Rail Runner ridership down from 2009

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Ridership on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is down over 10 percent from this time a year ago.

But those in charge of the commuter train aren't overly concerned.

There were 41,176 fewer riders from July through September of 2010 than there were during the same time a year ago.

Rail Runner officials said the decline can be attributed to a drop off in weekend ridership, not weekday commuters.

"Last year, tourists would try it out and go to Santa Fe, and we had very high numbers, especially on the weekends," Rail Runner spokesperson Augusta Meyers said. "Some of newness has worn off as well as the novelty of being able to go to Santa Fe and use that leisure part of the train."

Rail Runner also raised fares in February and cut down on the number of weekend trains.

But Rail Runner leaders aren't too concerned since the downturn follows a national trend.

Online:  New Mexico Rail Runner Express