Rio Metro Publications

Transit Consolidation Study (2025)

Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) and ABQ RIDE are the two major agencies providing transit service in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Both agencies are shaped by the specific context of New Mexico: it is a largely rural state with a majority urban population, which requires a mix of urban services, connections between cities and towns, and rural services. The Transit Consolidation Study was initiated by the City of Albuquerque City Council and the Rio Metro Board of Directors with the goal of creating a shared understanding of each system's strengths and what benefits may be gained from consolidating the two agencies or organizing the agencies under a different governance model.

Overseen by a committee comprised of both ABQ RIDE and Rio Metro staff, the consulting firm Huitt-Zollars was selected to complete the study. Contact Tony Sylvester tsylvester@mrcog-nm.gov with comments or questions.

Rio Metro Regional Transit District Budget and Capital Plan (May 2025)

Rio Metro Regional Transit District Short Range Plan (December 2012)

The Budget and Capital Plan includes four key components: the budget for the upcoming fiscal year and six-year projections, New Mexico Rail Runner Express Capital Plan, Transit Capital Plan, and Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan. Updated annually, it was based on the more comprehensive Short Range Plan that was adopted in 2012 and amended in subsequent years.

Zero Emissions Transition Plan (2023)

The Federal Transit Administration requires that any federal grant application for zero emission vehicles include a Zero Emission Transition Plan (ZETP). In preparation for the ZETP itself, Rio Metro completed a Zero Emission Feasibility Study. The Feasibility Study identifies a strategy to develop a Fleet Transition Plan to incorporate battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and/or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) into Rio Metro’s current services and facilities. This study considered Rio Metro’s operational characteristics, regulatory requirements, government policies and incentives, and evolving technology. Building on these findings, Rio Metro’s ZETP includes both the revenue and non-revenue fleets and will follow one of two pathways forward, where the fleet will be comprised of only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or it will be comprised of a mix of BEVs and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Double Track Study (2022)

Recognizing the operations limitation and impacts the largely single track NMRX rail corridor presents to Rio Metro, the agency completed a Double Track Study to identify capital projects to increase the NMRX rail corridor’s capacity, operating efficiency, and scheduling flexibility. To facilitate Rio Metro’s capital planning, the report identifies and prioritizes capital projects (not limited to sidings) and presents cost estimates. The report also assesses critical feasibility factors (right of way needs, existing rail and other infrastructure, potential environmental issues, etc.).

NMRX Grade Crossing Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety Study (April 2016)

The NMRX Grade Crossing Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety Study is comprised of three components: a toolbox of standard and optional safety devices well suited for use at pedestrian and bicyclist grade crossings of the NMRX main track; an evaluation form to aid in the initial prioritization of pedestrian and bicyclist related improvements at existing grade crossings; and standard applications that provide visual guidance for design consultants, contractors and Rio Metro staff.

Rio Metro Regional Transit District Long-Term Strategic Vision (November 2015)

Rio Metro’s Long-Term Strategic Vision presents a bold, forward-thinking, consensus vision for transit’s role in the Albuquerque region. The plan recommends strategies and implementation tactics framed around six core themes: exceptional customer experience, transformative regional services, strong transit-centered communities, sound financial stewardship, innovative programs and partnerships, and industry-leading knowledge and practice.

Visit the Strategic Vision Web Page 

Paseo del Norte High Capacity Transit Study: Alternatives Analysis Report (October 2014)

The Paseo del Norte High Capacity Transit Study evaluates various alternatives to connect northwest Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to the Journal Center/I-25 corridor via Paseo del Norte. This analysis recommends bus rapid transit as the appropriate technology, identifies a locally preferred alternative, and estimates capital and operating costs. Entry into the FTA's Small Starts project development process is not anticipated at this time, as the board has given greater priority to the Albuquerque Rapid Transit and UNM/CNM BRT projects.

UNM/CNM/Sunport Study: Alternative Alignments Identification and Assessment (March 2014)

This assessment is the culmination of a four-year process to determine the appropriate transit technology (bus rapid transit) and select a locally preferred alternative for a high-capacity transit system connecting UNM, CNM and the Sunport. This report will serve as the basis for a forthcoming request to enter the FTA’s Small Starts project development process. 

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Project Development History (October 2009)

What did it take to make the Rail Runner a reality? This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Rail Runner’s origins, and is particularly helpful for understanding what went into some of the earliest decisions. Topics include rolling stock acquisition, negotiations with BNSF, selection of the preferred route into Santa Fe, station development, branding and naming, and capital and operating costs.

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Station Area Planning and Development (2007-2009)

In partnership with the City of Belen, Town of Bernalillo, Bernalillo County and Village of Los Lunas, the Mid-Region Council of Governments crafted four station area plans that emphasize each community’s unique character while also using transit oriented development principles as a guiding framework.

Visit the Station Area Planning and Development Website

National Transit Database  

As a recipient of federal funds, Rio Metro is required by the Federal Transit Administration to report operating and financial information to the National Transit Database (NTD). In turn, the FTA publishes data sets and summary profiles for each urban transit agency, which allow agencies to evaluate their performance and compare themselves to their peers. 

Visit the National Transit Database Website

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