State officials estimate it could cost $30 million to implement a federally required safety system for the Rail Runner Express commuter rail system.
A federal law requires some passenger and freight railroads to implement a "positive train control" system by the end of 2015. Such systems can automatically apply brakes if an operator fails to slow a train for a stop signal or when speed is restricted.
A draft state rail plan by the Department of Transportation identifies the safety system installation as a high priority for commuter rail improvements.
The agency is holding meetings statewide to gather public comments on the plan, which analyzes passenger and freight rail line needs.
Meetings are scheduled Thursday in Farmington, Friday in Albuquerque and next week in Santa Fe, Springer and Roswell.
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