Happy Holidays Everyone!
As we prepare to ring in the new year, and wrap up 2025, I want to pause, reflect and appreciate the people who continually go above and beyond to make an impact in our day-to-day work and lives. So often we take for granted the fabric of what keeps us moving in the right direction, and that literally gets down to the folks who show up every day and devote themselves to the service of others – namely, our staff! Of course, the other part of this equation are our loyal and dedicated passengers – on both the rail and the bus side of the house. We here at Rio Metro have a great deal to be thankful for this year– and it shows!
Hitting the High Notes in 2025
As in years past, we have continued to offer special service aboard the Rail Runner around notable events. Summer of 2025 saw weekly movie nights and concerts at the Santa Fe Railyards, as well as a fun and exclusive partnership with the Santa Fe Opera in which people could purchase a special Rail Runner Train Package to one of nine different opera performances throughout the summer. As you might imagine, combining two New Mexico iconic experiences – the train and the opera – proved to be a hit and now we are looking at offering this unique package again next year.
Getting Closer in 2026
Perhaps the biggest thing Rio Metro is setting its sights on for 2026 is the move toward building a new Operation and Maintenance Facility for the NM Rail Runner. Not only will this building bring us in line with modern, efficient, state-of-the-art passenger rail industry standards, but once complete, the effort will dramatically improve working conditions, reduce maintenance and repair costs, support well-paying jobs, and ultimately expand the resiliency and reliability of the Rail Runner. To date, we have Hired a consultant and are already at 35% of the design. We are hoping to break ground by mid-summer 2026.
Share the Love!
As we say “Adios” to 2025, I want to offer a warm wish to all this holiday season...and something extra – a “challenge”, if you will. You see, we started 2025 with the goal of keeping our Rail Runner ridership climbing toward our pre-pandemic 3,500 daily average…and I’m happy to report that we are 77% of the way there with a daily ridership hovering around 3,000 passengers. And believe it or not, we are among the top commuter rail systems in the nation who can say that! But what could really get us there, is you.
You know, I hear all too often from people how “they want to try that train someday” So, in closing, I’d like to issue a call to action to our faithful riders for 2026 – why not share the experience with a friend or loved one next year? I have a feeling that they too will discover and enjoy the same things you have come to know and love about our service. I truly believe that what they will find is an enhanced customer experience and a better understanding of expanded mobility where it is needed most. And I’m pretty sure they might even like it enough to do it again.
Warmest Wishes for a Bountiful 2026,
Robert Gonzales
Director of Rio Metro Regional Transit District
