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Governor Bill Richardson Announces Plan to keep Rail Runner Running on Weekends (Santa Fe, NM - January 25, 2010)– Governor Bill Richardson today announced a plan that ensures weekend service for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. The Governor’s Office worked with the Department of Transportation and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District to come up with a funding solution that would cover the district’s shortfall, keeping the train running seven days a week. “The Rail Runner has boosted tourism and helped
generate business for the state at a time when we need it most,”
Governor Bill Richardson said. “Now is not the time to cut services. The Rail Runner faced the possibility of cutting weekend services as a result of a $750,000 budget shortfall, which is the direct result of the national recession. Across the nation, many public transit agencies have been confronted with decreased operating revenue due to the lingering economic downturn. To alleviate that shortfall, the Department of
Transportation will take $750,000 from Surface Transportation
Flexible Federal Funds and convert to Congestion Mitigation Air
Quality Funds.
“Utilizing these federal funds allows a creative solution to funding issues we currently face, which will allow us to keep Rail Runner weekend service intact,” said NMDOT Secretary Gary L.J. Girón. State Transportation Commission Chairman Johnny Cope said, “ I appreciate the hard work and aggressive budget actions that are being taken to keep this vital transportation link operating seven days a week—meeting the crucial needs of New Mexico travelers.” The Rio Metro Regional Transit District will also find additional budget cuts to keep the district’s budget balanced. The Rio Metro management team has also committed to finding a total of $250,000 in Rail Runner budget reductions to include an additional $100,000 of savings from salaries and benefits. Still under consideration are two additional actions—a modest fare increase, and a reduced Saturday schedule. Contacts:
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