In a nine–to-three vote, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Board recently voted on a fare increase for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
This move comes in light of the upcoming discontinuation of significant federal funds that are currently being used to pay for Rail Runner service.
“These are tough economic times, and we must continually look at various cost-saving options to keep the Rail Runner solvent,” said Steve Shaw, Chairman of the Rio Metro Board.
“The fare increase would not resolve all the fiscal challenges the Rail Runner is facing, but would be an important part of the solution.”
It is estimated that such an increase in fares could generate approximately $600,000 annually in additional revenue if ridership was maintained at its current level.
Earlier this month, a series of public meetings was scheduled to give people the opportunity to weigh in on the fare proposal.
A survey was also made available online and in hard copy form for passengers aboard Rail Runner train between September 27th and October 18th.
2,308 people responded to the survey, and results were shared with Rio Metro Board Members.
NM Rail Runner Fare Survey Highlights
- 82.2% of survey respondents said they feel that the proposed fare changes are reasonable.
- 34.3% of survey respondents said they would ride the Rail Runner less if the new fares were implemented.
- 12.8% of survey respondents said they would stop riding the Rail Runner if the new fares were implemented.
NM Rail Runner Fare Changes at a Glance
- In most cases, a Day Pass on the Rail Runner will increase $1-to-$2 dollars.
- A Monthly Pass on the Rail Runner will go up anywhere from $4-to-$11.
- An Annual Pass on the Rail Runner will go up anywhere from $35-to-$110.
The fare increases are not expected to go into effect for at least 45-days.
