Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is once again offering special Saturday service for Christmas shoppers this holiday season. Beginning November 24th through January 5th, shoppers can hop on a Rail Runner train and explore all of the unique shops downtown, or connect to an ABQRide bus for free to get to Old Town, Nob Hill or ABQ Uptown.

“We want to take the madness out of the holidays for people,” says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Providing Rail Runner service for shoppers lets them avoid holiday traffic and parking headaches, while also allowing them to experience the convenience of public transportation.”

In conjunction with the seasonal Saturday service, Rail Runner riders will also get a special discount card when they board the train that lets them enjoy a 10-percent discount at more than 100-stores from Albuquerque to Belen.

“Partnering with businesses in the community is an added benefit for Rail Runner Riders”, says Secretary Rhonda Faught, NM Department of Transportation. “Now, people can avoid holiday traffic headaches and get a bonus in doing so”, adds Secretary Faught.

The Saturday Rail Runner schedule offers several trains that run throughout the course of the day leaving Belen from the south as early as 10:34 in the morning, with the last train arriving in downtown Albuquerque after midnight. (See Rail Runner Schedule). 

Included in the Rail Runner Saturday schedule is service that will run November 24th for the Miracle on Main Street and Electric Light Parade celebrations in Belen.  

On Saturday, December 15th people will also get a chance to have their child’s photo taken with Santa aboard the Rail Runner for free! A Rail Runner train will be parked at the Downtown Albuquerque station at 1st and Central, right across from Century Rio Downtown Movie Theaters.

For a complete look at the Rail Runner Saturday schedules and ABQRide bus connections to the various shopping destinations go to www.nmrailrunner.com or call 245-RAIL.