The Rail Runner has modified its train schedules and may increase fare rates due to a state budget deficit of $1.2 million for fiscal year 2012.
Before the Rail Runner’s Board of Directors takes official action on the fare proposal, the public will get a chance to complete a survey or attend public meetings on the issue.
Steve Shaw, chairman of the Rio Metro Board, which operates rail and bus services in Belen, Los Lunas, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and rural areas of Sandoval County, said the Rail Runner is expected to lose its deferral funding in 2013.
The increase in fares would help offset the debt and the expected loss of federal funding.
“This is a critical time for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express,” he said. “While an increase in fares may not make up for the complete shortfall, this is just one piece that will help offset the loss of these federal funds.”
The survey asks riders if the fares proposed for their trips are reasonable, and if they would continue to ride after fares are implemented.
Proposed fares for day trips are up to $2 higher than current fares, monthly passes up to $11 higher and yearly passes up to $110 higher. Specific rate raises depend on how many zones Rail Runner customers travel through.
Student Savannah Martinez said the proposed fare raises could prevent her from riding the train.
“The Rail Runner is an easy escape for the weekend, but with ticket prices escalating, it may be unaffordable,” she said.
Augusta Meyers, Rail Runner spokeswoman, said she thinks the fare increases won’t discourage people from riding the Rail Runner.
“Most people are capable of (affording) the changes we have made,” she said.
The Rio Metro Board also created a fiscal sustainability task force that will work to provide other solutions to increase Rail Runner revenues.
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In August the Rail Runner implemented new weekday and weekend train schedules. During the week, a bus service replaced morning trains, mid-day trains were adjusted to accommodate lunch-time crowds traveling to Santa Fe and two evening south-bound trains were consolidated. Rail Runner officials contemplated nixing weekend trains, but instead changed the arrival and departure times.
Dewey Cave, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG), said he thinks the new schedule is cost-effective while satisfying to customers.
“This new Saturday and Sunday Rail Runner schedule represents a happy medium,” he said, “meeting both budget costs while still providing a variety of service with decent arrival and departure times for our riders.”
Public Meetings
Thursday Oct. 5:15 – 6 p.m.
Los Lunas Transit Center, Los Lunas
Thursday Oct. 13 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Joseph Anaya Building, Santa Fe
Monday Oct. 17 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Alvarado Transportation Center, Albuquerque.
