There are ways to avoid a train wreck

An inevitable head-on collision looms between the Rail Runner and the financial realities of a moneyburning and failing transportation system. There is one idea that might be explored to avoid what would be a tragic loss of a major investment for the state. Possibly the Rail Runner is flawed because it relies on extremely heavy locomotive engines and train cars, requiring unnecessarily significant amounts of energy and time to both start and stop.

A solution might be the use of DMUs, a multiple-unit train powered by on-board diesel engines, requiring neither separate locomotives nor heavy passenger cars. At nonpeak periods, a single DMU can make any trip, and at rush hour, cars can be coupled together, matching passenger capacity to demand. Each passenger car is a selfcontained, lightweight train with its own engine. Adding cars requires no additional power source other than the one contained within each car. DMUs were introduced in Europe as early as the 1930s.

If an analysis of operating cost savings has not been prepared, the entire concept of the Rail Runner should be re-examined with a fresh pair of eyes. While noble in its desire to cater to countless stops, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on more frequent and faster nonstop service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the two major population centers served. While our tracks might not support this speed, DMUs can travel as fast as 124 mph.

Additionally, convenient, clean and comfortable Wi-Fi-equipped transportation from the Albuquerque International Sunport to and from the Albuquerque train station could be coordinated with train departures and arrivals, as well as with commuters’ demand. An advertising campaign could educate travelers and online travel agencies of this transportation option.

Surprisingly, the current passenger cars have neither overhead rolling-baggagecapable storage bins nor luggage storage areas at the entries to the cars. Creative educational, cultural and tourist orientation centers at the Santa Fe and Albuquerque train stations could turn waiting time for visitors into an experiential orientation; a better environment for Wi-Fi service, refreshments and food amenities would help increase the appeal of the trip.

Before eventually throwing the baby out with the bathwater, a very small portion of the annual and unsustainable losses should be invested in rethinking the Rail Runner.

Joe Schepps is president of the Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe.