Rail Runner — coming at you soon.
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Thanks to the intercession of Jon of Albloggerque, and the courtesy of Augusta Meyers, Communications Manager for the Mid-Region Council of Governments, NewMexiKen got to take a train ride today — a very special train ride on New Mexico’s Rail Runner.
Set to open to the public in July, the beautiful streamlined express will carry passengers from Albuquerque south to Belen or north to Bernalillo — and on to Santa Fe in 2008. |
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The train is beautiful, inside and out and the road runner logo is classic (see below).
Even before we left the increasingly attractive Alvarado station downtown, NewMexiKen began to imagine the possibilities. A shuttle connecting to the Sunport. A station at Balloon Fiesta Park — what an improvement that would be over the existing chaos that is Fiesta traffic and parking. These and other developments are a few years off, but the prospects are exciting. |
Jon enjoys the sunny Rail Runner car.
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Today’s 25-mile roundtrip to U.S. 550 in Bernalillo was delightfully smooth. The train cruises at 79 mph (despite several grade crossings). This isn’t as fast as the Amtrak Metroliner, but there was none of the motion sickness I have occasionally felt on that ride. The eventual trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe should be an hour, even with stops. (And how much less stressful than the dodge-em cars on I-25?)
The officials and others on board seemed almost giddy with delight. There is something vaguely Disney-esque about riding the train.
[Update Wednesday Evening: Albloggerque has a great post with many more details — The Best 15 Minute Train Ride I Ever Had!]
Is that a picture of Jon blogging using the Rail Runner’s WIRELESS capabilities? Or do you have to get into Sandoval County before it (wireless service) kicks in?
We didn’t test to see if the WiFi is working yet.
I’m moving back to NM this Fall for a job in Albuquerque. Me and the Mrs. were seriously considering living near the parents in Santa Fe leaving me with the commute. I can hardly believe this commuting train proposal is actually in limited operation after having been floated around by the politicos for as long as i can remember. Outstanding.