Rail Runner celebrates “UNM Rail and Ride Week”

New shuttle service takes people from the train right onto campus – for free!

(11-9-06) - Starting Monday, November 13th, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is kicking off a week of festivities and fun aimed at getting the word out about the new free shuttle service to the University of New Mexico. Following in the tracks of UNM Hospital, which implemented free shuttle service for its employees soon after Rail Runner service began, the University is now offering its own free shuttle that takes train passengers to and from campus daily. Students and faculty can now just park at the US 550 station or the Los Ranchos station, ride the train to downtown Albuquerque, then let the new UNM shuttle take them to campus.

“The shuttle is free, quiet and so convenient”, says Greg Johnston, UNM Communications & Marketing. “The train is the best thing that’s happened to my commute in 25 years of traveling to the University from the Bernalillo area. I love the views, I love the company, and just about everything about it! Students and staff need to know that a shuttle exists to take you from the ATC right to the Duck Pond at UNM”.

UNM Rail and Ride Week Events

• Bagels and Coffee from 6:30-7:30 am Tuesday, November 14th at the Downtown Rail Runner Station
• Hot Chocolate from 11am -1pm Thursday, November 16th at the Duck Pond at UNM
• Free Rail Runner giveaways on shuttle all week!
• Chance to win Rail Runner monthly pass!

“I think that those using the train and new shuttle service to get to UNM really enjoy the time they get to prepare for their day during their commute”, says Joshua Kavanagh, UNM Parking and Transportation Services. “Some have remarked on how much less stress they have by leaving the driving to someone else”.

Next week’s Rail and Ride Week will also include a special day – Wednesday, November 15th - specifically dedicated to UNM Hospital for implementation of its free shuttle service.

“Providing a free shuttle for our employees from the Rail Runner is one of the best things we’ve done for our employees”, says Janey Flores, Manager for UNM Hospital Parking and Transportation. “We hear all the time how much they enjoy the ease of the commute – and arriving at work in a timely and stress-free manner”.

Call 243-RIDE for information on taking the Rapid Ride to campus.

CONTACT:  Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov

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