Representatives from New Mexico Rail Runner Express recently announced that not only are cheaper tickets here to stay, the company is also adding more trips.
According to KOB 4 News, the 75% drop in ticket prices that were supposed to end at the end of the month have been extended through the end of the year. Rail Runner is also adding more trains to the flow, which will hopefully cut down wait times. This increased service will begin in August and last for a year. Ridership still hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels, but officials are hopeful it will happen.
Ridership with Rail Rider is increasing due to soaring gas prices causing many people to choose public transportation. The company has seen an influx of new passengers.
“My vehicle is kind of in a mess, so yeah taking it is comfortable. It does make a difference when the gas prices went up,” Robby, a Rail Runner rider, told KOB 4.
Longtime riders have noticed the difference in ridership. Frank, a Rail Runner rider, has noticed how much busier it's been, saying, “There has been a lot more people on here."
June saw the most riders in the past year, going from 23,000 in July 2021, to 39,000 in June 2022.
“We saw literally a 50% jump overnight," New Mexico Rail Runner Express Communications Manager Augusta Meyers told KOB 4.