Like many other enterprises, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail service was suspended in wake of the COVID-19 health pandemic. The rail system reopened its doors to a small but enthusiastic group of passengers on March 8, 2021 - nearly a year to the date after service was suspended. 

In this letter, New Mexico Rail Runner Express General Manager Kevin Merlo provides an overview of the hard work and accomplishments that took place during the service suspension, and takes a look at what is next for the Rail Runner and its staff.

March 18 is Transit Operator Appreciation Day. Meet some of Rio Metro’s outstanding employees, and help us thank the bus and train operators that keep our passengers moving safely throughout central New Mexico!

We are excited to highlight the following Rio Metro employees: 

• Deanna Gonzales, Bus Operator, Valencia County
• Karen Mullins, Dispatcher, Sandoval County
• Matthew Wylie, Quality Assurance Coordinator, New Mexico Rail Runner Express

Lack of access to affordable and reliable transportation can be one of the biggest hurdles to finding and keeping a job. Rio Metro’s Job Access Transportation Program was developed to help low-income individuals overcome transportation obstacles by providing transportation to work and employment training.

“We provide reliable curb-to-curb transportation to low-income residents of Bernalillo County,” says Jocelyn Martinez, Program Support Coordinator II, for the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “Individuals can use it to access employment, job training, and daycare if needed.”