Ride Rio Metro Blog
Welcome to the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Blog! Here you will find resources and information related to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Rio Metro’s bus services, public transportation, transit safety, special events and more.
Train, Bus, Bike - A Cycling Journey
Posted May 18, 2023 - In early May, Thomas Kopler and his wife Barbara Mickelson, residents of Colorado, visited New Mexico to work toward their goal of parallel biking the Great Divide Trail one state at a time. Their journey included traveling with their bicycles on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and North Central Regional Transit District Blue Buses, and riding approximately 180-miles.
Kopler worked with Rio Metro Customer Service Representative Lisa Sedillo to help plan the transit portion of the trip, including train schedules and bus connections.
Transit Partner Highlight: Santa Fe Trails
Posted April 12, 2023 - The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects to many buses along the 100-mile rail corridor between Belen and Santa Fe. This month, we’re highlighting transit partner Santa Fe Trails, which operates buses throughout the City Different.
Get the latest news on the Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle, learn how make a bus connection from the Rail Runner to the Santa Fe Plaza and Meow Wolf, and more.
Rio Metro's G2 Team Goes the Distance
Posted March 15, 2023 - Rio Metro's Facilities and Maintenance Crew, the G2 Team (short for Go To Team), keeps the New Mexico Rail Runner Express stations and parking lots, as well as all Rio Metro bus stops, clean and safe for passengers. “It’s not a glamour job, but we enjoy it,” says Crew Supervisor Yosh Akutagawa.
Read the full post to learn about the G2 Team and how they work tirelessly to maintain passenger safety at our stops and stations.
Job Access Transportation Program: A Success Story
Posted February 8, 2023 - Transportation can be a major barrier to employment. Rio Metro’s Job Access Transportation Program (Job Access) was developed to overcome transportation obstacles and help people get work or retain employment.
Albuquerque resident Fabian Chavez is one of the most recent Job Access success stories. Learn about how his participation in the program helped him save up enough money to take care of his own transportation needs.
18 Fascinating Facts About the Rail Runner
Posted January 12, 2023 - In the past 16 years of service, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has become one of the state's notable icons with its sweeping stylized roadrunner on the outside.
Did you know that there have been nine movie or TV productions filmed on the Rail Runner? Or that a former local TV anchor was married on the train? Check out our latest blog to read some fun facts and learn more about the Rail Runner and the service it provides.
End-of-Year Message from the Director
Posted December 14, 2022 - In the season when we take a moment to reflect on that for which we are grateful, I am reminded that much has been accomplished in the last year here at Rio Metro Regional Transit District. And while change is inevitable, it is also what keeps the wheels of progress turning in a positive direction for us all.
In this year-end message, Robert Gonzales, Director of Rio Metro, reflects on the accomplishments of the past year and looks ahead to what's in store for 2023.
Riding for the Fun of It: Senior Trips on the Train
Posted November 16, 2022 - If you’ve taken the Rail Runner on a Wednesday recently, you might notice more smiling faces on the train than normal. People traveling in pairs and groups out to enjoy a day of leisure.
Earlier this year, Rio Metro extended the Seniors Ride Free on Wednesdays program to folks age 60 and over. Marie Morra, Marketing Specialist for Rio Metro, saw this as an opportunity to work with local organizations serving seniors to get them onboard with using transit. Read about how she has brought several groups on the train for fun day trips between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Meet Our Outstanding Employees
Posted October 19, 2022 - Each year, the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) recognizes an outstanding employee from each of its divisions for going above and beyond expectations. Individuals are nominated by their peers and celebrated during an annual employee event.
This year, five staff members were presented with MRCOG Peer Recognition Awards in September. Meet the winners and find out why their colleagues nominated them.
Celebrating 50 Years of Rail Safety
Posted September 21, 2022 - Have you seen the yellow and black Amtrak locomotive travel though New Mexico – or anywhere else in the US? Its bright coloring and bold message of “See TRACKS? Think TRAIN!” is hard to miss. The train was released into service in January of this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization dedicated to rail safety and education.
“We’ve been observing our anniversary all year long,” said Jennifer DeAngelis, Director of Communications and Marketing for Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI).
Transit Partner Highlight: ABQ RIDE
Posted August 17, 2022 - New Mexico Rail Runner Express passengers can connect to more than 60 buses throughout the 100-mile rail corridor. This month, we are highlighting transit partner ABQ RIDE, which operates buses throughout Albuquerque, many of which you can transfer to and from the four Albuquerque area train stations.
Learn about the origins of Albuquerque's transit system, the routes and services provided, and how they can get you to where you need to go.
Read More Blog Posts
Click here to find current and older Ride Rio Metro Blog posts.