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Job Access Resources

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1. What is job access?

Job Access provides transportation to and from job sites for qualifying individuals. Eligibility includes financial need based upon federal guidelines for individuals with a residential address in Bernalillo county.

2. How do I apply for job access?

To apply for Job Access, you must fill out an application for services and provide all of the requested supporting documentation to accompany your completed applications. There are a couple of ways you can apply:

• Call and make an appointment with a Job Access representative.
• Call and request an application be mailed, emailed, or faxed to you.
• If you are a TANF recipient, contact your CDS at your HSD office.

3. Do I qualify for job access?

To qualify for Job Access:

• You must live in Bernalillo County.
• Your residence or employment location must be more than one quarter mile walking distance from the nearest ABQ Ride bus stop.
• The total gross household income must not exceed the 150% poverty level stated in the federal guidelines.

4. I work the late shift. How late/early can I get a ride?

Transportation services run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

5. Do I qualify for a monthly bus pass?

An applicant may qualify for a bus pass only if they first qualify for taxi cab service. TANF and Workforce participants qualify for bus passes. Please contact your agency representative for more information.

6. If I qualify for service, can I get a childcare drop off?

Yes, if you qualify for Job Access services you may add a childcare drop off to your route. 

Note: Only children five years or younger are eligible for childcare transportation.

7. How do I turn in my application for the program?

Mail or Drop Off Your Application:

Rio Metro Regional Transit District
Attn: Job Access Program
809 Copper Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102

Fax: 505-247-1753, Attn: Job Access Progrm

Email: JAccess@mrcog-nm.gov 

By Appointment: 

• Contact a Job Access representative at 505-843-1930
• Appointments will be available at the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Office

8. When can I get a hold of a Job Access Representative?

• By Phone: Call 505-843-1930 to speak with a Job Access representative Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• By Appointment: Call to make an appointment. Appointments are available at the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Office, 809 Copper Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
• Representatives are not in the office on weekends or holidays

9. I am disabled. Can I use job access for doctor's appointments as well as my job?

No, the Job Access program only provides transportation from home to a job site.

10. How much does a ride cost through the program?

Riders pay $1 to $2 cash drop fare (based on a sliding scale) for each one-way ride with a meter reading of $20 or less. If the final meter reading is over $20, the customer pays the difference, in addition to the $1 to $2 cash drop fare.

11. Once I am approved for Job Access, how long do my services last?

Once you have been approved and added to the Job Access ridership, you are certified to use the services for six months. At the end of your six month service period, you may re-certify for services by filling out a recertification application.

12. How long will it take for my application to be reviewed for eligibility?

Once the Job Access representative has received your completed application packet, the review process can take up to, but will never exceed, 30 calendar days. Approved riders may be subject to a waiting list due to funding availability.

13. Can Job Access contact my employer to request proof documentation?

You are responsible for collecting all proof documentation. Job Access is not responsible for collecting proof documentation for applicants. Job Access will not contact employers, human services representatives, or landlords for verification or to request proof documentation.

14. What are accepted types of proof documentation?

• Accepted forms of proof of earned income: 
  • Wages and salaries documentation: 2 consecutive pay stubs, letter from employer on company letterhead stating work hours per week, hourly wage and start date, copy of previous year's income tax return.
  • Earned benefits documentation: Most current award letter for long-term disability benefits and/or union strike benefits, monthly bank statement that includes unearned benefits received.
• Accepted forms of unearned income: Award letters from those agencies listed on the program application checklist.
• Accepted forms of proof of identification: Current government issued Drivers License or I.D. card.
• Accepted forms of proof of physical address: The proof of income or proof of identification with the address, a letter from human service agency, shelter, transition home, etc., or a hotel receipt.

15. Once I have been approved, when can I begin using services?

The client may begin scheduling rides only after a Job Access representative has confirmed program approval with the client, and the client has been added to Ridership. Approved riders may be subject to a waiting list due to funding availability.

16. How can I find job search assistance?

Visit the NM Workforce Connection Website for help in finding a job.

17. How do I know if bus service or public transportation is available for me?

• ABQ RIDE for bus service within the city of Albuquerque
• The New Mexico Rail Runner Express for train services and shuttles from Belen to Santa Fe
• Rio Metro for regional bus and shuttle service

18. Where can I get information for other support services in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Resources website provides comprehensive information on many government-funded programs, including cash assistance, childcare, energy, housing, and additional low-income transportation programs.

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Quiet Car

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1. Where is the Quiet Car located on the train?

The Quiet Car will always be the car closest to the locomotive of a designated train. Only certain early morning and evening weekday trains will have a Quiet Car. Visit the Quiet Cars page for more information.

2. What are the rules?

Customers are asked to:

• Keep pagers, cell phones, laptop and PDA sounds off
• Refrain from cell phone use
• Speak quietly

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express expects Quiet Cars to be largely enforced by peers and conductor intervention when necessary. Conductors will, of course, lift the quiet car restriction in times of disruption or severe overcrowding. View a full list of rules on the Quiet Cars page.

3. How will I find the Quiet Car?

The Quiet Car will always be the car closest to the locomotive of a designated train. All Quiet Cars will be identified with signage inside the car. Station and on-board announcements will remind customers; and the conductor will be able to direct you. The trains with Quiet Cars are indicated with a triangle next to the train number on the printed weekday schedules. Learn more on our Quiet Cars page.

4. What happens if the Quiet Car is completely full?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan on sitting in one of these cars, please observe the quiet car guidelines and be respectful of those around you.

5. What if I get on the Quiet Car without knowing it?

Don’t worry, conductors will make on-board announcements and if need be, will politely remind passengers that they are sitting in the Quiet Car. If you prefer not to sit there, simply move to another car.

6. What if I need to make or receive a call on my phone?

Kindly move to another car if you must make or take an incoming call. If you must leave your cell phone on, switch it to the vibrate function so that its ring won′t disturb others. Find more conduct etiquette on the Quiet Cars page.

7. What if another rider's electronic device is too loud?

Please keep in mind, quiet does not mean total silence. A certain amount of tolerance to noise is necessary. If needed, politely remind your seatmate that they are riding in a Quiet Car and ask that they monitor the volume of their music. A Quiet Car is also a peaceful car.

8. Can I still talk if I whisper?

Yes, but please keep the tone to a whisper and the conversation brief. If you find you need to whisper for the entire ride, it might make more sense to ride in the non-quiet cars. View more conduct etiquette on our Quiet Car page.

9. Can you disable the announcements in the quiet car?

We want to preserve a quiet atmosphere for the comfort of our riders; however, we are required to make occasional onboard verbal station announcements. Learn more on our Quiet Cars page.

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Train

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1. How do I buy tickets?

Rail Runner tickets can be purchased on our app, online, or onboard the train from ticket agents. We accept cash and all credit cards, except American Express. You will receive a discount for buying tickets online or on our app. Find more information and purchase tickets on the How to Buy page.

2. Who is eligible for reduced fares?

Children 9 and under and veterans with a VA medical card, VHIC report (with another form of ID), or a Freedom Pass ride free. 

Reduced fares are available to:

• Youth ages 10-17
• Seniors age 62 and over
• Students with a valid ID or proof of enrollment
• Medicare card holders
• People with disabilities who show:
  • An NM Motor Vehicle Department notification
  • A letter from doctor indicating disability (with exp. date)
  • An ABQ RIDE Honored Citizen Card
  • A Santa Fe Ride Card or Santa Fe Trails Half Fare Card

3. What can I do if I miss my NMRX train?

You can wait for the next regularly scheduled train or contact a local taxi or ride share company.

4. How can I find out if the train is delayed?

Rider Alerts are posted on the home page of the Rio Metro website. You can also sign up to receive text alerts for specific train routes and be notified of delays longer than 10 minutes. Follow us on Twitter @RioMetroAlerts to receive updates about train delays and other information. 

5. What happens if my train is late? Will I miss my connection?

If a New Mexico Rail Runner Express (NMRX) train arrives at a platform more than five minutes late, personnel at key bus connections will be notified so that shuttles and buses can wait for the train.

6. Why is my train late?

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express shares its track with Amtrak and BNSF. At times, the two trains may meet up, whereby one of the trains must come to a complete stop to allow the other to pass in a safe manner. Other reasons for a delayed trains are heavy travel times, as people take more time to board. Train cars may experience mechanical issues, or undergo inspection, which may also cause delays. 

We apologize for any inconvenience these delays have caused and we continue to work toward a tradition of on-time performance. To ensure that you receive immediate notice of delayed trains, sign up for text alerts.

7. What is the holiday schedule?

See the New Mexico Rail Runner Express holiday schedule for train service, or view the Rio Metro bus holiday schedule for Rio Metro bus service.

8. How much do I pay for transit that takes me to and from the Rail Runner stations?

If you purchase a ticket for the Rail Runner, transit connections aboard Rio Metro, ABQ Ride, Santa Fe Trails and NCRTD are free. Transportation provided by the Taos Express, the Socorro Shuttle and New Mexico Park and Ride are not free. 

View transit connections at each station.

9. How do I get to the Albuquerque Airport?

Buses / shuttles to and from the Albuquerque Airport run Monday through Saturday. If you are traveling southbound to the Albuquerque Airport, exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque Station and board Route 250, Airport Express to get to and from the Airport. If you are traveling northbound to the Albuquerque Airport, get off at the Bernalillo County / International Sunport Station and board Route 222 to get to the airport. View all airport connections for more information.

10. What do I do if all of the seats are taken on the train?

Seats on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On occasion, our seats do fill up to capacity. But you are welcome to stand in the aisle until a seat becomes available. Purchasing a ticket in advance does not guarantee a seat. We try to monitor passenger loads and add extra rail cars where they are needed.

11. What can I do when I arrive in Santa Fe?

There are several Santa Fe attractions within easy walking distance of the Santa Fe Depot Station such as:

• Famous Santa Fe Plaza
• Galleries
• Museums
• Restaurants
• Shops

There are also shuttles leaving from that station that will take you to area destinations. Those shuttles are free with a Rail Runner day, monthly or yearly pass. Read more about the Santa Fe Depot, connections and attractions.

12. Can I bring or buy food on the train?

Passengers are welcome to bring and consume food and beverages (excluding alcohol) on the train. Food and beverages are not available for purchase on the train.

13. Are there restrooms on the train?

At least one restroom is available on every New Mexico Rail Runner Express train. Longer trains will have more than one restroom.

14. Can I charge my mobile device on the train?

Electrical outlets are available for passenger use at each of the tables on the train. Tables are located on the mezzanine and upper levels only. 

15. Can I bring my bicycle / sports equipment on the train?

Bicycles, skis and other sporting equipment are welcome on the train at no extra charge. Each train car has designated space for up to 8 bicycles. During the winter months, the train also provides storage containers for ski equipment. Please store your equipment in the designated storage areas. 

16. How old do children need to be to ride alone?

Children must be at least 10 years old to ride the train without a supervising adult. 

17. Are pets allowed on trains?

Pets are not allowed on Rail Runner trains. Service animals are allowed. View information and details on riding with a service animal.

18. What happens if I leave something on the train?

If you leave an item on the train, please contact Customer Service at 505-245-7245 or 866-795-7245. Lost items can be picked up Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at:

Herzog Transit Services
100 Iron SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102

Non-essential items are held for 30 days. Essential items, such as keys, IDs, walets, phones, purses, etc. will be held for 90 days. If you find an item on the train, please turn it in to a ticket agent or conductor.

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Veterans Ride Free

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1. What is Freedom to Ride?

This is free, lifetime access to ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. VA medical card holders can ride all New Mexico Rail Runner Express trains at no cost. Many bus connections are also free, including Santa Fe Trails, ABQ RIDE and Rio Metro buses.

Please Note: VA medical cards are not valid for Dial-a-Ride services in Rio Rancho or Valencia County.

2. How do I qualify?

Anyone with a VA medical card, First Choice Card, or VHIC report from the VA Medical Center (with another form of ID) qualifies to ride.

3. How do I get a VA medical card?

You can apply at the Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center, located at:

1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Building 41
Albuquerque, NM 87108 (map)

They can be contacted at 505-265-1711.

4. Partner Agencies

Freedom to Ride has been made possible by the ongoing collaborative efforts between the following agencies:

• Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG)
• The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS)
• The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS)
• The City of Albuquerque
• Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center