Oil companies are not the only businesses benefiting from the recent rise in gas prices.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter train that serves Albuquerque and Santa Fe, according to KOB 4. The train’s ridership numbers dropped due to the COVID pandemic. They are still recovering and are hoping to reach pre-COVID numbers.
That seems probable, as the Rail Runner’s weekly ridership is up 50% since the beginning of the year. Officials said the Rail Runner is averaging 1,300 riders per day.
“If there’s a silver lining to exorbitant gas prices, it’s certainly, you know, urged people to look at taking the train when they can,” Augusta Meyers, the Rail Runner’s communications manager, told KOB 4. “Every time gas prices go up about 30% we see an uptick in ridership.”
Officials believe they will see an increase in ridership and ticket purchases as people look for transportation options that cost less than using a gas-powered vehicle.
The arrival of tourists normally results in an increase in ridership this time of year, but the hefty increase this year is mainly from commuters traveling between Albuquerque and the state capital, KOB 4 reported.
“People try it, and then they find that they like it,” Meyers said. “It doesn’t mean that they ride every day, but they might take it two or three days a week.”
The Rail Runner is offering promotions to entice potential customers. This includes a 75% discount on tickets through the summer. A single-day pass costs $2.25.
“This train was built for people who are on a nine-to-five commute,” Meyers said. “But, we all know now, since the pandemic, that that isn’t the norm anymore. We’re probably going to be adjusting our schedule – adding a little more service in the midday, looking at our reverse commute. People coming from the north to the south, maybe, you know, beefing up our weekend service.”
The Rail Runner secured a three-year deal on fuel prices last summer, so they are not dealing with rising costs like other modes of transportation, according to KOB 4.