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Study Finds Abandoning Rail Runner Too Expensive

It seems New Mexico is stuck with the Rail Runner Express, as a state Department of Transportation has found getting rid of the service would be a financial mistake.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the study, unveiled Wednesday, found selling the commuter train isn't feasible and switching to a bus service between Belen and Santa Fe would not save much money.

The DOT study was completed at the request of the Legislature and focused on the possibility of selling the line, the cost of maintaining service over the next 20 years and the feasibility of replacing the train with bus service.

The Rail Runner began service in 2006 and has since been scrutinized for its high cost. The state is expected to pay more than $25 million in debt service payments on the rail this year alone.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.

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