Upgrades likely coming to NMRX

When Democratic Governor Bill Richardson found the money to build the New Mexico Rail Runner Express or NMRX it was intended to serve communities from El Paso to Denver but that has yet to materialize since it began service in 2006. Rail enthusiasts have been shoving the NM Legislature to equip it to operate as designed even as Colorado sorts out ways to add service between Trinidad and Denver.

As ridership continues to rise for the state’s large commuter rail, concerns are being raised about the number of passengers it carries to offset CO2 emissions. The Rail Runner transports thousands of riders throughout the day, but a recent newsletter from the Legislative Finance Committee said ridership needs to go up if the train wants to offset its carbon footprint. However, they want to purchase more energy-efficient locomotives eventually. [Concerned raised over Rail Runner’s carbon emissions]

On Monday NPR aired a segment that highlighted a $64 million federal grant Texas received for high speed rail. Listen here. 

California has replaced two diesel-electric commuter trains with zero emission locomotives. Read more about building certainty into California Air Resources Board's electric transition linked here.

ip image: Santa Fe Railyard.