January 5, 2009
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| THE SOURCE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEWS AND ANALYSIS |
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Richardson Launches Extension of Rail Runner Express
 New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson joined state, local, and tribal officials Dec. 15 on the inaugural run of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express to Santa Fe. Regular service on the complete commuter rail line between Belen, in the south, and Santa Fe began Dec. 17.
“This is a historic event that will bring long-term economic benefits to New Mexico and change the way we travel along the Middle Rio Grande Corridor,” Richardson said. “During these tough economic times, the Rail Runner Express will provide thousands of commuters a much-needed savings while offering them a safe, viable, and efficient transportation alternative.”
State Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said the new service “will change the face of transportation in New Mexico. With initial estimates of nearly 4,500 commuters riding the train between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on a daily basis, this will not only take a lot of stress off our roads, but will also enhance safety.”
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express began serving commuters between Albuquerque and Bernalillo on July 14, 2006. The 50-mile corridor between Bernalillo and Belen carries an average of 3,000 commuters daily and has seen more than 1.3 million riders in the last two years. The commuter rail line is part of the governor’s Investment Partnership, a $1.6 billion transportation and infrastructure initiative
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