PASSENGER GUIDE
MAY 2009
866-795-RAIL NMRAILRUNNER.COM A Letter from money, reduces congestion and road maintenance, and makes our roads safer by decreasing traffic accidents. And by riding Governor the Rail Runner, you can relax and enjoy a smooth, carefree ride Bill Richardson through some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world.
Beinvenidos! I consider the NMRX among the greatest accomplishments of Welcome aboard the my tenure as Governor. I urge you to ride the train often and New Mexico Rail Runner to visit each of the stops along the way. Explore the history, Express, the crown jewel of New Mexico’s multi-modal culture, and many attractions that this state has to offer. I am transportation system. hopeful that as New Mexico continues to grow and prosper, NMRX service will extend to other parts of the state and
This is the future of transportation in New Mexico. The NMRX someday to our neighboring states as well. complements our excellent road network by offering a new option to people who can’t or don’t want to drive. It protects Muchas Gracias, our environment by cutting emissions, saves New Mexicans Governor Bill Richardson
of our small towns to exciting nightlife Welcome Aboard! Riding NMRX in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Welcome to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express–New Mexico’s NMRX is an innovative partnership award-winning new travel experience! Our cheerful, environ between the Mid Region Council of mentally-friendly trains travel the 100-mile corridor between Belen Governments, Rio Metro Regional and Santa Fe, and our network of coordinated transit links can Transit District, the NM Department take you to hundreds of destinations throughout the region, from of Transportation, and the people of Socorro to Taos. New Mexico. We are committed to responsive, courteous customer service and are constantly working If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the work tables, electric to improve our operations. We always welcome your input. outlets, and WiFi to make your travel time more productive. Once you try commuting aboard the NMRX, the stress and expense Sincerely, of driving will be a distant memory. If you’re a visitor, the NMRX Lawrence Rael, Executive Director offers convenient access to many attractions: from the rich history Mid Region Council of Governments
2 866-795-RAIL (7245) 3 CONTENTS
Section 1: GENERAL INFORMATION • Hours of Operation / Travel Times / System Map 6-7 • Using NMRX 8-9 • Getting to NMRX 10-11 • Things to Know / In Case of Emergencies 12-14 • Seniors & People with Disabilities 15 Section 3: DESTINATION INFORMATION • System Policies 16-17 • Belen 36 • How to Calculate Fares 18-20 • Los Lunas 37 • Frequently Asked Questions 22-23 • Isleta Pueblo 38 • Bernalillo County / Int’l. Sunport 39 • Downtown Albuquerque 39-42 • Los Ranchos / Journal Center 43 • Downtown Bernalillo & Sandoval County / US 550 44-45 • Santa Fe Co. / NM 599 & South Capitol 46 • Santa Fe Depot Station at The Railyard 47-49
Section 4: AIRPORT CONNECTIONS Section 2: STATION INFORMATION • How to get to and from the Airport 50-51 • Belen Station 24 • Los Lunas Station 25 • Isleta Pueblo Station 26 • Bernalillo County / Int’l. Sunport Station 27 Section 5: PUBLIC TRANSIT MAPS • Downtown Albuquerque Station 28 • ABQ Ride 52-53 • Los Ranchos / Journal Center Station 29 • Santa Fe Trails 54-55 • Downtown Bernalillo Station 30 • Sandoval Easy Express 56-57 • Sandoval County / US 550 Station 31 • Santa Fe County / NM 599 Station 32 • South Capitol Station 33 ~ • Santa Fe Depot Station at The Railyard 34 Section 6: INFORMACION´ EN ESPANOL 58-63
4 866-795-RAIL (7245) 5 SECTION 1 NMRX System Map GENERAL INFORMATION The New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX) commuter rail network provides fast and reli- able transportation along the Rio Grande Hours of Operation corridor. The system currently has 10 stations along the line with several Monday through Saturday, 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with limited new stations opening soon. service on Saturday. Before planning your trip, be sure to look online for updated schedules at www.nmrailrunner.com.
Holidays (future station) New Mexico Rail Runner Express does not operate on the following days: • New Year’s Day • Memorial Day • Independence Day I-25 • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day • Day after Thanksgiving 550 • Christmas Day
Travel Times Between Stations (in minutes)
(future station) STATION
STATION Belen Lunas Los Isleta Int’l. Sunport ABQ Downtown Ranchos Los Bernalillo DT US 550 South Capitol Depot Santa Fe Belen – 12 27 34 45 57 69 84 124 129 Los Lunas 12 – 15 22 33 45 57 62 112 117 I-40 Isleta 27 15 – 7 18 30 42 47 97 102 Int’l. Sunport 34 22 7 – 11 23 35 40 90 95 Downtown ABQ 45 33 18 11 – 12 24 29 79 84 Los Ranchos 57 45 30 23 12 – 12 17 67 72 DT Bernalillo 69 57 42 35 24 12 – 5 55 60 US 550 74 62 47 40 29 17 5 – 50 55 South Capitol 124 112 97 90 79 67 55 50 – 5 Santa Fe Depot 129 117 102 95 84 72 60 55 5 – PLEASE NOTE: This chart represents the average travel time between stations. Some trains may have shorter or longer travel times. Please consult a schedule for exact times.
6 866-795-RAIL (7245) 7 SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Using NMRX
STEP 1 Determine which station is closest to you. The easiest way to locate the station nearest you is online at the New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX) website, www.nmrailrunner.com. Click on the “Route Map” link on the left navigational panel. Or see pages 24-34.
STEP 2 Decide where you’re going. From your location, choose a destination on the NMRX line. The “Destination Information” section of this booklet can help you identify places of interest and local transit connections in the communities surrounding each rail station.
STEP 3 STEP 5 Find the NMRX schedule. Purchase tickets online or on board the train. On our website, look up the schedule for the station you have • Online: Tickets can be purchased at a discount at selected by clicking on the “Schedule” link. This takes you to a full www.nmrailrunner.com. directory of schedules for the NMRX system. Schedules are also • On board: Tickets can be purchased on board every train posted at every station and in the NMRX Schedules Booklet. from ticket agents wearing yellow NMRX vests. They accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. STEP 4 Calculate your fare. STEP 6 The NMRX uses a zone-based fare structure. The cost of your Go to the station, allowing plenty of time fare is determined by the number of zones through which you before the departure. travel. Shorter trips cost less than longer ones. For this purpose, Especially if it’s your first time, you’ll want to arrive early and all stations are organized into zones. See pages 18-20 of this familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Once on board the booklet for more information. train, listen for announcements throughout the trip.
8 866-795-RAIL (7245) 9 SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Getting To NMRX
Find your station. New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX) stations are clearly identified with distinctive signage in a yellow-and-red color scheme. If you’re driving, look for the large signs posted along all major routes leading to the stations. Tall red and yellow columns with our logo identify the station platforms. Each station’s specific street address and unique identification symbol are listed at www.nmrailrunner.com and here on pages 24-35.
Walk or ride a bicycle. Bicycles are welcome on all NMRX trains on a space-available Drive to your station. basis. The Los Ranchos / Journal Center station, the Bernalillo Free parking is available at the following stations: County / International Sunport station, and South Capitol • Belen station are located on bicycle trails. Bicycle racks are available • Los Lunas at all stations. • Isleta Pueblo • Bernalillo County / Int’l. Sunport Make a bus connection. • Los Ranchos / Journal Center Transit connections are available to bring you to and from • Downtown Bernalillo many NMRX stations. See Connecting Transit information in the • US 550 / Sandoval County “Station Information” section of this booklet for more information. • Santa Fe / NM 599 (future station) • South Capitol Station Have someone drive you to the station. Curbside passenger drop-off areas are available at all stations Paid parking (not operated by NMRX) is located near (look for the “Kiss & Ride” signs). these stations: • Downtown ABQ: City of ABQ Parking, 505-924-3950 • Santa Fe Depot Station: City of SF Parking, 505-955-6581 IMAGE
10 866-795-RAIL (7245) 11 SECTION 1 Riding the NMRX: GENERAL INFORMATION • Never attempt to exit a moving train. • Hold onto handrails and watch your step. • Stay clear of the doors unless boarding or exiting. • No running is permitted on board the train. Things to Know • No hazardous, explosive or corrosive materials are allowed. Emergencies at NMRX Stations: Waiting for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX): • Every NMRX station has an emergency call button mounted on the kiosk to access 911. • Stand behind the yellow textured safety strip along the platform’s edges at all times. On-Board Emergencies: • Electronic message boards and public announcements will • Contact a NMRX Crew Member. Follow all instructions of inform you about delays. NMRX staff or emergency responders such as police • Look both ways and cross tracks only at designated areas. and/or firefighters. • Hold small children by the hand while on the platform. • If you are in imminent danger and the train is stopped, exit the train by the nearest available sliding door. If a door cannot be used, exit by an emergency window. Boarding the NMRX: • Before exiting train, look around carefully for hazards on the • Be ready to board when the train arrives at your station. ground such as electrical wires or debris. The train only stops for two minutes. • Move away from the train while looking out for other trains • Check the final destination of the train posted on signs or hazards. above the side windows. These indicate whether the train is traveling north or south. • Remember, trains can come from either direction!
• Stand clear of the train car doors and let riders get off before • How to work the train’s emergency exit : 1. Pull red handle you board. Step over the small gap between the platform 2. Completely remove rubber strip. 3. Grip handle on glass and pull in and the train. toward you. 4. Place window out of way and exit train. Look both ways before exiting and step away from the tracks immediately. • Listen for a “roadrunner beep” that indicate the car doors are closing. If the train is full, step back and wait for the next train. Unlike elevator doors, NMRX train doors do not reopen automatically.
• Respect handicap and senior priority seating. 1 • Use the level boarding ramp if you are in a wheelchair or otherwise need assistance to board.
• Bicycles and strollers are welcome on a space- available basis. 2 3
12 866-795-RAIL (7245) 13 SECTION 1 Seniors & People with Disabilities GENERAL INFORMATION Here is a partial list of features that make it easy for seniors and people with disabilities to use the New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX):
For passengers with limited mobility: • All NMRX stations provide level boarding from the platform onto trains. Notify the nearest staff member if you need assistance boarding the train. • All NMRX cars have dedicated space near the doors for wheelchairs and designated priority seating.
For vision-impaired passengers: • Textured rubber tiles along the length of each train platform warn passengers when they are close to the platform edge. These tiles may be detected with a cane or foot. • Train conductors routinely announce the name of the next station over the public address system. • Service animals are welcome at NMRX stations and on Things to Know (continued) the trains.
Bicycles on the NMRX: • Passengers may bring a standard-style, non-motorized bicycle on board for free. • Each passenger car has dedicated space for bicycles. Additional space in the areas reserved for wheelchairs may be available. Priority is given to passengers in wheelchairs. • Bicycle storage is available on a first-come, first-served basis. • Do not ride your bicycle on the train or the platforms. • Keep your bicycle in designated spaces and out of the aisles. • Always follow instructions from train personnel. • Bicycle parking racks are available at each station. • NMRX is not liable for damaged or stolen bicycles.
14 866-795-RAIL (7245) 15 SECTION 1 8. No Littering Please dispose of trash in the proper receptacles on the GENERAL INFORMATION platform and on the train.
9. Pets System Policies With the exception of guide dogs and other service animals trained to assist people with disabilities, animals are prohibited 1. Follow Instructions on the system. Passengers are required to cooperate with all NMRX employees as well as emergency and police personnel. For safety’s sake, it 10. No Soliciting is important to obey all rules, posted signs, and safety notices. Solicitation on system trains or property is prohibited without the express permission from the NMRX Operations Manager. 2. No Alcoholic Beverages Drinking alcoholic beverages, or carrying an open container 11. Shoes & Shirts of an alcoholic beverage, is prohibited in all NMRX trains and All passengers are required to wear shoes and shirts while on station areas, including parking lots. the NMRX train or platform.
3. Baggage / Personal Belongings 12. Posting of Materials When other passengers need seats, please place your baggage Posting of any materials on system trains or property is and personal belongings under the seat or on the luggage rack. prohibited without the express permission of the NMRX Operations Manager. 4. No Smoking Smoking is not permitted on any NMRX trains or platforms. 13. Food & Drink Food and drink are permitted on NMRX trains. Passengers 5. No Feet on Seats are encouraged to maintain the cleanliness of the trains Please keep your feet off the seats at all times. by providing proper, leak-proof containers for all food and beverage items. 6. No Hazardous Materials Please do not transport hazardous goods, including flammable, 14. Children corrosive or explosive materials. However, oxygen for personal Children under age 10 should be accompanied by an adult or use is permitted. a responsible youth when riding the train. Unaccompanied children must be able to safely use the commuter rail system, 7. No Firearms or Weapons understand written signs and displays, and follow instructions No one may carry firearms or weapons on board NMRX trains issued verbally by NMRX employees or over the public address with the exception of certified law enforcement officers. systems in stations and on trains.
16 866-795-RAIL (7245) 17 SECTION 1 Choose the type of ticket you need. You can purchase a one-way ticket, a one-day pass (unlimited GENERAL INFORMATION travel for 1 calendar day), or a monthly or annual pass. Tickets can be purchased on-board or online.
Reduced fares. How to Calculate Fares Reduced fares are available to senior citizens 65 years and older, students with valid ID or proof of enrollment, and The New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX) uses a zone-based people with disabilities. fare structure. Your fare is determined by the number of zones through which you travel. Shorter trips cost less than longer Use the charts on the next page to calculate ones. For this purpose, all stations are organized into zones. your fare. For help in calculating your fare, please call 866-795-RAIL (7245) Note the zone you are starting from. Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to midnight. Using the chart below, count the number of zones through which you will travel to reach your destination.
For example:
• From Downtown Albuquerque to the Santa Fe Depot Station, you will pass through 5 zones.
• From Belen to Downtown Albuquerque, you go through 2 zones.
• From Sandoval County / US 550 to South Capitol,you go through 4 zones.
NMRX ZONES CHART (not to scale) NMRX ZONES CHART
Existing Station Future Station