Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 7/21/11)

We know that many riders have questions regarding the New Mexico Rail Runner Express service changes. We have compiled some answers to the most asked questions received from passengers, residents and visitors. The Rio Metro Regional Transit District will continue to explore options for the future, taking into consideration the many valuable comments received from the public in addressing the long-term funding and schedule changes of the rail system.

How did the Rio Metro Regional Transit District end up with a $1.2 million shortfall?

Rio Metro, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, was able to use federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grants to cover part of the operating budget for each of the Rail Runner segments (Belen to Bernalillo and Bernalillo to Santa Fe) for up to three years. The CMAQ funds cannot be used to fund service starting in January 2012.

At one point weekend service was going to be eliminated. Is that still happening?

No. Weekend service will remain intact, but there will be some minor changes. A seasonal weekend schedule will be implemented. More frequent trains will run during the peak season from late spring through early fall while fewer trains will run during the off-peak winter season.

What is going to change with the weekday schedule?

A new weekday schedule will be implemented in late August or early September. The new schedule will have a stop at the new Sandia Pueblo Station. Several other cost saving measures will be included as well.

The first northbound train between Albuquerque and Santa Fe will be replaced with bus service.
The first southbound train between Sandoval County/US 550 and Downtown Albuquerque will be replaced with bus service. This bus may also continue further south to Los Lunas and Belen.
The last two southbound trains from Santa Fe will be consolidated into one train departing at 9:00pm.
Other minor schedule adjustments will be made to accommodate the soon-to-open Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner Station, and potentially Montano and Zia Rail Runner Stations.

What changes will be made to the weekend schedule?

During the winter months, Saturday Rail Runner service will be reduced to the equivalent of current Sunday service: two northbound runs and two southbound runs.
Other minor schedule adjustments will be made to accommodate the soon-to-open Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner Station, and potentially Montano and Zia Rail Runner Stations.

When will a new schedule be implemented?

A new weekday schedule will be implemented in late August or early September. A new weekend schedule will begin by early fall.

Will the first weekday morning trains still be replaced with bus service?

Yes. Train # 500 and Train # 501 will be replaced with bus service. Ridership levels on those trains are too low to justify the cost to continue to operate a train and can be done more cost effectively with a bus.

Will I still be able to make my bus connection with the new schedule?

Yes. Rio Metro is working closely with our transit partners throughout the corridor to ensure that all current bus routes that meet the train will continue to do so with the new schedule.

Why will more time be added to my weekday morning commute?

Rio Metro planners are trying to keep any time adjustments to a minimum. More time will be added to some weekday & weekend commutes to accommodate the opening of new stations.

Will you have service to the New Mexico Wine Festival in Bernalillo over Labor Day weekend?

Yes. Once again, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will offer service to the New Mexico Wine Festival in Bernalillo over Labor Day weekend. A special schedule will be in place for the 3-day weekend. Check the website in August to see the schedule.

Will you have service to the Indian Market in Santa Fe on August 20-21?

Yes. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express will operate on the regular weekend schedule for Indian Market weekend on August 20-21.

Why don’t you create an express schedule so we can get to our destinations faster?

We do not have enough funding at this time to create a true express schedule. For one train to bypass about half of the stations, we would need to have a second train follow closely behind it to stop at the remaining stations. Otherwise, we anticipate a large number of passengers would not have access to the train at peak commute times and ridership would decline.

What are you doing to solve the current budget crisis and minimize additional service cuts?

The Rio Metro Regional Transit District is working closely with multiple agencies to find available funding to keep service at existing levels. At this point, all options are on the table.

Why don’t you raise fares?

Raising fares is always an option to be considered. An increase in fares of $2 - $3 per day, per person would generate a portion of the revenues needed. We always have to weigh a fare increase with the potential loss of paying passengers. In an effort to make the train service affordable for all working New Mexicans, we will carefully review this option.

How did the Rio Metro Regional Transit District decide which services to reduce?

The Rio Metro Board decided to replace Train # 500 and Train # 501 with bus service because ridership levels on those trains are too low to justify the cost to continue to operate a train and can be done more cost effectively with a bus.

Why are you spending money on big construction projects at stations and other services when you don’t have any money?

Many new Rio Metro initiatives are being paid with federal grant money that cannot be used for operations. The Sandia Pueblo Station was part of the original plan, but money was not available for construction. In 2009 Rio Metro received a federal grant from NMDOT to pay for the Kewa station. The city of Albuquerque was awarded a federal grant to pay for the Montano Intermodal Transportation Center that includes a future Rail Runner station near 2^nd Street and Montano. The TV monitors being installed on trains are part of a one-time federal grant to enhance ADA announcements for the hearing impaired. We are required to have visual next station notifications on all railcars. Part of the screens will also be used to sell advertising, which will bring in additional revenue for the operation of the train.

Why don’t you sell ads?

We are in the process of starting an advertising program. We expect to start selling ads on trains, stations and buses soon.

We didn't include your question?

railrunner@mrcog-nm.gov

Call 866-795-RAIL (7245)