The RailRunner Arrives in Santa Fe

Submitted by TimJFowler on Mon, 2008/12/15 - 3:40pm
in
RailRunner Inaugural Santa Fe Ride

After years of discussion, construction and waiting the New Mexico RailRunner Express commuter train has arrived in Santa Fe. Today's rides and events marked the official inauguration of train service to Santa Fe with the governor, government officials, other dignitaries and the public in attendance. Regular commuter train service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe begins on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008.

RailRunner Express train service begins with two stations, the Santa Fe Depot in the Railyard and the South Capitol station between Alta Vista and Cordova Roads. The station at St. Francis Drive and I-25 and NM 599 will open in Spring of 2009. The Zia Road / St. Francis station is complete and will open when plans for a transit-oriented development at the site are complete and approved by the City of Santa Fe.

I can hardly wait to take the train to Albuquerque to visit friends or catch a flight from the airport. Not needing to drive an hour each way between Albuquerque and Santa Fe will be an incredible convenience. Hopefully, the regular train service will soon expand to include a later evening and weekend schedule to allow concert and theater-goers to take the RailRunner to shows in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Albuquerque skiers and snowboarders are already clamoring for a shuttle service to Ski Santa Fe so they can use the train too.

Something for Nothing

  • Free RailRunner Rides*. Santa Fe County residents will be able to ride the train free of charge by providing proof of residency such as a driver’s license.
  • Free Admission to NM Museums and Monuments*. Rail Runner passengers are required to produce their tickets for the day they plan on visiting the museums or their train passes to gain free admission. New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, New Mexico Museum of Art, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Coronado State Monument, Jemez State Monument.
  • (* These offers are good from Dec. 17, 2008 through March 17, 2009)
  • Free bus transfers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Rail Runner ticket holders have free passage on all ABQRide bus routes and soon on Santa Fe Trails Routes. Cooperative efforts for passengers that use both Rail Runner and Park and Ride are also being considered.

    • More Info:

    RailRunner Express Train Schedules

    RailRunner Santa Fe Extension Schedule & Fares

    Santa Fe RailRunner Project Plans

    Call for Culture Friendly NM Rail Runner Schedule