8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
1/36
XpressNew mexico rail ruNNer express magaziNe
marcH 2011
THe saNTa fe New mexicaN www.saNTafeNewmexicaN.com
The Green Issue
unM dc taffics powABQ by b
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
2/36
$59
A NIGHTCall 1.877.THUNDER
Mention code: CR2011
877.THUNDER | buffalothunderresort.comManagement reserves allrights.
Styx
Friday, May 20
Charlie Daniels Band
Saturday, March 26
REO Speedwagon
Friday, April 15 Saturday, May 14
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
3/36
MARCH | XPRESS 3
Bike, Hike, Trike orWalk
and get on board the Rail Runner Express at ZIA STATION.Theneighborhood stop.A sustainable, mixed-use development featuring:neighborhood shops, restaurants,
business offices, doctors offices, townhouses and condominiums.ziastation.com
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
4/36
4 XPRESS | MARCH
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
5/36
marc h | XPrESS
XpressNew mexico rail ruNNer express magaziNe
Published by The Santa Fe New Mexican with The New Mexico RailRunner Express
Topclydemueller
BoTT
om,
saNdramarTiNezBalThazar
ovEr Photoe mee
e ww aqeqe r rexpess s, s Fe. 7, 2011.
ovEr dESigne v
ditor and PubliShEr m
SSociatE PubliShErg S
managing Editor de
ditorialmze e iez rsse
86-3093, sse@sfewex.
mze e de v86-3027, @sfewex.
p e Kse Jese f pp ce mee
dvErtiSinges e Je v, 986-3007
mke es epe e de mes cse hff
ESignErSspe he, S Fwe, de defes, J, Eqe Fee
Etail advErtiSing SalESme bee, 99-382g bse, 99-3861
s ies, 99-3830ex J. mez, 99-3841 m, 99-3838e tes, 99-383 tj,99-3820k Wees, 99-3840 Wks, 99-382
onlinE advErtiSing SalES Kees, 99-3819
yStEmSe e me cpe
roductionopes e a W
sss p e t ceepess e d gezess e l Q
k e b Sz
ommErcial Print SalESses@sfewex.
WEbWe e he m. lpez
ww.sfeewex.
ddrESSoffe: 202 E. m S.
s: 8 ..- p.. m-Fes f: 0-986-3082ee: 0-984-0363, 800-873-3372 pesf e ze: 0-490-0316
Publ iShEd mar ch 2, 2011
Features
07 Rail Runner greens New Mexico.
20 The University of New Mexico spotlights alternatives.
22 Businesses jump on board.
27 Heres how to ride Albuquerque the green way.
28 The Hard Rock works hard to conserve.
30 Solar panels turn sunlight into energy.
33 Jos Armenta: The Rail Runners four millionth rider
I n every I ssue
08 Route map
10 Rail Runner Saturday and Sunday schedules
12 Meet Tim Reed.
12 Weekday schedules
14 Calculate your fare/safety tip
16 Connections
18 Train of Thought: A love affair
32 Puzzles
34 Get going by train.
T h e G r e e n I s s u e
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
6/36
6 XPRESS | MARCH
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
7/36
M A R C H | XPR ES S 7
R E A D A L L A B O U T I T O N B O A R D T H E R A I L R U N NE R E X P R E S S
ERNIE MONTOYA
MORE WAYS THE RAIL RUNNERMAKES A DIFFERENCE
After four-and-a-half years of service, and four-millionpassengers, its nice to see that the New Mexico Rail RunnerExpressis truly making a positive difference in the lives of the people inour community, whether they are using the trainor not. Sinceservice began, the train has taken more than 150-million vehiclemiles off of area roadways. Our passengersreport to us they aregetting to work less stressed and are able to be productive atwork. During 2010, the Rail Runner wasresponsible for reducing 582tons of carbon monoxide emissions from the atmosphere. Over thenext 15-years that savingsis expected to grow to more than 12,000tons. This means that because of your commitment to publictransportation, wecan all breathe a little easier.
We recently installed photovoltaic solar panels on shadestructures at the Sandoval County/US 550 station and willsoon dothe same in Belen. The panels were also installed at the SouthCapitol Station in Santa Fe last year. These panelsgenerate 85percent of the electricity needs at these stations. This is justanother way the New Mexico Rail Runner Expressis also going greenand minimizing its carbon footprint.
We are also adding carpool spaces beneath the shade structuresat these stations. Commuters who arrive at thestation with two ormore people in their vehicle have the opportunity to park in thesepreferred locations, which areconveniently located closer to theplatform.
So the next time you board the train, find your seat, and settlein for the ride, you can take comfort in the fact that youareadding some green to your travel.
Thanks for riding.
Jay FaughtMarketing Manager
Rio Metro Regional Transit District
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
8/36
8 XP R E S S | M A R C H
ROUTE MAP
BELEN STATION
100 Rail Runner DriveBelen(Near Reinken Ave &WisconsinSt.)
LOS LUNAS STATION
101 Courthouse RoadLos Lunas
ISLETA PUEBLO STATION
75 Isleta Lakes Road(Near N.M. Hw.y 47 &Tribal Road 15)
BERNALILLO COUNTY
STATION
113 Rio Bravo Blvd. S.E.Albuquerque
DOWNTOWN
ALBUQUERQUE STATIO
100 First Street S.W.Albuquerque
LOS RANCHOS/
JOURNAL CENTERSTATION
101 El Pueblo Rd N.E.Albuquerque
DOWNTOWN
BERNALILLO STATION
820 Railroad Track RoadBernalillo
SANDOVAL COUNTY/
U.S. 550
400 Rail Runner Ave.Bernalillo
KEWA PUEBLO STATION
SANTA FE COUNTY/N.M
599 STATION
SOUTH CAPITOL STATIO
1301 Alta VistaSanta Fe
SANTA FE DEPOT
401 S. Guadalupe St.Santa Fe
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
9/36
MARCH | XPRESS 9
New Mexico Artisans MarketSanta Fes Best Art Market
Shop and watch artists creating their work.
Every Sunday 10 am - 4 pmIndoors at the Santa Fe FarmersMarket
www.santafefarmersmarket.com
In the Railyard . 1607 Paseo de Peralta
Julia Ives
Jack Krietzburg
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
10/36
1 0 XP R E S S | M A R C H
1. Decide whether you are going north (scheduleat top) or south(schedule at bottom)
2. On the left-hand side, find the station you are
leaving from
3. Read across to find the times the Rail Runner
departs from that station
4. From there, read down to find what time the
Rail Runner will arrive at the station to which
you are traveling
READING THE SCHEDULE
Schedules are subject to change. Please check
nmrailrunner.com for the most current schedules.
WI-FI ALONG THE WAY
Turn on your device. Check for a listof available Wi-Fi networks(this
varies depending on device). Selector connect to NMRX (SSID orService
Set Identifier that will appear in listof available networks).Open yourbrowser and you will be redirectedto the New Mexico RailRunnerportal page. Click on accept toaccept the terms of using theserviceand you will be allowed into the freenetwork.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
11/36
MARCH | XPRESS 11
Offer expires 05/31/11
Tony Cragg, Mark di Suvero, Guy Dill, Jim Dine, GntherFrg, HelenFrankenthaler, Franois Morellet, Olivier Mosset,Robert Motherwell,Mimmo Paladino, Pascal, Mary Shaffer,
Tom Wesselmann, among others. . .
LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: JIM DINE, GUY DILL , MARY SHAFFER,GNTHER FRG,
OLIVIER MOSSET, AND TONY CRAGG
PASEO
DEPERA
LTA
WAREHOUSE 21
R A I L WA Y G A R D E N S
EL MUSEO
CULTURAL
SANTA FE
CLAY
MARKET STATION
SANTA FE
DEPOT
REI
RAILYARD
PARKING
GARAGE
FARMERS MARKET
ETKIN
SITE Santa Fe
LEWALLEN
JAMES KELLYZANE
BENNETT
BOX
GUA
DALU
PE
READST.
CAMINO DE LA FAMILIA CAMINO DE LA FAMILIA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSON
PP
RAILYARDPLAZA
MAN
HA
TTAN
MANHATTAN
P
P
GEBERT
TAI
WILLIAM SIEGAL
ZANE
BENNETT
SANTA FE
DEPOT
435 SOUTH GUADALUPE STREET, SANTA FE, NM 87501505 982-8111www.zanebennettgallery.com
TueSat 105, or by appointmentRAILYARD ARTS DISTRICT WALK LASTFRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
ZANE BENNETT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE SANTA FE TRAINDEPOT
C O N T E M P O R A R Y A R T
ZANEBENNETT
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
12/36
1 2 XP R E S S | M A R C H
A L L A B O A R D
Name: Tim ReedBirthday: Nov. 7Family: Wife, 16-year-oldstepdaughter, and21-month old son
Job Title: EngineerWhere do you live? AlbuquerqueHow long haveyou worked for NMRX?
Five years. I actually started as a conductoron the Rail Runnerwhen it first started upin 2006.
What are your work hours? 3:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Monday throughFridayWhat was the most interesting thing
that has happened to you while
working for NMRX? Met the woman Immarried to.Explain how youmet: She rode the trainevery day to work for a year before Ievertalked to her. She always had headphoneson or would go tosleep. One day, I noticedshe didnt have her headphones and shewas
awake, so I talked to her.How did you ask her on a firstdateEventually, I got up the nerve to ask herI gave her my phonenumber and bet hethat she wouldnt call me. To my surpris shecalled! I paid up on the bet the daygot married. It was great!
Any other love connections on the R
Runner? One of our conductors, Ernie,getting married in June tosomeone he m
on the train.What is something interesting abou
you that people may not know? I knthat my grandfather retiredfrom the railin Belen after 32 years. But since Ive starworking forthe Rail Runner, I have founout that Ive had many uncles andrelativthrough the years who have also workedin railroading. Infact, Ive learned that mgreat-grandfather was also an engineer.Syou might say railroading is in my blood
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
13/36
MARCH | XPRESS 13
cwbookstore.com202 Galisteo Street505.988.4226
Santa Fes Best Bookstore since 1978
Mon-Sat 8am to 8pmSunday 8am to 6pm
Ga
listeo
TrainStation
Plaza
Cathedral
Old
Santa
Fe
Trail
Guad
alu
pe
CollectedWorks
Bookstore
Water
PaseodePeralta
On the corner o Water & Galisteo
a huge selection
o great booksand magazines
locally-roastedorganic cofee
and teas
ree wi
delicious oodor here or to go
2 locations -on 2nd Strreet
and in the farmersmarket building
railyarddowntown Santa Fe
SECOND STREET BREWERY
SANTA FERAILYARD
Locals, family neighborhood,
brewpub
world class microbeer
fresh Pub Fare
every Friday FeaturedBeers
Happy Hour all day
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
14/36
1 4 XP R E S S | M A R C H
PHOTOS BY CLYDE MU
SAFETY TIP
Get out of yourvehicle if it stalls ona crossing, and call
your local policedepartment forassistance. Onlyattempt torestartif you can postlookouts to warn ofapproaching trains.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
15/36
MARCH | XPRESS 15
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
16/36
1 6 XP R E S S | M A R C H
CONNECTIONSSANTA FE DEPOTSanta Fe Pick Up Use this route foraquick connection to the Santa Fe Plaza andDowntown Santa Fe. Thisroute is available onweekdays from 6:40 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.andSaturdays from 7:50 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.Buffalo Thunder Resort &CasinoShuttle Use this shuttle to access the BuffaloThunder Resort& Casino. The shuttle is locatedon the north end of theplatform. Just turn leftwhen you get off the train.
Santa Fe Trails Route 2 (Cerrillos Road)Use this route to accessthe West CapitolComplex, the New Mexico School for the DeafandSanta Fe Place Mall.
Santa Fe Trails Route 4 (Southside) Usethis route to access theSanta Fe ConventionCenter, City and County offices, Santa FePlaceMall and Santa Fe High School.
Santa Fe Trails Route M (Museum Hill)
Use this route to access Museum Hill.Taos Express Shuttleservice from theSanta Fe Depot & South Capitol RailRunnerStations to the Town of Taos. Operates onFridays, Saturdaysand Sundays.
Dragonfly Express Electric car rental bythe hour. Located at theSanta Fe Depot RailRunner Station.
SOUTH CAPITOL STATIONSanta Fe Trails Route 2 (Cerrillos Road)Usethis route to access the West CapitolComplex, the New Mexico Schoolfor the Deafand Santa Fe Place Mall.
Santa Fe Trails Route 4 (Southside) Use this route to access theSanta Fe
Convention Center, City and County offices,Santa Fe Place Malland Santa Fe High School.
South Capitol Shuttle Weekdays Only Use this route to access St.Vincent Hospital,the Rodeo Business Park and the District 5DOToffice.
NM Park & Ride Blue Route WeekdaysOnly Use this route toaccess Santa Fe,Pojoaque and Los Alamos
NM Park & Ride Red Route Use this routeto access Espanola,Pojoaque and Santa Fe
NM Park & Ride Orange Route Weekdays Only Use this route toaccess LasVegas and Santa Fe
NM Park & Ride Green Route
Weekdays Only Use this route to accessEspanola & LosAlamos
Taos Express Shuttle service from the SantaFe Depot Rail RunnerStation to the Town ofTaos. Operates Fridays, Saturdays andSundays.
SANTA FE COUNTY/NM 599STATIONNM 599 Station Shuttle WeekdaysOnlyUse this route to access Rancho Viejo, the NewMexican Plaza,Jaguar, Camino Entrada, andSanta Fe Place Mall.
NCRTD 599 Shuttle Weekdays Only Use this bus to access the NMDepartment ofCorrections, Onate Complex (National Guard)and theSanta Fe County Detention Center.
Santa Fe Trails Route 22 WeekdaysOnly Use this bus for a directconnection toSanta Fe Community College, Rancho Viejoand IAIA.
NM Park & Ride Purple Route Weekdays Only Use this route fora directconnection between the Rail Runner and LosAlamos.
KEWA PUEBLO STATIONRio Metro Route 202 Use this route toaccessBernalillo, northern Rio Rancho, SantaAna Pueblo, Algodones, KewaPueblo, theKewa Rail Runner Station, Cochiti Pueblo andthe town ofCochiti Lake
Hollywood Casino Shuttle at SanFelipe A shuttle meets allsouthbound trainsat this station.
SANDOVAL COUNTY/US 550Santa Ana Star Casino ShuttleUse this busto access the Santa Ana StarCasino
Hollywood Casino Shuttle at SanFelipe A shuttle meets allnorthbound trainsat this station.
Rio Metro Route 201 Use this route toaccess Bernalillo andEnchanted Hills.
Rio Metro Route 204 Use this route toaccess Bernalillo, northernRio Rancho, ZiaPueblo, San Ysidro, Jemez Pueblo and Jemez
Springs.
LOS RANCHOS/JOURNALCENTER STATION
ABQ RIDE Route 251 Weekdays OnlyUse this bus to access theJournal Centerbusiness district, Century 24 Theatre,CottonwoodMall, Intel and Rio Rancho.
DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUEABQ RIDE Route 766 Rapid Ride RedLine Usethis express bus route located in thfront of the building to accessOld Town, the
ABQ BioPark, UNM, Nob Hill and UptownABQ RIDE Route 777 RapidRide GreeLine Use this express route located in the frof thebuilding to access UNM, Nob Hill, anthe Foothills near Tramway.
ABQ RIDE Route 40 The D-RIDE This ia free downtown circulatorthat runs every 7minutes Monday- Friday.
ABQ RIDE Route 53 IsletaUse this route to access the AlbuquerqueZoo
ABQ RIDE Route 217 Kirtland AirForce Base Use this route toaccess CentraNew Mexico Community College (CNM) anKirtland AirForce Base.
ABQ RIDE Route 250 Airport ExpressUse this route to access theAlbuquerqueInternational SunportOther ABQ RIDE Routes There aremothan 20 other ABQ RIDE bus routes that getyou just about anywherein the city!
BERNALILLO COUNTY STATIONABQ RIDE Route 222 Weekdays OnlyUsethis route to access the South Valley, theVA Hospital, Kirtland AirForce Base and theairport business district. This bus can alsobeused to access the Albuquerque InternationaSunport for passengerscoming from and goito Valencia County.
ISLETA PUEBLO STATIONHard Rock Hotel & Casino Shuttle U
this shuttle to access the Hard Rock Hotel &CasinoAlbuquerque. A bus meets every traiseven days a week.
LOS LUNAS STATIONRio Metro Valencia Weekdays only Tis adial-a-ride service for the Los Lunas areaopen to anyone. All ridesmust be scheduled24 hours in advance by calling 505-352-3595. Ridesare $1 each way.
BELENRio Metro Route 206 Weekdays only This bus is designed tobring Belen residento the Rail Runner station and other nearbyworkcenters during peak commute times. Th
route begins on March 14.Rio Metro Valencia Weekdays only Thisis a dial-a-ride service for the Belen aropen to anyone. All ridesmust be scheduled24 hours in advance by calling 505-352-3595. Ridesare $1 each way.
Socorro Shuttle Everyday Use this routo access Socorro. Only onenorthbound busand one southbound bus will meet the train athe BelenStation.
Ride any Rio Metro, ABQ RIDEor Santa Fe Trails Bus for Free
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
17/36
MARCH | XPRESS 17
Plaza Mercado 112 W. San Francisco St.
Suite 212-C 982-9373
Featuring quality toys and games from
fair-labor manufacturers in America, Europe
and ports around the world.
Monday - Thursday 10 - 5ishFriday & Saturday 10 -5:30ish
Sunday 12 - 4ish
Connect to the Taos Express - only $10
round trip from Santa Fe Rail Runner Stops
TaosExpress
www.TaosExpress.com(575) 751-4459 for reservations
Discover all there is to explore in Taos at
www.TaosSacredPlaces.com
Be Transformed by Land,
Light and Legend in Taos
CITY OFSANTA FERECYCLES
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
18/36
T RAI N OF T HOUGHT
Winners describe their love for the Rail Runner
1 8 XP R E S S | M A R C H
Recently, the Rio Metro Regional Transit Districtsought out truestories from people using the NewMexico Rail Runner Express or itsconnecting buses.Below, the winner and honorable mentions fromtheessay contest. The winner received a month-long RailRunner pass,with the honorable mentions takinghome a day pass.
WINNER
A life-changing wreckA glance in the rear view mirror gave meonly seconds of
warning before the sickening thud. A young lady, cell phonein
hand, jumped out of her pickup to check on me afterrear-ending
my car. I was all right, but my car was totaled, and herinsurance
didnt cover all the damage. After that incident, I wasunnerved
about driving in rush hour traffic, as well as anxious to cutmy
bloated, $250-a-month gasoline bill. Considering thepossible
transportation alternatives, I decided to learn more aboutthe
Rail Runner.
I discovered there was a Rail Runner station where my
husband could drop me off on his way to work. Once I arrivedat
my destination, it would be an easy transition to catch ashuttlebus to work. Buying a monthly pass would reduce the costsof
my commute even more, and I could even purchase the ticket
online. With the click of a button, I was ready to begin myRail
Runner adventure.
Since my first commute by train a year and a half ago, Ihave
been so pleased with my decision to ride the Rail Runner. I
love the amenities on the train, such as a convenientrestroom,
drinking water with available paper cups, multiple seatinglevels,
tables with plug-in outlets for electronic devices, and even
Internet connections for wireless computers.
Riding the Rail Runner gives me time to do other things
as well. Since I dont have to worry about watching the road
while driving, I can read, catch up paperwork, talk safely onmycell phone, or even nap along the way. I also love gazing at
the scenery, especially where the railway tracks part withthe
highway and venture through quiet pastoral landscapes thatauto
commuters seldom see.
The Rail Runner is stylishly designed with tokens of its
roadrunner icon visible everywhere from the exterior of thetrain
even to the woven upholstery. I also smiled the first time Iheard
the beep-beep of the trains closing doors, so reminiscent ofa
famous cartoon roadrunners voice. The train crew isprofessional,
efficient, helpful and knowledgeable, yet personable. I have
also thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with otherregular
commuters, who make the daily ride even more pleasant and
enjoyable.
When my family came to visit recently, I couldnt resisttakin
them on the Rail Runner to Santa Fe for a day of sightseeing,an
they were completely charmed with their experience on thetrai
as well.
For me, traveling on the Rail Runner just makes good sense.
Not only has it reduced my cost of commuting by 80 percent,
but I also feel good about contributing to a greenerenvironmen
There is a sense of peacefulness and safety about riding theRailRunner that does not exist in the frantic world ofcongested
freeway traffic.
That crash on the highway was unpleasant, but fortuitous,
because it led me to a great new transit experience, the
Rail Runner.
REBECCA HARGROVE
RIO RA N C HO
HONORABLE MENTION
A friendly ride
I know it has been said that the Rail Runner is a big wasteofmoney but public transportation was not meant to make money
If you heard some of the stories that people can tell abouttheir
commute or get to know some of them, I think it would change
your mind.
I started riding the train when it first came on line becauseit
was free. It was a fun novelty, but quickly I realized howmuch
money I was saving by taking the train to work every day.When
the gas prices went as high as $4 a gallon, it was a life-saver.My
husband and I were spending a fortune in gas in just oneweek.
On average now, I am saving about $135 per month in gas and
parking. I love it because there are so many other things I cando
with the extra money.
In the summer of 2009 my son was hurt in a motorcycleaccident. Idid not ride the train for about two weeks while he
was in the hospital. The people I ride with every day reallyrallie
around me and were so supportive when I returned. I hardly
knew these people, and they were praying for us, alwaysasking
for my son, giving us greeting cards, money and gift cards.Wow
I was floored.
Now I am friends with many of these people. We have formed
bonds and friendships over the years. When someone stopsriding
the train because they have moved, were laid off, or retired, itreal
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
19/36
M A R C H | XPR ES S 19
affects us. The people on the train are like an extendedfamily.
There are lots of reasons why people choose to take the train.Itsaves money, they dont have other transportation, parking isan
issue where they work, convenience, energy savings,camaraderie,
and better than the bus. Mine is just one story out ofhundreds.
DEBBY ESTVANKO
RIO RA N C HO
You can count on the train
Early mornings you will find me waiting by the tracksanxiouslylistening for the sound of ringing bells. Most say thereare only two
things in life that you can count on; death and taxes, but forthe
past four months I have come to realize there is one more thingIcan add to that list, The New Mexico Rail Runner Express! My
journey is roundtrip during the weekdays. Through the snow,rain,sun, open doors and friendly staff, I push through to find myseat.
The train has a feeling of safety and power that allows my mindto
relax comfortably.Preparing for each trip by double checking formy ticket, keys,
cell phone, and blanket, I board in Albuquerque and journeytoSanta Fe in the dark. Once arriving at my destination beforesunrise,
I take a trek to my office, which is located about four blocksfrom
the station. I enjoy the walk to and from the station. It givesmetime to prepare my mind for work and then time at the end ofthe
day to leave my work uncertainties behind.
I can always count on the train staff to keep us aware ofanyschedule changes and delays. I can rest on the traincomfortably
knowing I am in good hands. At first I was a little reluctant tomissout on three hours of travel time per day but lately, I havelearned
to spend the time wisely.
Reading, writing, listening to music, resting and personal timetothink is very beneficial for the soul. I enjoy my journey moreand
more each time I make it.Environmentally, economically andpersonally, I choose the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express!
CEDAR MAE SORRELL
A reunion of friends
Even though Id been dozing off and on from the downtown
Alvarado Station to Albuquerques North Valley stop andmerely
lifted one eyelid to scan the new boarders on the earlymorning
commute, I wasnt particularly shocked to find an old friendsitting
across from me on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
She looked the same as when I last saw her a good 40 years
ago, when we were in music school together. Delightful as itwas,
our reunion was hushed. Both of us had been commuting foryears
by car, bus and now by train and could see retirement as the
light at the end of the tunnel. Weathering what couldsometimes
be a wearing routine caused both of us to avoid disturbingthe
exquisite regular breathing of sleeping travelers on the dawntrain
to Santa Fe.
The years flew by as we caught up on decades of individual
developments. As the train passed the Bernalillo/Highway 550
stop, my friend quietly re-lived her graduation, regularchurch
performances, concerts, marriage, divorce, introduced herniece,
nephew and cat, and moved to her career in informationtechnology.
By Kewa, I had graduated, abandoned piano performance
except as a hobby, married and divorced twice, became a mom
and a grandmother, got a cat and turned to my currentcareer.
By Highway 599, we both had dabbled in various philosophical
and political groups. By the South Capitol station, wedetailed
how many dollars wed saved riding the Railrunner. Then wesaidour goodbyes and, as we did some 40 years ago, affirmed toeach
other that no composer for piano was as strong, enrichingand
transcendent as Brahms.
The hundreds of commuters on the dawn Rail Runner to Santa
Fe share a special space and a special experience. Their livesare as
varied as their faces, but they become neighbors aboard thetrain.
When our fellow villagers on the train opened their eyesthat
morning, they woke to friends too, whether or not they knewit
among them, two aging pianists crossing paths and decadeswho
appreciated watching them sleep, wake and nod off again.
Since encountering my well-preserved old friend on the dawn
train, Ive figured out that the life on a routine commute on
the train in New Mexico is not a stifling limitation on theBigAdventures of life; its part of the adventure and offers itsown
pleasures and surprises.
Just as the landscape seems to roll by the commuters seat onthe
Rail Runner, life can seem to flow by all around us, but thatsjust
an illusion. Life does not pass us by as we age. On paralleltracks
with friends and loved ones, we lead our lives, traveling alongand
heading to the next stop.
JENNIE LUSK
ALBUQUERQUE
CLYDEMUELLER
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
20/36
2 0 XP R E S S | M A R C H
CHANGING HABITS
S T O RY B Y S E A N B R A N D ER
P H O TO S B Y C L YD E M U E LL E R
Every weekday, 40,000 University of New Mexicostudents, facultyand staff stream across Albuquerque
on their way to campus. Just more than 7 percent of
them live close enough to walk. Another 23,000, or 58
percent, drive their car, usually alone in their vehicle.
The remainder, about 14,000, commute by alternative
means such as buses, bicycles or the New Mexico
Rail Runner Express.
These numbers represent significant improvement from just
a few years ago. In 2004, 78.5 percent of students, facultyand
staff more than 31,000 people drove to school in what are
commonly referred to as single occupancy vehicles (SOVs).ToRobert Nelson, the associate director of UNMs parking
and transportation services, a 20 percent decrease in SOV useis
just the beginning. Our big push is to entice more membersof
the UNM community to use public transit, he said.
UNM has much to gain from taking more vehicles off the
road. According to Nelson, 30 percent of the schools carbon
emissions originate from commutes by the schools employees
and students. Over the next several years, new buildings and
residence halls will consume even more of the schoolslimited
With 40,000 commuters, UNM pushes new ways to get around
Catching the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is becoming a way oflife for some college students including (from right) Eric JustinGonzaleLela Montoya of Santa Fe. Gonzales is a Capitol Highgraduate and freshman at the University of New Mexico, whileMontoya is a sophom*ore aUNM who graduated from Santa Fe High.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
21/36
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
22/36
2 2 XP R E S S | M A R C H
stops, Valencia said. ABQ Ride is also looking into a citywidetex
messaging-based tracking system so riders will always knowwhe
next bus is coming.Its also daunting to look at the schedule andthe map, Valen
said, adding that ABQ Rides new online trip planner atplanyou
cabq.gov can help, reducing even the most convoluted commute
four easy steps. Were lucky to be able to expand and dowhatev
we can to make the rider experience better, she said.
UNMs new Transportation Information Center, on the stude
unions plaza level, aims to help University-bound commuterse
their way into taking more public transit. In addition toissuing
those free bus passes and assisting with trip planning, thecenter
Bicycles and skateboards are other forms of alternativetransportationthat reduce car and truck traffic at the Universityof New Mexico.
SMART BUSINESS
PARTNERSIn 2009, in order to better manage traffic congestionanddevelop new ways to curb single occupancy vehicluse, the Rio MetroRegional Transit District applied fora travel demand managementgrant from the federalgovernment. Two years and $321,000 federaldollarslater, the transit district is starting to put theprograminto practice and change how local businesses operate.
Christened the Smart Business Partnership, the grantallows RioMetro to educate businesses and theiremployees on ways to usealternative transportationto become greener and more efficient intheir dailycommutes. As a first step, Rio Metro hosted abreakfaskickoff open to all regional businesses with 50 ormoreemployees late last year. According to JayFaught, Rio Metrosmarketing manager, 55 businessesattended and 25 immediately signedup, representinga commitment that could green the commutes ofsome40,000 employees.
The program works through a system of certificationand rewards.If businesses meet a minimum amountof qualifications such asproviding employees withbike racks, posting transit schedules inthe workplace,paying for a portion of an employees publictransitpass, or a myriad number of other options dependingonwhether a business goal is bronze, silver, or goldcertificationtheyll be rewarded with free logoplacement or recognition in theXpress magazine, onbuses, at transit stops, even on the radio ortelevision.Gold-level partners also earn discounted RailRunnerpasses for their employees.
The current federal grant will supply Rio Metro withprogramfunds through at least 2015. Beyond thatpoint the transit authoritymust demonstrate both
effort toward and success in changing the areas traveldynamics.So long as employees report that they arealtering their commutinghabits for the greener, grantmoney could continue ABQ Ride has hada similargrant in effect since the 1990s.
Our goal this first year is just to work with as manybusinessesas possible, Faught said. Any business thawants to be part of theprogram can contact us, andwell come over and give a presentationabout how theprogram works.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
23/36
M A R C H | XPR ES S 23
taff can provide information on carpooling, bike lockers, andZipcar
ental (more on that later).
Trish Castle, a sophom*ore English major, works part-time inthenformation center. Mainly what we deal with is a lot ofstudents
who are tired of driving, she said. Originally from Moriarty,she now
ves close enough to bike and walk to campus, although many ofher
ometown friends have resigned themselves to day after day oflife
ehind the wheel.
Its expensive to drive, she said. University parking can be
pwards of $120 a month. But students are still afraid of thebus.
They dont understand it. Castle said that some studentsavoid
ertain buses because they have a reputation for carryinghomeless
eople. We can suggest alternate routes, but theres really noreason
o be afraid.
UNM needs to market its transit programs moreaggressively,Castle said, especially the free bus pass. (Theschool) isnt getting
hrough, she said. People are apathetic and unless theyrespoon-fed
hese programs theyll never do it.
Naomi Gibbons, a senior art studio major, said she wantsbetter
us service. If the bus was more reliable and stopped at andwent
o more places in the city I would use it more often, she said.But
Albuquerque is not the best city for transportation ingeneral.
Gibbons boyfriend, Bennett Einbender, agreed with Castle thatthe
school needs to do more to inform students of their options. Ifound
out about the (transit pass) from a friend, he said.While mostof her friends commute by car, Gibbons does have a
few who come via the Rail Runner. The total percentage ofschool
commuters who take the train is tiny, just 2.2 percent, but ithas
proved to be beneficial to students from Santa Fe andelsewhere
along the service corridor.
The Rail Runner is very important its the spine of thetransit
system, said Jay Faught, marketing manager for the Rio Metro
ophom*ore Trish Castle helps junior Amber Coronado with a buspass at the universitys Transportation Information Center. Mainly,Castle says,what we deal with is a lot of students who are tired ofdriving.
Another transportation alternative at the University of NewMexico isthe Zipcar, a car-sharing service that members can rent bythe hour.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
24/36
2 4 XP R E S S | M A R C H
Regional Transit District. Many of the bus routes connect toit.
As part of its new Smart Business Partnership program(seesidebar) Rio Metro has been working closely with UNM tohelp theschool realize its alternative transportation aspirations.BecauseUNM has earned the highest possible level of certificationin thenew program, accomplished by providing its employeesand studentswith carpool parking spaces, commuter incentiveprograms, flexiblework policies and other benefits, UNM canprovide discounted RailRunner passes. These passes are availablefor purchase at theTransportation Information Center. Toencourage more train use, UNMprovides a free, twice-dailyshuttle to and from the downtownAlbuquerque Rail Runnerstation.
One of the most important things UNM, Rio Metro, and ABQ
Ride have done together is conduct a dialogue with cityplannersand developers about what kind of city Albuquerque becomesinthe future.
(Transportation) is a university issue for sure, Nelson said,butit* also a regional issue. Most people who commute to UNM,Nelsonsaid, live more than six miles from campus. Worse, manyUNMemployees and students dont live in areas serviced bypublictransportation.
Our folks are scattered all over the city and not everyonehasaccess to buses, Nelson said. We have to engage our partnersso
we can come up with an answer to sprawl and a plan forimproved
access. Im optimistic that we can.Building a morepublic-transportation ready city includes
developing a more pedestrian-friendly environment, Nelsonsaidmaking road crossing easier and less hazardous. It also meanslayingdown more bike paths and better connecting those thatalreadyexist, ensuring that cyclists dont have to cross busysix-lane roadsto continue their commutes. Thats a disincentiveright there,Nelson chuckled.
Providing students with ever-more bike racks and securerentallockers is just one way UNM is trying to cultivate a morevigorouscampus cycling culture. The university is also in talks toestablisha bike sharing service so students have access totwo-wheeledtransport whenever they need it. The campus bike shopalso offers
discounted bike maintenance and repair.To meet a similaronly-when-you-need-it transportation nich
UNM is now host to a four-car fleet of Zipcars. The carsharingservice, popular in many of the nations larger cities whereownina car is cost- and space-prohibitive, allows members to rentasporty ride an hour at a time to run errands, go out, or justgetaround the city when every other option is too inconvenient.Inaddition to hourly or daily rates, members pay a yearly fee tousethe cars and can reserve them online in advance. The rentalcostcovers gas, insurance and mileage.
The brightly colored Veggie Bus is the University of New Mexicosfirst waste-vegetable oil powered vehicle, offering another greenride oncampus. It was started in 2009 by the UNM Parking andTransportation Service.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
25/36
MARCH | XPRESS 25
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
26/36
26 XPRESS | MARCH
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
27/36
M A R C H | XPR ES S 27
B Y T O D D B A I L E Y
With gas prices flowing well over $3 a gallon, JulietteSanchezwanted to leave her vehicle at home andind an alternative mode oftransportation. Iturned out to be pretty easy, because theres a busstop outside of her Northeast
Albuquerque home.
anchez, who works at Tucanos Brazilian Grill
n downtown Albuquerque, uses the ABQRide bus system to travel towork. What sheoon realized was that going to and from work
snt the only convenience the bus serviceprovides.
Its so easy to get to anywhere in the city,anchez said. I takecare of my four nieces
nd nephews four days a week and we usehe bus system to goeverywhere: parks,
museums, the mall and the zoo. They love
riding the bus and I love riding it as well.But Albuquerqueresidents arent the only ones
who can benefit from the city bus system.With the New MexicoRail Runner Express,
residents from Santa Fe to Belen can participate
in what the Duke City has to offer without fillingtheir gastank. Even out-of-state visitors, arriving
at the Albuquerque International Sunport, canenjoy a vacationsworth of restaurants, events and
attractions without renting a car.
There are approximately two dozen bus routesin Albuquerque andmost of them connect withthe downtown ABQ Ride station, which isnext
to a Rail Runner station.
Whats even better is that the Rail Runner providesa bus day passto anyone who rides it into Albuquerque,
Sanchez said. Even if you dont take the train, the daily buspass is$2. And that can take you anywhere in the city on any busfor that
day.Just make sure you have exact change, because the busdrivers
ACROSS ALBUQUERQUETrain, buses make getting around the cityeasier
CLYDE MUELLER
Commuters are turning to bus transportation as a way to savemoney as gas prices rise. New Mexico Rail Runner Express riders geta free day passor the bus with their train ride.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
28/36
2 8 XP R E S S | M A R C H
wont break your $20 bill.There are three types of ABQ Rideroutes to choose from, Regular,
Commuter and the popular Rapid Ride routes.Regular routes givelocal all-day service throughout the Metro
area. Commuter routes take place during peak travel hours.RapidRide routes offer a fast, frequent service to suchdestinations asthe Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museumof
Natural History, the University of New Mexico, the Nob Hillarea,Albuquerque Uptown and the Coronado Mall.
The bus connections are a key to the Rail Runner, saidJayFaught, Rail Runner marketing manager. The Rail Runner isthe
spine of the transportation network and all of the busconnectionsare feeder routes that feed into the train.
And as society turns more environmentally friendly, some
Albuquerque hotels are using this mass transit system toencouragevisitors to enjoy a weekend getaway without the use oftheir car.
The Hotel Andaluz, just two blocks from the Rail Runnerstation,now offers a Ride the Rails package. It includes tworound-trip Rail
Runner tickets, breakfast for two, and complimentary passes tothehotels Ibiza and Casablanca entertainment venues and the New
Mexico Sports and Wellness Fitness Center.
Whats great about this kind of package is how it all tiesintogether, Bradbury said. People can come from out of town to
watch an event at Popejoy Hall. They can stay at our hoteland
enjoy the restaurants and venues we offer and it can be adelightweekend.
The Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, which has its own Rail Runnstop,has conducted packages centered on holidays like New Years
for visitors to enjoy. Another package includes VIP shuttleserviceand from The Pavilion, Albuquerques popular concertvenue.
People who use the shuttle service dont have to worryaboutfighting through long traffic lines and then pay for a parkingspot
said George San Miguel, convention services manager. Thefooddrink lines in the VIP tent are much shorter and if some peopleda little too much, we are able to keep them off the roads whenth
event is over. They then have the option of staying the night aswSanchez said that accessing ABQ Ride route information is ea
calling the information line at 311 or visiting its website,www.cagov/transit.
You can get information on all the routes, but one servicethanice is the trip planner, Sanchez said. You can decide onwhatplaces you want to visit and the service will plan a route toeach s
giving you times and which bus to take. Those services arewhatkeeps people from getting too confused about which bus totake.
Through the Rail Runner and the ABQ Ride bus system, visitoandAlbuquerque residents can enjoy everything the Duke City
to offer. And it will cost less than a tank of gas.
DETAILS
ABQ Ride provides more than 40 bus routes to get visitorsorpatrons to destinations throughout Albuquerque. The mostpopularare the four Rapid Ride routes that connect the downtownarea toAlbuquerques east, west and southwest sides and provideserviceto the night life events in the city. Depending on theroute, the dayand the time of year, service times range from 5: 30a.m.-2:30a.m. For more information, visit www.cabq.gov/transit.
ABQ RIDE Route 766: Rapid Ride Red Line. This route travelsalonCentral Avenue from Unser to Louisiana, then north onLouisianato the Uptown shopping district. It connects to suchdestinations asthe BioPark, Old Town, the downtown area,Presbyterian Hospitalthe University of New Mexico, Nob Hill, thestate fairgrounds, theinternational market and the Uptown shoppingarea.
ABQ RIDE Route 777: Rapid Ride Green Line. This routeconnectsAlbuquerques southeastern communities to UNMs maincampusand the downtown area along Central Avenue from Tramway.Itconnects to the downtown area, Presbyterian Hospital, UNM,NobHill and the state fairgrounds.
ABQ RIDE Route 790: Rapid Ride Blue Line connectsAlbuquerque
west side to the UNM main campus. It provides access fromthewest side to: te Northwest Transit Center, CottonwoodMall,Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Motano Plaza,OldTown, the downtown courthouses and UNM hospitals.
RAPID AFTER DARK: Rapid After Dark is a late-night extensionofthe Rapid Ride Red Line service along Central Avenue. RapidAfteDark runs every Friday and Saturday night from June 4throughSept. 25.
A G R E E N E R H A R D R O C K C A S I N O
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has decided that a greener
business is a better business. In addition to providing afreeshuttle that ferries both guests and employees to and fromthe
Isleta Rail Runner station in time for every train arrivaland
departure, the casino has pursued other policies toencourageless car use and greater energy efficiency.
The hotel industry as a whole is realizing that cuttingcarbonfootprints is good, said George San Miguel, Hard
Rocks event manager. Its amazing, some meeting plannerswont lookat a location that isnt green, they wont bother.
To that end, the casinos kitchen has begun to recycle itsgreasefor biofuel, while the casino floor has been trying harder
to recycle more of its cardboard. On the golf course,managersare looking into making the jump to a fleet of all electriccarts.
The biggest carbon cuts come from encouraging more
of Hard Rocks 1600 employees to leave their cars at homedifficult when the casino isnt on an ABQ Ride bus line.
By allowing employees flexibility in their work schedules,moreof them are taking the train, no longer concerned with
arriving at 8 a.m. on the dot. After the casino put togetheranorganized carpool signup, more employees have chosen thatoptionas well. Persuaded that the casino is truly committed to
nurturing its green side, more and more employees havebeencoming forward and expressing interest in contributing tothe
initiative, San Miguel said.
Little by little, were all doing what we can, he said.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
29/36
MARCH | XPRESS 29
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
30/36
3 0 XP R E S S | M A R C H
B Y K A Y L O C K R I DG E
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is all aboutgreen and thatgoes beyond providing alternativetransportation. The commuter trainalso is trying to usegreen energy whenever possible, includingharnessing thepower of the sun.
Its called photovoltaics, defined by NASA as the directconversion of
(sun) light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materialsexhibit a
property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them toabsorb
photons of light and release electrons. When these freeelectrons arecaptured, an electric current results that can be usedas electricity.
As designed for the real world by Positive Energy Inc., of SantaFe,
installations of photovoltaics are producing upward of 85percent of
the power used at three Rail Runner stations: South Capitol inSanta
Fe, Sandoval County/U.S. 550 and Belen.
Jay Faught, marketing manager for the Rio Metro RegionalTransit
District that operates the Rail Runner, said the SouthCapitolphotovoltaics system went online in August 2009, while thetwo
newest projects have been completed since the first of thisyear.
These two stations (Belen and 550) were selected due totheir
high number of riders, the stations high visibility to thepopulations
of two different counties and high parking volumes, Faughtsaid.Photovoltaics are a win-win proposition for the Rail Runner,its
riders and New Mexico taxpayers in terms of cost savings andthe
environment.
The overall cost of the latest projects is $500,000, with grantfunds
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,co-sponsored
by the U.S. Department of Energy and the New Mexico Energy
Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The remaining$64,000funding was provided by the transit district through in-kindservices.
The systems are projected to save the Regional TransitDistrict
approximately $27,000 per year.
Environmental benefits include an estimated 107,000 poundsof
CO2 and 33,400 gallons of water saved annually. By encouragingcar-
pooling, fewer vehicles will be on the road, Faughtsaid.Photovoltaics panels are mounted atop carports that willprovide
covered parking for commuters, particularly car-poolers (two ormore
adults in one vehicle). This parking is on a first-come,first-served basis,
and there is no charge. Sandoval County/550 has three suchstructures,
accommodating 18 cars, while Belen provides four shadestructureswith parking for approximately 24 cars. The funding alsoincludes
putting in bicycle lockers, which will be available thisspring.
Tony Sylvester, transit district photovoltaics project manager,said
the bicycle lockers are lockable metal or fiberglass boxes (in)which a
single bicycle can be placed and stored at the Rail Runnerplatfor
There will be a minimal or no charge for the lockers.
This program will directly address the bicycle overcrowdingand
will encourage commuters to leave their bikes at the stations,Sylv
said, which they currently are hesitant to do for fear ofvandalism,
theft and weather damage. Bicycle riders may bring their bikesont
trains as upward of 250 bicycle riders do on some days butthi
become problematic as warm weather approaches.
Positive Energy Inc., a 13-year-old Santa Fe-based company,
designed the solar power system and oversaw theinstallations
of shades constructed by Modulus Design of Albuquerque and
panels created and assembled by Schott Solar, also ofAlbuquerquAutotroph of Santa Fe designed the carportstructures.
Claudia Pavel, director of sales for Positive Energy, suggestedt
an additional benefit of the photovoltaics project was the useof
locally and statewide owned companies that provide jobs forNew
Mexicans throughout the Rail Runner line. She noted thateight
current employees of Positive Energy are graduates of SanJuan
College in Farmington.
San Juan College has one of the best if not the best
renewable energy programs in the country, Pavel said. Theone-
program provides a degree in renewable energy technologies.
While there are no immediate plans for retrofitting other
stations, Sylvester said, future proposals will be consideredwhentime and money permit. With the cost and energy savings arepr
by these three stations, all agreed, photovoltaics will be theenerg
choice for the future.
Theres no better place than New Mexico to convert sunlight
into electricity, according to Dewey Cave, executive directorof
Mid-Region Council of Governments. This emerging technolog
has numerous environmental and economic benefits. It make pe
sense to pair it with the New Mexico Rail Runner Express,whic
also is a clean, efficient and environmentally friendlysystem.
PHOTOS BY CLYDE MU
Allan Sindelar, president of Positive Energy Inc. of Santa Fe,with sopanels his company installed at the Santa Fe South CapitolRail RunStation.
GRABBING RAYSR A I L R U N N ER S
P H O T OV O L T A IC S P R O J EC T
H A R N E SS E S S U N
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
31/36
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
32/36
3 2 XP R E S S | M A R C H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21
22
23 24 25 26
27 28
29 30 31
32 33
34 35 36
37
38 39 40 41
42 43 44 45
46 47
Across
1 One of the Leeward Islands5 Portuguese town wherethehistorical monument, TheMonastery of Jesus is located
9 Make lace
11 Type of route used byMarco Polo
12 French brandy
15 Wine label info
16 Seafood delicacy
18 Buddhist building
20 Contemporary
22Milan opera house, La____
23 Eithers alternate
24 Make a mistake on thebeach (2 words)
27 It precedes one
29 Danish city thats thebirthplace of Hans ChristianAndersen
30 Intriguing Australianmammal
32 Greeting
33 Baltic, for one
34 Mary-Kate to Ashley35 Aesthetic creator
36 Bird venerated by ancientEgyptians
38 Study of the relationshipbetween living things andtheirenvironment
40 Raft used for a journey toEaster Island (2 words)
42 Hurried
43 ___ dreaming? (2words)
45 Chile __ carne
46 Barbados town, full ofcharacter
47 That is
Down
1 The Green Island is thmajor island in thisIberiaarchipelago
2 Irish tourist attraction (3words)
3 Volcanic island group
4 After sunset (2 words)
5 Every town has one at abbr.
6 Iliad city
7 Trendy travel themedclothing company (2 word
8 Genevan water body
10 Billboard feature13 Giant conglomerate wstarted inelectricity
14 __ we there yet?
17 Prefix with tourism
19 Isle of Man capital
21 Water-logged
25 Vane dir.
26 Former Roman Empiretown in England
28 Plastic ___ Band
29 Seafood favorite
30 Canadian province, fshort
31 Must-see Italian chape
33 Reside for a night, saywords)
35 Beside
37 Skiers delight
39 White ___ (wave)
40 Gear
41 Colorful fish
44 Manuscript, for short
CROSSWORD BY MYLES MELLOR
A L L A B O A R DP U Z Z L E S
7 5 9 4
8 1 3
3 7 1 9 5
6 8
4 1 9 6
4 7
1 9 7 4 2
5 7 6
2 3 5 4
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has beensubdivided
into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle eachrow,column and box must contain each of the numbers 1-9.Level:medium
SUDOKU BY MYLES MELLOR AND SUSAN FLANAGAN
Answers can be found on page 34.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
33/36
M A R C H | XPR ES S 33
B Y S A N D RA B A L T A ZA R M A RT N E Z
For the past couple years, Jos Armenta has been
feeling lucky.
Three years ago he met the woman who is now his wife; Heskept
a steady job through the economic recession and in January,he
won a yearlong pass to ride the New Mexico Rail RunnerExpress.
Thats because Armenta became the trains four millionth rider
on Jan. 19.
I heard my name over the intercom and then I had people
taking my picture. It was a surprise, said Armenta, 41, whorides
the train to and from Los Ranchos to Santa Fe. I thought,they
have the wrong guy, Im not Luis Miguel, Armenta saidjokingly,
referring to one of Mexicos biggest pop stars.
Armenta, a landscaper, had been driving to Santa Fe from his
Albuquerque home for at least three years, but dreaded thedrive
during winter, he said.
Now he takes the train and his boss, Hiram Lpez, owner of
Lpez Landscaping and Trees, picks him up every morning from
the Rail Runner 599 station.
I live in La Cienega, so its convenient, Lpez said. And hes
my best worker, hes the best worker Ive had, so I dontmind.Armenta has been working with Lpez for five years. Lpezsaid
hes glad Armenta won the one-year pass because the winterhas
stalled projects and that translates into less money perpaycheck.
The pass is worth $110.
The Rail Runner carries an average of 4,000 commuters each
weekday and runs a 100-mile stretch from Belen to Santa Fe.
With gas prices on the rise again, it is no surprise that theRail
Runner is seeing its four-millionth rider in less than a yearstime,
said Transportation Secretary Designate Alvin C. Dominguez ina
news release. This celebration is a way to thank thosepassengers
who choose the train for their daily commute.
Winning the prize made Armenta feel even more optimistic.Hes gota nice life, he said. He and his wife, Andrea Armenta,
travel whenever they can to visit family and friends in Mexicoand
in the United States. Their children each has two kids from
a previous marriage get along. And his wife Andrea, loves to
dance and attend family events.
But the big goal, he said, is to win the lottery. Hes confidentit
will happen soon after all, he is feeling lucky.
This is going to be the year that I will succeed, Armentasaid.
I started off the year great and I have been fortunate.
4 MILLION AND COUNTING
Los Ranchos-to-Santa Fe-commuter wins yearlong pass
COURTESY PHOTO
Jos Armenta, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express fourmillionth
rider, takes the train from Los Ranchos to Santa Fe forwork.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
34/36
3 4 XP R E S S | M A R C H
A N T I G U A S E T U B A LZ H A T A T R A A
O V E R L A N D C O G N A C
R B A I Y E A R
E E L P A G O D A N E W
S C A L A H O A E
O R G E T S U N B U R N T
N O O N G A E
O D E N S E P L A T Y P U S
Y Y O S E A H U I
S I S A R T I S T I B I S
T T L A S L T
E C O L O G Y K O N T I K I
R A N N A M I O C O N
S P E I G H T S T O W N I E
7 1 6 5 9 3 4 2 8
2 5 9 4 8 6 1 7 3
3 8 4 2 7 1 6 9 5
6 7 5 8 2 9 3 4 1
4 2 1 3 5 7 9 8 6
9 3 8 6 1 4 2 5 7
1 9 3 7 4 8 5 6 2
5 4 7 1 6 2 8 3 9
8 6 2 9 3 5 7 1 4
PUZZZLE ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
SUDOKU SOLUTION
GET GOING BY TRAIN
Havent ridden the Rail Runner yet? Try a train ridethis springto events happening up and down the NewMexico Rail Runner Expresscorridor. Check the trainschedule to coordinate your trip.
NATIONAL FIERY FOODS & BBQ SHOWSandia Casino and Resort(Getoff at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center station andtake the Sandiashuttle. You need to reserve the shuttlein advance by calling505-796-7779.)March 4, 5 and 6. Visit www.fieryfoodsshow.com/forinformation about hours and admission cost.
NEW MEXICO RESTAURANT WEEKSanta Fes week is March 6-March 13,while
Albuquerque picks up March 13-20. You can ride thetrain to andfrom dinner, whereever you decide to dineout. Check outparticipating restaurant and completedetails atwww.nmrestaurantweek.com/.
SPRING PASTELS FLOWER SHOWAlbuquerque Biological ParkApril2-April 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the AlbuquerqueBotanic GardensMediterranean Conservatory. Included
with admission. Call 505-848-7112.
NATIVE TREASURESThe kick-off for Santa Fes summer seasonmovesback to Memorial Day Weekend in 2011, showcasingmuseum-qualityNative arts in Santa Fes conventioncenter. The show takes place May28-29 at the Santa FeCommunity Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.,just afew blocks from the downtown train station. Find outmore atwww.nativetreasuressantafe.org/.
COURTESY
Fine dining is part of Restaurant Weeks allure. Above,Andiamo!
of Santa Fe.
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
35/36
8/6/2019 March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner ExpressMagazine
36/36
Santa Fes Finest Specialty Mall
500 Montezuma AvenueThe Historic Railyard District
Next to Rail Runners Santa Fe Depot505.989.9390 www.sanbusco.comSanta Fe
Historic Setting ...
Now Contemporary Shopping and Dining
1880s
2010
BODHI BAZAAR BORDERS CHAPARE COST PLUS WORLD MARKET DELL FOXJEWELRY EIDOS CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY
EL TESORO CAFE GET IT TOGETHER KIOTI MV FOLK ART NIGHT AND DAYBY ACC ON YOUR FEET ON YOUR LITTLE FEET PANDORAS
PLAY PRANZO ITALIAN GRILL THE REEL LIFE RISTRA RESTAURANT SANTAFE PENS SOULFULSILKS TECA TU TERRA BELLA WINK
Visit our New Historic Display on
March 2011 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner Express Magazine - [PDF Document] (2024)
Top Articles
Jasmine Beets Extra Chromosome
Pepsi Collaboration
Raid Gravechill Killer
Smokers Haven Salt Lake City Photos
Beast Tamer Mangakakalot
Valpo Football Roster
Top Makes and Models with DTC P0300
What Does The P0128 Code Mean?
Mia Aesthetics hiring Medical Assistant in Atlanta, Georgia, United States | LinkedIn
Mia Aesthetics hiring Cleaning Personnel - Bilingual (English/Spanish) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States | LinkedIn
Latest Posts
Article information
Author: Greg O'Connell
Last Updated:
Views: 5658
Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)
Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful
Author information
Name: Greg O'Connell
Birthday: 1992-01-10
Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519
Phone: +2614651609714
Job: Education Developer
Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.