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))

The Rail Runner - Albuquerque to Santa Fe

(picture by John)


The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train began service from Albuquerque to Santa Fe on December 17. There seem to be two types of customers being served - work commuters between the ABQ and Santa Fe area, and citizens/tourists who wish to take the train between the two cities for fun.

The first few weeks have been accompanied by some problems which are being ironed out...but LOTS of riders over the holidays. It's too soon to call the Rail Runner a success yet, but it has great possibilities if people will keep riding it. There are a total of four stations planned for Santa Fe, with two functioning now and two more planned for the future.

It has been fun seeing the Rail Runner traveling through the town -- it's quite visible and impressive and already becoming a familiar part of the landscape here in Santa Fe.

The best part for us is that being residents of Santa Fe County, we can ride all Rail Runner trains for free until March 17, 2009, if we provide proof of residency. Looks like a trip on the Rail Runner is part of our future adventures!