Richardson unveils first light rail car

New Mexico Business Weekly

August 30, 2005

New Mexico has taken delivery of the first of 10 "Rail Runner" train cars, Gov. Bill Richardson's office announced Tuesday.

The cars, along with five locomotives, will serve commuters between Belen and Bernalillo with a new light rail service later this year, Richardson's office said in a prepared statement.

The project is backed by the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Mid-Region Council of Governments and service will start this fall. According to the MRCOG, the Rail Runner will operate on existing railroad tracks currently owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

The governor was scheduled to unveil the first car at a news conference at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the Urban Council's railyard property in Albuquerque.