Rail Anniversary

15 Year Anniversary Logo

Celebrating 15 Years of Service

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express began commuter rail service in central New Mexico on July 14, 2006. Here you will find fun facts about the train, messages from staff and members of the community, get a glimpse of rail memorabilia, and read the special edition of Express Magazine commemorating the Rail Runner's 15 Year Anniversary.

15 Fun Facts

  • 12,751,938: Total number of passengers
  • 445,955: Total number of bicycle boardings 
  • 76,947: Total number of PNA boardings (Passengers Needing Assistance) 
  • 545,345,428: Number of passenger miles taken off area roadways 
  • 136: Total number of bicycle lockers at NMRX stations 
  • 60: Number of buses connecting to the train between Taos and Socorro
  • 180: Number of public appearances by Trax, the Rail Runner Mascot
  • 21+: Number of months it took to construct/build the Rail Runner
  • 79 mph: Top speed the Rail Runner can travel through the corridor 
  • 100: Miles of track the Rail Runner operates on 
  • 139: Number of people each passenger car is designed to carry 
  • 8: Number of bicycles each passenger car is designed to hold 
  • 1,337: Number of stops the Rail Runner makes in a week
  • 9: Number of times movie or TV productions have filmed on the Rail Runner 
  • 69,334: Number of rides taken by seniors 62+ as part of the Seniors Ride Free program

*As of May 31, 2021

Train at the Santa Fe Railyard

What They're Saying

Staff, riders and community partners share their experiences working with and riding the Rail Runner over the years. 

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Click to Read

Express Magazine Special Edition - New Mexico Rail Runner Anniversary

Read the 15 Year Anniversary edition of Express, the official magazine of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Includes:

  • Messages from the Executives
  • How It All Started
  • 15 Years on the Rails - A Timeline
  • Photo Collages
  • And More!


Click to Read

15 Years of Memories 

Throughout the years, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has recognized it’s milestones in print and with promotional items. The commuter rail has been portrayed in artistic creations and re-created as a model train. Trax, the mascot, even has his own line of items, including commemorative cards and a plush toy! Check out this video to see highlights from the past 15 years.

Click to Watch

Poster Contest

Rio Metro collaborated with the Public Academy for Performing Arts in Albuquerque on a 15 Year Anniversary Poster Contest. Students in grades 6 to 12 were given a list of artistic guidelines, or “must have’s” for their posters, and had approximately six weeks to complete the project. A panel of judges from the community selected a winner for each grade level, as well as an overall grand prize winner. 

View the Winning Artwork

Group Photo of Winners