Riding the rails to debt?

It looks like the Rail Runner is going to be a huge issue in the political campaigns this year.

The Democrats who are running for office, generally support it (it is known as Bill Richardson's legacy here) and in some cases, want to expand it.

The Republicans are for the most part are opposed to it, and some want to scrap it entirely, because it is a huge money loser for the state, racking up millions of dollars in debt the longer it operates.

As for John and I, we think it is cool to see it in Santa Fe and we like to watch it. HOWEVER, when we look in the cars and try to estimate how many people we see riding it at any give time, the cars are mostly empty. I guess we are not seeing it during the rush hours in the morning and evening; perhaps it has some riders then, but I don't think they are enough to keep it in the black.


(The Rail Runner in Santa Fe June 1, 2010, Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive))