As passenger rail projects across the country become targets for budget-cutters, the next service that could be on the chopping block is New Mexico's RailRunner commuter line. Newly inaugurated Republican Gov. Susana Martinez says she is taking a hard look at the trains, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican:
Rail Runner faces new scrutiny
"'Had I been governor, I would not have supported the Rail Runner as it exists today,' [new Republican governor Susana] Martinez said during the campaign. 'However, we now have the train and must look at ways to make the Rail Runner a more self-sustaining operation that is less draining on the taxpayers, or try to sell it to a private operator.'"
"The state spent more than $400 million building the train, which had been years in the works. It started service in the Albuquerque corridor in 2006 before beginning rides from Santa Fe to Belen in 2008. Recently, ridership has declined, something supporters say is attributable to a decrease in the number of trains on Saturday and higher weekend fares."
Related Story: Rail Runner Express ridership dips
Rail Runner faces new scrutiny
"'Had I been governor, I would not have supported the Rail Runner as it exists today,' [new Republican governor Susana] Martinez said during the campaign. 'However, we now have the train and must look at ways to make the Rail Runner a more self-sustaining operation that is less draining on the taxpayers, or try to sell it to a private operator.'"
"The state spent more than $400 million building the train, which had been years in the works. It started service in the Albuquerque corridor in 2006 before beginning rides from Santa Fe to Belen in 2008. Recently, ridership has declined, something supporters say is attributable to a decrease in the number of trains on Saturday and higher weekend fares."
Related Story: Rail Runner Express ridership dips
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