The New Mexico Rail Runner Express began commuter rail service in central New Mexico on July 14, 2006. Here you will find fun facts about the train, messages from staff and members of the community, get a glimpse of rail memorabilia, and read the special edition of Express Magazine commemorating the Rail Runner's 15 Year Anniversary.
15 Fun Facts
12,751,938: Total number of passengers
445,955: Total number of bicycle boardings
76,947: Total number of PNA boardings (Passengers Needing Assistance)
545,345,428: Number of passenger miles taken off area roadways
136: Total number of bicycle lockers at NMRX stations
60: Number of buses connecting to the train between Taos and Socorro
180: Number of public appearances by Trax, the Rail Runner Mascot
21+: Number of months it took to construct/build the Rail Runner
79 mph: Top speed the Rail Runner can travel through the corridor
100: Miles of track the Rail Runner operates on
139: Number of people each passenger car is designed to carry
8: Number of bicycles each passenger car is designed to hold
1,337: Number of stops the Rail Runner makes in a week
9: Number of times movie or TV productions have filmed on the Rail Runner
69,334: Number of rides taken by seniors 62+ as part of the Seniors Ride Free program
*As of May 31, 2021
What They're Saying
Staff, riders and community partners share their experiences working with and riding the Rail Runner over the years.
Express Magazine Special Edition - New Mexico Rail Runner Anniversary
Read the 15 Year Anniversary edition of Express, the official magazine of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Includes:
Messages from the Executives
How It All Started
15 Years on the Rails - A Timeline
Photo Collages
And More!
15 Years of Memories
Throughout the years, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has recognized it’s milestones in print and with promotional items. The commuter rail has been portrayed in artistic creations and re-created as a model train. Trax, the mascot, even has his own line of items, including commemorative cards and a plush toy! Check out this video to see highlights from the past 15 years.
Poster Contest
Rio Metro collaborated with the Public Academy for Performing Arts in Albuquerque on a 15 Year Anniversary Poster Contest. Students in grades 6 to 12 were given a list of artistic guidelines, or “must have’s” for their posters, and had approximately six weeks to complete the project. A panel of judges from the community selected a winner for each grade level, as well as an overall grand prize winner.
