Passengers and More

Passenger rail plays a growing role within the New Mexico Rail Link concept. 

Building on the success of Rail Runner service in central New Mexico, the railroad envisions expanded regional passenger corridors linking Denver, Pueblo, Albuquerque, El Paso, Santa Fe, Española, and potentially southern Colorado. NMRL also serves as a host railroad for expanded Amtrak operations, supporting improved reliability and future north–south service opportunities identified in the New Mexico State Rail Plan.

The railroad’s long-term development strategy aligns closely with the goals of the NMDOT Rail Plan, particularly in areas of freight diversification, industrial development, passenger expansion, and north–south connectivity. Infrastructure investments across the system include upgraded signaling, Positive Train Control deployment, siding extensions, intermodal expansion, and grade-separation projects designed to support both freight fluidity and passenger reliability.

One of the railroad’s most distinctive future-oriented projects is the Spaceport America Industrial Spur in southern New Mexico. Branching west from the Southwest Subdivision near Truth or Consequences, this corridor connects Spaceport America and surrounding aerospace-industrial developments to the national rail network. While lightly trafficked compared to the mainline, the spur supports specialized equipment moves, industrial shipments, infrastructure projects, and dimensional aerospace loads, giving NMRL a unique foothold in one of the Southwest’s emerging technology sectors.

New Mexico Rail Runner Express

Primary commuter service.

Route:

• Belen

• Albuquerque

• Santa Fe

• Española

Future:

• Expanded frequencies

• LANL integration

Amtrak

Host railroad responsibilities include:

• Southwest Chief

• Future regional services

Proposed Front Range Service

Potential corridor:

Denver
↓
Pueblo
↓
Raton
↓
Las Vegas
↓
Santa Fe
↓
Albuquerque