It’s official - Rail Runner
Service to Downtown Bernalillo starts tomorrow!
(Bernalillo, NM 4-26-07) – Beginning Friday, April 27th,
the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will begin passenger service
right into the heart of Downtown Bernalillo. The new station will
become the 7th station to be added to the 50-mile Phase One Rail
Runner corridor between the Town of Bernalillo to the north and the
City of Belen to the south.
“This is an exciting day for the Town of Bernalillo”,
says NM Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught. “In addition to
providing alternative transportation, this move sets the stage
for the community to develop transit oriented businesses as well
as new investment opportunities”.
The new station, located at the center of historic downtown,
sits at Railroad Track Road, just east of Bernalillo’s main
street – Camino del Pueblo. Parking is free and located just
west of the platform, offering 23 spaces. It is the smallest of
all Rail Runner station parking lots, reflecting the fact that
the station is so centrally located, that many Bernalillo
residents can easily choose to walk there from their homes.
“This now provides an affordable transportation alternative for
the people of Bernalillo, as well as allowing our community to
hold onto its rich history”, says Bernalillo Mayor Patricia A.
Chávez. “The fact that this station is located in the heart of
our community means that travelers can get off the train and
immediately experience the rich culture and heritage of
Bernalillo”, adds Mayor Chávez.
Once part of the famous “Route 66”, Bernalillo’s Main Street is
now home to all kinds of specialty restaurants and shops that
are easily accessible from the new train station.
”We look toward this station to give Bernalillo a boost in areas
of employment, housing, and commercial opportunities”, says
Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “This important stop also creates a stronger
connection for Bernalillo to the other communities in the
region”.
The Town of Bernalillo is planning to formally dedicate the new
Rail Runner station sometime next month.
Contacts:
- Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov
- S.U. Mahesh, NM Department of Transportation (505) 490-0976
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