DEWEY CAVE
Bringing back a traditional mode of transportation to compliment the existing transportation options in the region has certainly been a learning curve of major proportions, but when I look back on all that’s been accomplished in the last 15-years, I realize that it has also been a true testament to the dedication of this organization and those who have supported us along the journey. While many of the early milestones such as negotiating track rights-of-way, building train stations, and acquiring rolling stock were to be expected…some of the more recent and unforeseen challenges have been among our biggest. Most notable of course was something that no one could have predicted - a global health crisis that put the brakes on Rail Runner passenger service for just shy of one full year. And I might add that even before Covid-19 became a reality, we were dealing with the earlier and also somewhat unforeseen challenge of implementing a $50-million-dollar federal safety enhancement called Positive Train Control – or “PTC”. These two things alone presented some of the toughest hurdles for the Rail Runner, and yet we’ve managed to get through them and power ahead. In just 20 months, Rio Metro and its partners installed, tested and implemented PTC faster than any other railroad in the US. This is a state-of-the-art system when it comes to passenger safety, as it prevents trains from colliding with one another, derailing due to excessive speed, and moving through red “stop” signals and switches in the wrong position. Suffice to say, running a public transportation system is a delicate balancing act between keeping our operating costs reasonable and providing the convenient and efficient service our passengers have come to know. We appreciate all of the support we have received from our loyal passengers in the past 15-years, and we want you to know that we look forward to many, many years of continued commuter rail service on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Thanks for your support,
Dewey V. Cave Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments
DIANE GIBSON
We all know that transportation is so vitally important to the health and well-being of a region, and so as we celebrate 15-years of Rail Runner service, we see that one of the key components that has bonded our communities here in central New Mexico is our commuter rail system. I feel very fortunate to have served as Board Chair of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District for the last few years now – not only because of the many important milestones I’ve gotten to witness along the way…but also because it gives me great satisfaction to be part of an organization that is dedicated to identifying transportation alternatives and solutions for those living, working, and recreating right here in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. As we look at the direction we are headed, we see that in addition to connecting commuters, the Rail Runner can – and already is – connecting New Mexico’s cultural corridor. There are so many wonderful daytrips and excursions throughout the central region where the train runs, that we cannot discount the value of the Rail Runner when it comes to the tourism arena. I want to thank my fellow Rio Metro Board members, as well as the dedicated staff of Rio Metro for all their hard work in keeping everything running smoothly through the last decade-and-a-half. It is through maintaining a common sense approach that we will be able to create sustainability as we forge ahead into the future. Here’s to many more miles ahead,
Diane Gibson Rio Metro Board Chair Albuquerque City Council, District 7
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www.riometro.org | www.travelnewmex.com | 15 Year Anniversary - Summer 2021
