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Governor Richardson Officially Dedicates New South Valley Rail Runner Station New commuter rail station provides much-anticipated connection to Sunport (4-17-07) – Governor Bill Richardson, joined by state and local elected officials, today dedicated the new Rail Runner station in Albuquerque’s South Valley - the Bernalillo County/ International Sunport Station. “With the opening of the Bernalillo County – International Sunport Train Station this week, we are further expanding our service along this corridor,” Governor Richardson said. “Since the Rail Runner service started last July, we have seen the ridership go up steadily,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “We are averaging between 1,800 and 2,400 commuters a day now. We expect the ridership to go up even further, when we have all the stations in place.” The new station offers free parking - approximately 172 spaces. This station will also provide public transportation connections to the Albuquerque International Sunport and make connections to the south Coors and Isleta area. “The region will now have an important transportation connection to the airport, while the South Valley residents also gain much needed public transportation,” Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said. “This particular station will be an important point of access for many first-time visitors flying into New Mexico”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This important link creates a stronger connection to the other communities in the region as well.” “Bernalillo County is committed to providing good public transportation to south valley residents and Rail Runner commuters”, said Bernalillo County Commission Chairman Alan Armijo. “The county will be appropriating up to 150,000 dollars to support the establishment of a new bus connection along Rio Bravo from south Coors to the Sunport”. “This now provides a viable transportation alternative for the people living in my south valley district”, says Bernalillo County Commissioner Teresa Cordova. “The working families in the south valley need affordable transportation – especially with rising fuel costs”. “Once again we’re very excited to team up with the Rail Runner and act as partners in expanding transportation opportunities throughout the mid-valley region”, says Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez. “Our previous efforts have been a success, and we’re confident this will continue that tradition”. The new station opens for service on Friday, April 20th.The New Mexico Rail Runner Express began service in July of 2006. To date, more than 375,000 people have ridden the train. CONTACT: Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov |
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