Two Stations Get Bigger Platforms

Added Capacity at Los Ranchos and US 550 Stations Means Easier Boarding for Passengers

(Albuquerque, NM – March 11, 2009)- Construction crews just this week began work on the first of two New Mexico Rail Runner Express platforms in an effort to make it easier for passengers to get on and off the train. As part of the Phase Two expansion to Santa Fe, these platforms are being expanded to accommodate longer train sets.

“Once completed, this project will make the Rail Runner more time efficient”, says New Mexico Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Girón. “Right now, we have to stop at the station, let passengers off and then move the train up one car length to let the last car-full off. The added platform length means that we’ll be able to stop just once at each station and everyone can get on and off at one time.”

Work at the first platform – at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center Rail Runner station - will continue for the next month. Once that work is completed, crews will begin lengthening the platform at the Sandoval County/US 550 station.

“This work is being done as a result of the overwhelming response we’ve had since opening service to Santa Fe – particularly at these two stations”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Phase Two service has been a great success, and people are really enjoying being able to hop on the train to Santa Fe. Now, the experience will be that much more efficient when they do.”

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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