(Albuquerque, NM – April 1, 2010) – Beginning Monday, passengers aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will get a chance to try out the train’s new Wi-Fi system. For the last several months, only a group of 50-volunteer participants have been given access to test the system. Now, the final test phase is being opened to all passengers for the next 90-days to work out any remaining bugs in the system.

“The Rail Runner has provided convenience and ease for commuters over the last three years and with this new wireless system, we are now providing an additional benefit to passengers,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón. “I would like to encourage those getting on the train to test out the new system over the next 90 days to help us provide the best service possible.”

“We’re in the home stretch”, says Dewey Cave, Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We want to make sure our passengers understand that we are still in a test mode. This period will give riders ample opportunity to check out what kind of capabilities the Rail Runner offers in terms of a free Wi-Fi service. It also gives our train staff a chance to see how the system performs with a greater number of people using it." 

Wi-Fi service for Rail Runner passengers is free and will be available both on the trains and at each station. Users must have a Wi-Fi enabled device of their own to take part in the final test phase. Once logged on, participants should be able to send emails, surf the internet and move from station to train, and train car to train car without losing connectivity. 

How to connect on the NM Rail Runner Express!

1. Turn on and log onto your device
2. Check for a list of available Wi-Fi networks (this varies depending on device)
3. Select or connect to NMRX Wi-Fi network
4. Open your browser and you will be redirected to the NM Rail Runner portal page
5. Click on “accept” to accept the terms of using the service and you will be allowed into the free internet

Problems, issues, or comments should be emailed to:
wifi@mrcog-nm.gov

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express will provide an update following this final phase of testing of the new service to inform passengers and interested parties on the success of the Wi-Fi system.