this area in terms of train
noise reduction”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the
Mid-Region Council of Governments. “With the addition of these last
six crossings going quiet, more neighborhoods and businesses along
the Rail Runner corridor will now be less impacted by the sound of
train horns”.
More
Information
New Train Schedules Begin August 1stSanta Fe
County/NM 599 Set to Come Online in August
(Albuquerque,
NM – July 22, 2009)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express will
open the Santa Fe County/NM 599 Station on Saturday, August 1st.
In order to accommodate this station, new weekday and Saturday
schedules will be effective on August 1st. Rail Runner
passengers are encouraged to throw out their old schedules and
print the new ones
now.
More Information
Rail Runner
Teams Up with Storehouse for Summer Food Drive
(Albuquerque,
NM – July
17, 2009)-
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express
is partnering with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)
service learning students, and the Storehouse of Greater Albuquerque
for a summer food drive. This food drive is a CNM Service Learning
Activity, organized and conducted by Service Learning students to
benefit the Storehouse.
More Information
Easy Connection to the Albuquerque Airport
Free Airport Shuttle Has a New
Look
(Albuquerque,
NM – June
17, 2009)-
There’s no mistaking it – the free
shuttle between the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the
Albuquerque International Sunport just got a little easier to spot!
The shuttle, which operates between the Sunport and the Downtown
Albuquerque Rail Runner station more than a dozen times a day, now
boasts some new and eye-catching artwork to make it easier for
travelers to find it.
“This new look is really going to help people find
the shuttle a lot easier, as well as let others know that there
is a free shuttle that can connect them from the Rail Runner
directly to the airport”, says Lawrence
Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council
of Governments.
More Information
Work Begins on Quieting Remainder of North
Valley Crossings
Residents Living North of Osuna Road Will soon Hear Less
Train Noise
(Albuquerque,
NM – June
9, 2009) – Starting this
week, crews are beginning work on six North
Valley
railroad crossings between
Osuna Road and
Alameda Road to prepare the three-mile
stretch of track to become an official “quiet zone” - meaning that
trains will soon be able to stop sounding their horns when passing
through the area.
More Information
Rail Runner Celebrates
Two Million Riders!
And the winner is...
(Santa
Fe,
NM – June 3, 2009)-
This morning following the arrival
of the 7:39 northbound Rail Runner train at the South Capitol
Station in Santa Fe,
commuter Valerie Gladden became the two millionth passenger to ride
the New Mexico Rail Runner Express! The 50-year-old Motor Vehicle
Clerk says she boards the train at the Los Lunas Rail Runner Station
each morning, and takes it into Santa Fe where she makes
the short walk directly to her office from the station.
More Information
New Shuttle Service Between Santa Fe Rail Runner Station and
Taos
ALBUQUERQUE
– May 19, 2009 – The Town of Taos announced a new
express nonstop shuttle service to link New Mexico Rail Runner
travelers between Taos and Santa Fe. The new service – The Taos
Express – will run weekends this summer beginning June 4th.
More Information
New Mexico Lands First BIG Stop on Disney Cross-Country Train
Tour
Promotional Tour for 2009 Christmas
Movie Comes to Albuquerque and Santa Fe
(Albuquerque,
NM – May
14, 2009)-
Coming this June to a railroad
station near you – Santa Fe and Albuquerque
will be the first major stops on a cross-country Walt Disney train
tour promoting a new Christmas movie set to hit the big screen this
2009 Holiday Season. To promote the movie - called “A Christmas
Carol” featuring actor Jim Carrey, Walt Disney Productions is taking
its show on the road – or “track”, so to speak – embarking on a
40-city interactive whistle-stop train tour that kicks off in
Los Angeles
on Memorial Day Weekend.
More Information
Nearly 90% of NM Rail Runner Passengers are Satisfied with
Service
Rail Runner Customers Say Train is Less
Stressful, Costs Less and is Good for the Environment
(Albuquerque,
NM - May 11, 2009) - According to a passenger survey
conducted between April 1 and April 15, nearly 90% of New Mexico
Rail Runner Express passengers are satisfied with the service.
This number is consistent with a passenger survey that
was conducted one year earlier when train service was only
available from Bernalillo to Belen.
More Information
Survey Results
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