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Friday, December 24, 2010
Rail Runner Benefits Communities
By Ted Wolff
Chair, Public Involvement Committee
The Public Involvement Committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Board continues to endorse the operation and eventual expansion of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Over the next 25 years the Albuquerque region is expected to grow by 650,000 people. To handle this growth it will be necessary for Albuquerque and Santa Fe to invest in both roadways and improvements to the public transportation system. The Rail Runner is an important part of an integrated regional public transportation system designed to address the needs of today as well as those of the future.
Since the Rail Runner began operation, there have been significant increases in bus service in all four counties served by the rail line, as well as current and planned road improvements, enabling commuters to reach destinations throughout the region. There are connections between Rail Runner stations and various work and commerce centers including Downtown Albuquerque, Downtown Santa Fe, the Sunport, Southern Rio Rancho, the North and South Valleys of Bernalillo County, Journal Center, Intel and the campuses of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College.
• Many households in this region spend between 20 percent and 35 percent of their annual income on transportation. Lowering transportation costs stimulates the economy and provides new opportunities for people to access jobs, businesses, educational services and health care.
• The Baby Boomers are aging — many seniors can't or won't drive beyond a certain point in their lives, and their numbers are increasing. Seniors are also much more likely to be killed or seriously injured driving their cars.
• Rail Runner provides a safer alternative to driving.
• Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe lack sufficient affordable housing near their downtowns and business districts. Rail Runner provides access to these employment centers to a wider population.
• Even in these hard economic times there are ambitious plans and ongoing activities associated with new development around Rail Runner stations.
• 75 percent of Rail Runner operating funds come from user fees and the voter-approved tax.
• Rail Runner is a prudent and environmentally responsible investment. The equipment itself is durable, operates on bio-diesel and takes cars off the road.
• Waiting to invest in improved roadway and public transportation services significantly increases the cost primarily because developed private properties have to be acquired or condemned to provide expanded transportation capacity into activity centers.
Investing in an improved public transportation system today is an essential part of providing a functional and sustainable transportation system for the residents and businesses in central New Mexico. The Rail Runner is the most strategic element of this system because it provides the connection between the various communities and cities throughout the corridor.
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