The New Mexico Rail Runner Express began commuter rail service in central New Mexico on July 14, 2006. To commemorate next month’s 17-year anniversary, we have put together 17 fun facts about the train*.
1. 13,584,651: Total number of passengers
2. 484,575: Total number of bicycle boardings
3. 85,987: Total number of PNA boardings (Passengers Needing Assistance)
4. 586,332,705: Number of passenger miles taken off area roadways
5. 128: Number of bicycle lockers at Rail Runner stations
6. 105,918: Number of rides taken by seniors 60+ on Wednesdays
7. 597: Number of stops the Rail Runner makes in one week
8. 150: Approximate number of staff and crew members it takes to make the Rail Runner operational, including management, mechanical, transportation, track, signal, and communication
9. 244,744: Number of Veterans and Active Duty Military that have used the Freedom to Ride program
10. 6 hours, 26 minutes, 10 seconds: How long it would take a roadrunner to run the entire length of the Rail Runner corridor at an average speed of 15 mph with no breaks
11. 290,000 lbs.: Approximate weight of each Rail Runner MP36 locomotive engine
12. Approximately 600 ft. (or the length of 2 football fields): How long it takes the Rail Runner to stop when traveling at 55 mph
13. 252 mm²: Total area of contact of the train wheel to the track; this is about the thickness of a dime
14. 3 per 24 Hours: Number of dispatchers it takes to keep the Rail Runner safe and operational; dispatchers work 365 days a year
15. 29,472: Number of social media followers
16. 3: Number of Rail Runner Stations that were in service on opening day (Downtown Albuquerque, Los Ranchos/Journal Center, and Sandoval Co./US 550)
17. 500: Approximate number of inquiries Rio Metro’s Customer Service Department handles each week (400 calls, 100 emails)
Rio Metro and the New Mexico Rail Runner Express are sincerely grateful to all the passengers who have trusted us with their transportation needs the past 17 years.
*As of June 20, 2023
