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.

“There are so many things I enjoy about riding the Rail Runner”, said Valerie. “I get a lot done on the train; sometimes I read, or pay bills. I’ve even met some of my best friends on the train. It’s great – everybody should give it a try.”

The Valencia County resident says she’s been taking the train to work for a year-and-a-half now. Gladden says prior to the Rail Runner extension to Santa Fe, she would  take the train from Los Lunas to the US 550/Sandoval County station and catch the Park and Ride shuttle into Santa Fe. She says now she doesn’t have to worry about making the connection in Bernalillo, and she can get on the train and sit back and enjoy the whole ride.

“Valerie is a shining example of how public transportation done right can serve the community,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L. J Girón. “She is just one of many New Mexicans who has realized the convenience and economic benefits of the Rail Runner.”

The Rail Runner, which has become the fastest start-up of a commuter rail train in the country in the past 20 years, currently carries a daily average of approximately 4,500 commuters between the City of Santa Fe and the City of Belen. 

“It’s hard to believe we’ve reached two million passengers in less than three years of service”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “It’s amazing how many people like Valerie are finding the Rail Runner to be a good fit for their daily commute. “ 

For the distinction of two millionth passenger, Valerie was rewarded with a basket of Rail Runner items, including a pass to ride the train free for one year, a scale model of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a Two Millionth Passenger certificate as well as a Hotel Santa Fe Vacation Package.

Wild Oats and Whole Foods provided free coffee and pastries to morning commuters at the South Capitol station following the arrival of the two-millionth passenger train.

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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