Cash shift saves weekend Rail Runner

SANTA FE (AP) - New Mexico's Rail Runner Express will continue to run on the weekends.

Gov. Bill Richardson on Monday announced a plan to move federal money from one fund to another to keep the commuter train running between Belen and Santa Fe on Saturdays and Sundays.

New Mexico had expected to cut weekend service by Feb. 15 because of a $750,000 budget shortfall, which officials blamed on the national recession.

Under the plan, the state Department of Transportation will shift $750,000 in federal money from a flexible surface transportation fund to an air quality fund.

Transportation Secretary L.J. Girón says that will keep Rail Runner weekend service intact.

Officials also are considering two other actions - a fare increase and a reduced Saturday schedule.