Rail Runner goes mobile to give
Commuters Ticket-purchasing Options
(10-17-06) – The New Mexico
Rail Runner Express announced that it is now utilizing Abanco
International, LLC, a leading provider of payment processing
solutions, to provide (MDT) or Mobile Data Technology to collect
fares at Rail Runner platforms and on the train.

“The Rail Runner is the
future of transportation in New Mexico and this ticketing system
is another way that these future technologies are becoming a
reality today,” said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. “The
Rail Runner is fast and this ticketing system will make the
train experience even faster for commuters.”
“These hand-held devices
will allow commuters to use credit, debit, or cash payment
options right on the platform to get Rail Runner tickets”, says
Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of
Governments. “Ticket agents will also use the MDT equipment to
validate tickets and vend passes right on the train. And pretty
soon, these very sophisticated machines will allow people yet
another option – buying their pre-order Rail Runner tickets on
the Internet”, adds Rael.
The “MDT In-Transit”, as
it’s called, operates on a rugged, wireless terminal. It is a
fully-functional, web-enabled, touch screen unit with built-in
software and custom integration components that utilize barcode
scanning and magnetic strip technologies to simplify the
business process and to deliver secure transactions in the
field.
“Rail Runner’s utilization
of the Abanco MDT In-Transit will allow it to streamline payment
transactions, as well as improve passenger service and
satisfaction”, says Rhonda Faught, Secretary of the NM
Department of Transportation. “These devices can validate
tickets quickly and then reconcile daily inventory at the end of
the day”.
Passengers arriving at Rail
Runner stations prior to the arrival of the train will be able
to purchase tickets from yellow-vested ticket agents right on
the platform. If a passenger fails to get a ticket before
boarding the train, they can simply buy their ticket from an
agent while en route to their destination.
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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