March 2012 Xpress New Mexico Rail Runner Express Magazine

X

marc H 2012

press

New mexico rail ruNNer express magaziNe

The Green Issue The SanTa fe new Mexican • www.SanTafenewMexican.coM

RAIL RUNNER SPECIAL

$59

SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

Based upon availability, may not be combined with other discounts.

OFFER GOOD THROUGH APRIL 30, 2012

BUFFALOTHUNDERRESORT.com

505.455.5555

CODE: RRSPC

Close to Home... Far from Ordinary.

Pamper your friends, family, employees and clients with a resort experience that is Far From Ordinary.

Visit our website today.

I-25 & Tramway | Albuquerque, NM | 505.796.7500 | 877.272.9199

www.sandiaresort.com

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PRESS

3

city Ranch museum says

Locally owned and

ez PAY

fort Page A-10 is too close for com

independent

6, 2012 Monday, February

www.santafenew

mexican.com

75¢

2012 LEGISLATURE SUPER BOWL XLVI

ng one-ups The other Manni again Brady, Patriots — Super Bowl thrilling leads Giants to second Quarterback Eli Manning 21-17, in Indianapolis. SPORTS, B-1 England, victory over New

CITY COUNCIL CAND

IDATE PROFILES

DISTRICT 1

bent North-side incumlenger faces young chal

Tax cut on retirement pay aims to keep vets in state potential State official touts bring to of military retirees expertise , New Mexico money

By Kate Nash The New Mexican

at Kirtland Air Force Force When he left work Coulie, a retired Air that Base in 1983, Dave moving to a state New captain, thought about retirement pay like doesn’t tax military Mexico does. with a lucrative second Coulie ended up ll, and stayed. to career at Honeywe like him have moved But many veterans paychecks of military the states that don’t tax retirees. an effort to get those tax Now, Coulie is behind to do away with the like him to stay, and t pay. on veterans’ retiremen in the House and d introduce a Measures would give veterans Senate this session n on their military 25 percent tax exemptioThe amount of the 2013. retirement pay in in 2014, to rise to 50 percent in 2016. exemption would and be 100 percent 75 percent in 2015 capped at $1,000.

The exemption is tax offer 100 percent Sixteen other states retirees. Nine states military for ns exemptio have no income tax. far down Mexico is pretty New means where That veterans think of on the list when many said. they will retire, Coulie the potential our state nal, “It’s just phenome A-6 Page Please see TAX,

en Houston Johans

Patti Bushee

1 Janet Lowe, a District , 25, speaks with s in November.

Houston Johansen gathering signature resident, while MEXICAN NEW n’s JANE PHILLIPS/THE former Gov. Bill Richardso worked Age: 25 water-policy adviser;Obama’s Santa Fe on President Barack Neb., and Education: 2005 graduate; Omaha, School campaign in Preparatory in political office there. worked at a law bachelor’s degree raised in science from Creighton Personal: Born and the city to University.

Santa Fe, returned a house at Occupation: Intern Park. after college; rents St. CatheSanta Fe Innovation with a friend in the on the rine’s neighborhood.

Experience: ServesInternaPrivately board of Earth Care World Campaign info: with tional; opened One worked financed campaign ons; and Coffee at age 19 $6,866 in contributintafe.com. for a year as manager; www.houstonforsa interned for Bill Hume,

erving city’s longest-s March 6.

Patti Bushee, the District 1 on City Councilor her fifth term in councilor, is seeking E NEW MEXICAN

LUIS SÁNCHEZ SATURNO/TH

e, PubFinance Committe e and Committe Age: 52 degree lic Utilities Authority; Regional Planning the State Education: Bachelor’sfrom of former employee in international affairs studMaine; Engineer’s Office. the University of , economics : Born in Stoneham ied international Fe on Univer- Personal at George Washingt in Spain Mass.; moved to Santa ago years year a for decades studied three sity; about de Sevilla. lives in the at La Universidad ago from Maine; a landneighborOccupation: Owns Barrio de Torreon scaping company. hood. councilor Publicly Experience: City the city Campaign info: ; since 1994; chairs financed campaign om.

Advisory Bicycle and Trails on the http://pattibushee.c Committee; serves

ically is istrict 1 geograph four Santa the largest of the Fe City Council districts,of north covering the area some as well as the Santa Fe River, oods south of the west-side neighborh ng last sumredistricti to river. Thanks end of the district mer, the western Osage Avenue, to way the all now dips Road. northwest of Cerrillos mansions on includes The territory as small, old-famthe northeast as well nt barrios, and ily homes in less-afflue undeveloped city a chunk of mostly the downtown area. land northwest of that it’s the district Census data show and the highwith the fewest children Anglos. est percentage of rving counThe city’s longest-se is facing a chalcilor, Patti Bushee, candidate lenge from the youngest to the council of 10 seeking election

D

Johansen recently this year. Houston where he was returned to the city, completing colborn and raised, after He says he is living lege in Nebraska. his full attenoff savings and devoting incumbent. ing the tion to overthrow said in 2008 that Bushee, who had run for office not she would likely that now is not the again, said recently to get “on-thetime for her opponent councilor. If she is job training” as a fifth elected her be re-elected, it would appointed to the term, since she was council in 1994. districts Each of the four council atives, elected to has two represent terms. The other staggered four-year is Chris Calvert, 1 councilor in District Service carrier. a United States Postal term. second He is serving his Page A-5 See profiles on

Index

Calendar A-2

Managing editor:

Classifieds B-5

Rob Dean, 986-3033,

Comics B-12

rdean@sfnewmexican.com

ology Santa Fe Archae Past and Future

lecture by Stephen Southwest Seminars Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo Post, 6 p.m., Hotel door, 466-2775. de Peralta, $12 at the , A-2 More events in Calendarpo and Fridays in Pasatiem

in a series of This is the second s for the Santa profiles of candidate March 6 city the Fe City Council in election: 3 (southwest) ◆ Sunday: District 1 (north) ◆ Monday: District 2 (southeast) ◆ Tuesday: District 4 ◆ Wednesday: District (south-central)

Today

1

Partly cloudy, with of sunshine.

High 45, low 22.

2

Sign up for EZ/PAY, The Santa Fe New Mexican’s home delivery auto pay service, and SAVE 14% (ONLY $12.95 monthly) on the regular 13-week rate!

times

PAGE A-12

4 3

Obituaries

Jr., Feb. 2 Robert F. “Bob” Bailey Feb. 1 Elizabeth S. Estes,

City Council districts

PAGE A-10

in Another risk for kids smoke cars: Secondhand

of The real ‘miracle’ cue Barrow whale res

opened Big Miracle, which is loosely

By Richard Mauer over the weekend, s rescue McClatchy Newspaper based on the 1988 bought effort in Barrow, which of res— crew ANCHORAGE, Alaska together a motley k decided the oil giant Once Roy Ahmaoga cuers: Greenpeace, whales gray three the Soviets, to report Arco, Ted Stevens, near Bara chain-saw trapped in the ice the U.S. military, them to ying row rather than leave probdistributor, a guitar-pla it was a couple of their natural fate, story whale-song singer, their that and, ably inevitable Minnesota ice fishermen Hollywood. would wind up in that it took , Page A-4 What’s amazing is Please see MIRACLE to be made.

23 years for a film

Pasapick

COMING UP

The Easy Way to Manage Your Santa Fe New Mexican Newspaper Subscription!

By Lindsey Tanner The Associated Press

in near rescuers whale surfaces A California gray 1988. The event helped spawn RAGE DAILY NEWS Alaska in October BILL ROTH/ANCHO the movie Big Miracle.

La Voz A-7

Cynthia Design and headlines:

Opinion A-11

Police notes A-10

Sports B-1

while CHICAGO — Texting and back-seat driving, speeding all that parhanky-panky aren’t about when ents need to worry Add sectheir kids are in cars: list. the ondhand smoke to estimate In the first national from governof its kind, a report says more than ment researchers students and 1 in 5 high school ride in cars middle-schoolers

while others are smoking. nd smoke This kind of secondha with linked exposure has been and allergy breathing problems restricsymptoms, and more to prevent it, tions are needed widespread the report says. With in crackdowns on smoking including places private public, where people homes and cars are nd smoke encounter secondha king advothese days. Anti-smo Page A-6 Please see SMOKE,

Two sections, 24 pages

Time Out B-11 Main office: 983-3303

Education A-9

163rd year, No. 37 Publication No. 596-440

Late paper: 986-3010

wmexican.com Miller, cmiller@sfne

SIGN UP NOW! Get Two Free Movie Passes when you call 986-3010 to sign up or convert your account to EZ/PAY now!

EZ/PAY is a service of:

*Offer available for new subscribers or current subscribers converting to automatic payments. Subscription will be automatically billed to credit card or banking account until customer otherwise forbids. Not valid for mail subscriptions.

Subscription must be active for 3 months otherwise a cancellation fee of $14 will be billed. Offer good while supplies last.

4

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

You Turn To Us.

Cover photo ernie Montoya Cover design deborah villa

editor and publisher robin Martin assoCiate publisher ginny sohn Managing editor rob dean editorial Creative director deborah villa 986-3027, dvilla@sfnewmexican.com Contributing editor pat West-barker Contributing editor todd bailey

X

press published MarCh 7, 2012

New mexico rail ruNNer express magaziNe

advertising advertising director tamara hand, 986-3007 art departMent scott Fowler, manager rick artiaga, dale deforest, elspeth hilbert, Melyssa holik advertising layout Christine huffman advertising sales Michael brendel, 995-3825 gary brouse, 995-3861 Mike Flores, 995-3840 Margaret henkels, 995-3820 belinda hoschar, 995-3844 Cristina iverson, 995-3830 stephanie green, 995-3820 Jan Montoya, 995-3838 art trujillo, 995-3820

erNie moNtoya

CoMMerCial print sales rob newlin, 505-995-3841 printsales@sfnewmexican.com

Features

In every Issue

systeMs technology director Michael Campbell

16 A greener, cheaper, less stressful way to get to work

06 Welcome

produCtion operations director al Waldron assistant production director tim Cramer prepress manager dan gomez press manager larry Quintana packaging manager brian schultz distribution Circulation manager Michael reichard distribution coordinator Casey brewer Web digital development geoff grammer www.santafenewmexican.com address office: 202 e. Marcy st. hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday advertising information: 505-986-3082 delivery: 505-984-0363, 800-873-3372 For copies of this magazine, call 428-7645 or email caseyb@sfnewmexican.com.

19 Being a “regular” pays off in many ways for Rail Runner commuter

08 Fares 10 Weekday schedules

20 ABQ RIDE extends service to southwest Albuquerque

12 Readers, riders write

23 Smart and green? — Check out these cellphone apps

14 Route map and Connections

13 Weekend schedules 22 Crossword puzzle (answers page 26) 24 Events calendar 26 All Aboard

Published by The Santa Fe New Mexican with The New Mexico Rail Runner Express

M a r - M ay 2 0 1 2 | X p r e s s

5

READ ALL ABOUT IT ON BOARD THE RAIL RUNNER EXPRESS

ERNIE MONTOYA

GOING FOR THE GREEN While we know that commuters experience many benefits using alternative modes of transportation, organizations, too, can realize the value of encouraging their employees to give public transit a try. Rio Metro’s Smart Business Partnership Program provides an ongoing commitment to employers who not only educate but actively encourage their employees to live a little greener.

Riding the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is one way many people in our region have chosen to be green. Since July 2008, our passengers have traveled more than 188 million miles on the Rail Runner — a number greater than the distance of traveling from Earth to the sun and back. These are miles that have been taken off our roadways.

This issue of XPress Magazine recognizes the many ways we can all live a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle. Employers can learn more about becoming a Smart Partner and, while on their journey via public transit, commuters can check out a few green apps to help them enjoy the finer points of “green living.” We hope you appreciate reading about how our passengers have made alternative transportation a normal part of their everyday lives, and learn more about new connections along the 100-mile Rail Runner Express corridor.

Here’s to greener pastures ahead!

Dewey V. Cave Executive Director Mid-Region Council of Governments

6

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

ZANE BENNETT CONTEMPORARY ART, located in Santa Fe’s Railyard

Arts District, provides a unique environment for exhibiting art in all media. Its exterior adobe architecture belies its interior with glass catwalks, stairway, sky lights and central atrium. ZBCA’s roster includes exceptional work by “blue-chip” artists, internationally-recognized artists, regional and local artists.

435 South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 T: 505 982-8111 F: 505 982-8160 zanebennettgallery.com RAILYARD ARTS DISTRICT WALK LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH.

LEWALLEN

BOX

S PA EO

MARKET STATION

RAILYARD PLAZA

PE RA LTA

HA

T TA N

P

SANTA FE SANTA FE DEPOT DEPOT

FARMER’S MARKET

DE

SITE Santa Fe

REI

P RAILYARD PARKING GARAGE

MA

N

JAMES KELLY

R A I L YA R D PA R K

G

UA

DA

LU

PE

TAI

GEBERT WILLIAM SIEGAL CHARLOTTE JACKSON

ZANE ZANE BENNETT BENNETT

READ ST.

WAREHOUSE 21

CAMINO DE LA FAMILIA

EL MUSEO SANTA FE CULTURAL CLAY

P

P

MANHATTAN

CAMINO DE LA FAMILIA

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PRESS

7

ZONE-BASED FARES

Fares will be changing later this Spring. Check website for details

SYSTEM MAP (Receive Discount Online)

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR FARE

Santa Fe Depot

Step 1: Count the number of zones Count the number of zones through which you will travel.

Step 2: Pick the type of fare you need Do you want a one-way ticket, a day pass, or a monthly or annual pass? Are you eligible for a reduced fare?

Step 3: Check the chart below and see how much your fare is

FULL FARE 1 zone 2 zones 3 zones 4 zones 5 zones 6 zones

one-way $2 $2 $4 $6 $7 $8

South Capitol Zia Road

Santa Fe Co. NM 599

day pass $2 $3 $5 $7 $8 $9

monthly pass $35 $50 $65 $95 $100 $110

annual pass $350 $500 $650 $950 $1000 $1100

day pass $2 $2 $3 $5 $6 $7

monthly pass $17 $25 $32 $47 $50 $55

annual pass $170 $250 $320 $470 $500 $550

Kewa Pueblo

Sandoval Co. / US 550 Downtown Bernalillo

REDUCED FARE 1 zone 2 zones 3 zones 4 zones 5 zones 6 zones

one-way $1 $1 $2 $3 $3 $4

Sandia Pueblo Los Ranchos Journal Center Monta単o Downtown Albuquerque

Children 9 and under ride free!

Bernalillo Co.

REDUCED FARES ARE AVAILABLE TO

#CF9;< /?B> 1$&1) # 5;9EB!;> ":;< / 6/2:E >;9EB!; 0' #5B!:F@> /?B +.*

# =BFD2B ":;< E:>/-:2:;:B> "<F ><F"% - A Medicare card - An NM Motor Vehicle Department notification - A letter from doctor indicating the disability (with exp. date) - An ABQ RIDE Honored Citizen Card & , 5/!;/ 8B 7:EB (/@E F@ 5/!;/ 8B 3@/:2> 4/2A 8/@B (/@E - A disabled veteran ID card

866-795-RAIL (7245) ! www.nmrailrunner.com Customer Service Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5am-8pm

!

Isleta Pueblo

Los Lunas Station Comming Soon

Sat. & Sun. 9am-5pm

Rio Metro Regional Transit District is committed to its Title VI obligations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in the delivery of service.

8 X PRESS | SEPT-NOV 2011 To obtain more information on our nondiscrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, contact us at 809 Copper Avenue NW, ABQ, NM 87102.

Belen

Featuring quality toys and games from fair-labor manufacturers in America, Europe and ports around the world.

Monday - Thursday 10 - 5ish Friday & Saturday 10 - 5:30ish Sunday 12 - 4ish Plaza Mercado • 112 W. San Francisco St. Suite 212-C • 982-9373

THE RAILYARD S

E AN T A F

S AN TA F E ’ S NE W P L AC E TO ME E T The Railyard is where Santa Fe comes to meet friends and neighbors, shop at New Mexico’s largest farmers’ market and other unique stores, have a great meal, see thought-provoking art, experience live performances, or just relax and PL AY. WWW.R AILYARD SANTAF E .COM Photo credit: Jennifer Esperanza

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PRESS

WEEKDAY Effective SCHEDULE August 29, 2011 Please note: schedule subject to change. Check website for latest schedule information.

Shown are departure times, unless otherwise noted.

Northbound NMRX Weekday Schedule TRAIN STATIONS

Look

For new weekday schedule later this Spring.

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Reading The Schedule 1. Decide whether you are going north (at top) or south (at bottom).

2. On the left-hand side, find the station from which you are leaving.

3. Read across to find the times the Rail Runner departs from that station.

0:00

#506

#508

#510

#512

#514

#516

#518

#520

–

–

–

5:22A

6:43A

8:20A

–

3:30P

–

5:46P

6:56P

7:45P

–

–

3:55A

5:32A

6:54A

8:31A

–

3:41P

–

5:56P

7:07P

7:56P

Isleta Pueblo

–

–

4:15A

5:45A

7:07A

8:43A

–

3:54P

–

6:11P

7:19P

8:08P

Bernalillo County

–

–

4:27A

5:52A

7:14A

8:51A

–

4:01P

–

6:24P

7:27P

8:16P

Downtown ABQ

4:00A

–

4:42A

6:03A

7:24A

8:58A

9.35A

4:20P

5:35P

6:42P

7:34P

8:23P

Los Ranchos / JC

4:18A

–

4:57A

6:18A

7:39A

–

9:50A

4:35P

5:50P

7:00P

–

9:55A

– –

Sandia Pueblo

–

–

5:02A

6:23A

7:44A

–

4:40P

5:55P

7:06P

–

Downtown Bernalillo

–

–

5:11A

6:32A

7:53A

–

10:03A 4:48P

6:03P

7:20P

–

–

10:08A 4:53P

6:08P

7:25P

–

10:28A 5:13P

6:28P

7:43P

–

10:51A 5:36P

6:51P

8:06P

–

11:11A 5:56P

7:11P

8:26P

–

11:15A 6:01P

7:16P

8:30P

–

Sandoval / US 550 Kewa SF County / NM 599

4:36A

–

5:15A

6:36A

7:57A

–

–

5:35A

6:56A

8:17A

5:11A

5:11A

5:58A

7:19A

8:40A

South Capitol

–

5:28A

6:18A

7:39A

9:00A

Santa Fe Depot

–

5:33A

6:22A

7:43A

9:04A

– – – –

READ DOWN

–– –– – – – –

Southbound NMRX Weekday Schedule

#501

#503

Santa Fe Depot

–

–

–

South Capitol

–

–

SF County / NM 599

–

–

Kewa

–

#505-A #505-B #507

#509

#511

#513

#515

#517

#519

#521

–

5:49A

7:10A

1:02P

–

4:10P

5:25P

6:40P

9:00P

–

–

5:53A

7:14A

1:07P

–

4:15P

5:30P

6:45P

9:05P

–

–

6:11A

7:32A

1:26P

–

4:34P

5:49P

7:04P

9:24P

–

–

–

6:35A

7:56A

1:44P

–

4:52P

6:07P

7:22P

9:42P

8:15A

2:03P

–

5:11P

6:26P

7:41P 10:01P

Sandoval / US 550

–

–

5:46A

–

6:54A

Downtown Bernalillo

–

–

–

–

6:58A

8:19A

2:07P

–

5:15P

6:30P

7:45P 10:05P

Sandia Pueblo

–

–

–

–

7:07A

8:28A

2:16P

–

5:24P

6:39P

7:54P 10:14P

Los Ranchos / JC

–

–

6:04A

–

7:12A

8:33A

2:21P

–

5:29P

6:44P

7:59P 10:19P

Downtown ABQ

4:32A

5:21A

6:22A

6:25A

7:26A

8:47A

2:37P

4:30P

5:45P

6:57P

8:12P 10:32P

Bernalillo County

4:40A

5:29A

–

6:37A

7:34A

–

2:45P

4:38P

5:52P

7:04P

–

–

Isleta Pueblo

4:48A

5:37A

–

6:49A

7:42A

–

2:52P

4:45P

6:01P

7:11P

–

–

Los Lunas

5:00A

5:49A

–

7:09A

7:54A

–

3:05P

4:58P

6:17P

7:24P

–

–

Belen

5:11A

6:00A

–

7:27A

8:05A

–

3:15P

5:08P

6:27P

7:34P

–

–

Departure Routes for 500 Purple, 505A, 505B. Use bus bay “N”

866-795-RAIL (7245) ! www.nmrailrunner.com Customer Service Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5am-8pm

!

Sat. & Sun. 9am-5pm

Rio Metro Regional Transit District is committed to its Title VI obligations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in the delivery of service.

To obtain more information on our nondiscrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, contact us at 809 Copper Avenue NW, ABQ, NM 87102.

10

–– ––

Shown are departure times, unless otherwise noted.

TRAIN STATIONS

“ – ” Means train does not stop.

Downtown ABQ

#504

Belen

Train arrives but does not continue.

Service provided by Rio Metro bus.

#502

Los Lunas

4. From there, read down to find what time the Rail Runner will arrive at the station to which you are traveling.

Legend

#500 PURPLE PURPLE SHUTTLE

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

Santa Fe’s premier watch dealer specializing in new and rare timepieces

Ball Racer

wcwtimepieces.com

505.992.0200 324 McKenzie Street, Santa Fe

Offer Expires 05/31/12

Enjoy the Advantages of Being A Massage Miracle Member: • Substantial Discounts on ALL Our Services • First Choice of Staff Members • Preferred Appointment Times

Spring Special: Buy 1 Annual Membership and receive 1 Annual Membership FREE

Therapies include: Facials • Deep Tissue • Trigger-Point • Myofascial Reflexology • Hot Stone • Foot Massage • Thai Herbal Ball Massage

Gift Cards Available

947 W. Alameda (in Solana Center) • Santa Fe • (505) 455-0000 9231 Coors Blvd. NW • Albuquerque (505) 922-0123 massagemiracle.net MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

11

TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Riders share memorable experiences SEEING OLD FRIENDS AND MAKING NEW ONES I have been riding the Rail Runner for three years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I live in Bernalillo and travel to my work in downtown Albuquerque. It is the most convenient way to travel.

I save money on gas and car repairs. I miss any accidents on the highway, and I don’t have to drive in inclement weather.

It’s been interesting to see the various people who ride the train.

You see the same people for days, even months, but there’s always a new face. The crew gets to know you and then you start making friends with the other passengers. Just a simple “hello” or the most common questions — “Where are you headed” or “Where do you work?” — lead to a girls’ night out once a month. You care about what is going on in others’ lives and you keep in touch through email or by phone. Other passengers can offer a ride if you get off at the wrong stop because you took that little snooze you wouldn’t be able to take if you were driving. You see people traveling to Santa Fe who are not sure what to do, and you offer help on how to read the schedule and the numerous stops and how long the travel takes. I meet and work with a lot of people; when I tell them I ride the Rail Runner, they want to know more. I tell them this has been a great experience for me.

DARLENE ERB RIO RANCHO

OUR RAIL RUNNER EXPERIENCE Our son grew up in New Mexico and graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 2003. He wound up in Honolulu, Hawaii, through career moves at age 25. It had been a while since we had seen him, and he planned a visit to New Mexico that his mother and I wanted to make special.

During his visit we decided to take the Rail Runner from the Bernalillo station into Albuquerque for breakfast and a short tour.

We got up early and drove to Bernalillo with camera in hand. This turned out to be one of the most pleasant experiences we could have hoped for.

The trip into Albuquerque was stunning. My wife and I have lived here since 1979, and all three of us saw things we had never seen before. (Multiple trips since have helped to identify the fronts of buildings associated with the backs of the same buildings.) When we arrived at the Albuquerque downtown station, we picked up leaflets advertising many events for future adventures.

Maybe it was just having a family get-together, but that was

12

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

a memorable breakfast for all of us. We ate so much we needed to walk before even considering the return trip. We noticed the city improvements for ease of walking and the many plants and sculptures and other art forms. We decided to walk to the city convention center to see what events might be taking place there.

We discovered an international bowling tournament and spent an hour or more watching the professional bowlers compete. It was amazing to realize that this huge bowling alley could be set up in a few weeks and then be removed in a short time.

The Rail Runner trip home was as impressive as the ride into town. We got to see the other side of the tracks and familiar sites that brought back memories. We were almost sad when we found out we were at the end of the trip.

In the short automobile trip home we resolved to repeat this trip whenever possible. Our son is in Honolulu, maybe one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, but we would bet this was one of his most memorable experiences.

ED AND CAROL VERNON BERNALILLO

THE RAIL RUNNER OFFERS SO MANY OPTIONS I was out of work for six months. Thanks to the Rail Runner and its support, I was able to interview and obtain significant employment.

I ride the Rail Runner each week to come back to Albuquerque and enjoy what the city has to offer.

I am amazed at the number of people who use the train. After one year as a regular rider, I see all types of people using the Rail Runner for job transportation, for tourism, to visit the casinos and just for the enjoyment of rail travel. I met a rider from Wisconsin who was a railroad museum worker. He and his son had come to New Mexico to experience the Rail Runner.

The Rail Runner is one great way to get off the highways and see some of the great natural terrain New Mexico has to offer. I have a friend who lives with her 93-year-old mother. I finally convinced them to take the train to Santa Fe. I didn’t have to ask them if they enjoyed the day. They couldn’t stop talking about how much they loved the ride and they have become major Rail Runner fans. I would love to see the line expanded north and south but am grateful for what exists.

JOHN G. HATTON

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Please note: schedule subject to change. Check website for latest schedule information.

Schedule Begins April 7th, 2012

Weekend schedule prior to April 7th is available online.

“ – ” Means train does not stop.

Shown are departure times, unless otherwise noted.

Northbound NMRX Saturday Schedule

#702

#704

Belen

7:54A

–

Los Lunas

8:05A

–

Isleta Pueblo

8:18A

–

Bernalillo County

8:25A

–

TRAIN STATIONS

#706

Kewa

9:28A

2:28P

SF County / NM 599

9:51A

2:51P

South Capitol

10:11A

3:11P

4:05P 4:16P 4:29P 4:36P 4:46P 5:01P 5:06P 5:15P 5:19P 5:39P 6:02P 6:22P

Santa Fe Depot

10:16A

3:16P

6:27P

Downtown ABQ

8:35A

1:35P

Los Ranchos / JC

8:50A

1:50P

Sandia Pueblo

8:55A

1:55P

Downtown Bernalillo

9:05A

2:04P

Sandoval / US 550

9:08A

2:08P

Southbound NMRX Saturday Schedule

#708

6:11P 6:22P 6:35P 6:42P 6:52P 7:07P 7:12P 7:21P 7:25P 7:45P 8:08P 8:28P 8:33P

#710

TRAIN STATIONS

#701

#703

#705

#707

#709

9:05P 9:16P 9:29P 9:36P 9:46P – – – – – – – –

Santa Fe Depot

–

12:14P

3:28P

6:41P

9:00P

South Capitol

–

12:19P

3:33P

6:46P

9:05P

SF County / NM 599

–

12:38P

3:52P

7:05P

9:24P

Kewa

–

12:56P

4:10P

7:23P

9:42P

Sandoval / US 550

–

1:15P

4:29P

7:42P

10:01P

Downtown Bernalillo

–

1:19P

4:33P

7:46P

10:05P

Sandia Pueblo

–

1:28P

4:42P

7:55P

10:14P

Los Ranchos / JC

–

1:33P

4:47P

8:00P

10:19P

Downtown ABQ

7:00A

1:49P

5:00P

8:13P

10:32P

Bernalillo County

7:08A

1:57P

5:08P

8:21P

–

Isleta Pueblo

7:16A

2:05P

5:16P

8:29P

–

Los Lunas

7:29A

2:18P

5:29P

8:42P

–

Belen

7:39A

2:28P

5:39P

8:52P

–

READ DOWN

READ DOWN 0:00 Train arrives but does not continue.

Northbound NMRX Sunday Schedule

Southbound NMRX Sunday Schedule

#702

#704

#706

TRAIN STATIONS

#701

#703

#705

Belen

7:54A

4:05P

9:05P

Santa Fe Depot

–

12:14P

6:41P

Los Lunas

8:05A

4:16P

9:16P

South Capitol

–

12:19P

6:46P

TRAIN STATIONS

Isleta Pueblo

8:18A

4:29P

9:29P

SF County / NM 599

–

12:38P

7:05P

Bernalillo County

8:25A

4:36P

9:36P

Kewa

–

12:56P

7:23P

Downtown ABQ

8:35A

4:46P

9:46P

Sandoval / US 550

–

1:15P

7:42P

Los Ranchos / JC

8:50A

5:01P

–

Downtown Bernalillo

–

1:19P

7:46P

Sandia Pueblo

8:55A

5:06P

–

Sandia Pueblo

–

1:28P

7:55P

Downtown Bernalillo

9:04A

5:15P

–

Los Ranchos / JC

–

1:33P

8:00P

Sandoval / US 550

9:08A

5:19P

–

Downtown ABQ

7:00A

1:49P

8:13P

Kewa

9:28A

5:39P

–

Bernalillo County

7:08A

1:57P

8:21P

SF County / NM 599

9:51A

6:02P

–

Isleta Pueblo

7:16A

2:05P

8:29P

South Capitol

10:11A

6:22P

–

Los Lunas

7:29A

2:18P

8:42P

Santa Fe Depot

10:16A

6:27P

–

Belen

7:39A

2:28P

8:52P

READ DOWN 866-795-RAIL (7245) ! www.nmrailrunner.com Customer Service Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5am-8pm

READ DOWN !

Sat. & Sun. 9am-5pm

Rio Metro Regional Transit District is committed to its Title VI obligations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in the delivery of service.

To obtain more information on our nondiscrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, contact us at 809 Copper Avenue NW, ABQ, NM 87102.

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

13

14

X PRESS | DEC-MAR 2011-12 MAR-MAY 2012 | X PRESS 15

Hollywood Casino Shuttle at San Felipe - Tuesday through Sunday only. Meets all southbound trains at this station.

Rio Metro Route 202 - Weekdays to Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Santa Ana Pueblo, Algodones, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo and the town of Cochiti Lake.

Kewa Station at Santo Domingo Pueblo

NM Park & Ride Purple “Shuttle” Route to connect from the first run of the morning on the NM Park & Ride Purple Bus Route to the South Capitol & Santa Fe Depot Stations. Weekday departure at 5:11 a.m.

NM Park & Ride Purple “Route” - Weekday direct connection between the Rail Runner and Los Alamos.

Santa Fe Trails Route 22 - Weekdays to Santa Fe Community College, Rancho Viejo and IAIA.

NM 599 Station Shuttle - Weekdays to Rancho Viejo, the New Mexican Plaza, Jaguar, Camino Entrada, and Santa Fe Place Mall. Meets most trains.

NCRTD 599 Shuttle - Weekdays to the NM Department of Corrections, Onate Complex (National Guard) and the Santa Fe County Detention Center.

Santa Fe County/NM 599 Station

Taos Express - To the Town of Taos. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only-reservations required. $10 per adult roundtrip.

Children 10 and under ride free. Exact change only.

NM Park & Ride Red Route Weekdays to Espanola, Pojoaque and Santa Fe. NM Park & Ride Orange Route Weekdays between Las Vegas and Santa Fe.

South Capitol Shuttle - Weekdays to St. Vincent Hospital, the Rodeo Business Park and the District 5 DOT office.

NM Park & Ride Blue Route Weekdays to Santa Fe, Pojoaque and Los Alamos.

Santa Fe Trails Route 2 (Cerrillos Road) To the West Capitol Complex, the New Mexico School for the Deaf and Santa Fe Place Mall connect here to SF Outlet Mall (Route 26).

Santa Fe Trails Route 4 (Southside) - To the Santa Fe Convention Center, City and County offices, Santa Fe High School and Santa Fe Place Mall.

South Capitol Station

Taos Express - To the Town of Taos. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only-reservations required. $10 per adult roundtrip.

Children 10 and under ride free. Exact change only.

Santa Fe Trails Route 4 (Southside) To the Santa Fe Convention Center, City and County offices, Santa Fe Place Mall and Santa Fe High School.

Santa Fe Trails Route M (Museum Hill) Access to Museum Hill.

Santa Fe Trails Route 2 (Cerrillos Road) To the West Capitol Complex, the New Mexico School for the Deaf and Santa Fe Place Mall connect here to SF Outlet Mall (Route 26).

Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino Shuttle Shuttle stops on Guadalupe right next to Tomasita’s Restaurant.

Shuttle meets train daily.

Rio Metro Route 206 - Weekday service for Belen residents to connect to the Rail Runner station and other nearby work centers during peak commute times.

Rio Metro Dial-A-Ride - Weekday dial-a-ride service for the Valencia County area. Rides must be scheduled 24 hours in advance by calling 505-352-3595. Rides are $1 each way.

Socorro Shuttle - Monday-Saturday service to Socorro. All rides $1. Only one northbound bus and one southbound bus will meet the train at the Belen Station – reservations required.

Los Lunas & Belen

Isleta Pueblo Station

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Shuttle A bus meets every train seven days a week.

ABQ RIDE Route 222 - Weekdays to the South Valley, VA Hospital, Kirtland Air Force Base and the airport business district. Can also be used to access the Albuquerque International Sunport for passengers coming and going to Valencia County.

Bernalillo County Station

ABQ RIDE Route 766 - Rapid Ride Red Line – Express route located in the front of the building to access Old Town, the ABQ BioPark, UNM, Nob Hill and Uptown.

ABQ RIDE Route 777 - Rapid Ride Green Line –Express route located in the front of the building to access UNM, Nob Hill, and the Foothills near Tramway.

ABQ RIDE Route 40 - The D-RIDE – Free downtown circulator that runs every 7 minutes Monday- Friday.

ABQ RIDE Route 53 - Isleta-Access to the Albuquerque Zoo and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

ABQ RIDE Route 217 Kirtland Air Force Base Connections to Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) and Kirtland Air Force Base.

ABQ RIDE Route 250 - Airport Express. Direct route to the Albuquerque International Sunport.

Rio Metro Route 505 B Weekdays to Isleta Pueblo, Los Lunas and Belen. Bus leaves daily at 6:25 a.m. Board this route at Bus Bay “N”.

Other ABQ RIDE Routes - There are nearly 40 other ABQ RIDE bus routes that get you just about anywhere in the city.

Downtown Albuquerque

ABQ RIDE Route 251 Weekdays to the Journal Center business district, Century 24 Theatre, Cottonwood Mall, Intel and Rio Rancho.

ABQ RIDE Route 505-A Weekdays to Albuquerque before the first southbound train run.

Los Ranchos/Journal Center Station

Sandia Resort & Casino Shuttle Shuttles meets every train, seven days a week.

Sandia Pueblo Station

Rio Metro Route 505A Weekdays to Los Ranchos and Downtown Albuquerque before the first southbound train run of the morning.

Rio Metro Route 204 - Weekdays to Bernalillo, northern Rio Rancho, Zia Pueblo, San Ysidro, Jemez Pueblo and Jemez Springs.

Rio Metro Route 201 Weekdays to Bernalillo and Enchanted Hills.

Hollywood Casino Shuttle at San Felipe Meets all northbound trains, Tuesday through Sunday only.

Santa Ana Star Casino Shuttle Meets every train, seven days a week.

Sandoval County/US 550

For more information, fares and connections not listed, please contact these providers:

Station Comming Soon

SYSTEM MAP

Santa Fe Pick Up - Free to the Santa Fe Plaza and designated locations with the red truck sign. Meets train weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Turn left when exiting the train to shuttle. Stops are every 15 minutes.

Santa Fe Depot

SMART BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

BY TODD BAILEY

On most clear, sunny mornings, commuters in the Albuquerque metro area can see it — the dark haze of automobile exhaust blanketing the Rio Grande Valley area. A haze produced by thousands of motorists trekking to work each weekday morning, some of them making the drive alone.

What if there was an easier way to get to work? A cheaper way? A greener way for the environment?

“That’s our mission,” said Jay Faught, marketing manager with the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “With the Smart Business Partnership program, we give local, large businesses and (their) employees an alternative to get to work and reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles on our roadways at the same time.”

EMPLOYERS DON’T PAY A PENNY The Smart Business Partnership began with a $257,000 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) grant from the Federal Transit Administration. Created in 1991 to improve the overall air quality and environment, federal lawmakers established the CMAQ program and backed it with $2 billion in grant funds to be awarded to regional and local organizations such as the Rio Metro Regional Transit District.

“We spent a lot of time researching a variety of programs and implemented some good ideas while creating the SBP,” Faught said.

“We realized that to get this program going, we needed to educate and support local employers and their employees on the incentives of the SBP program.”

One incentive for employers is that the program doesn’t cost a cent. The SBP has three levels of partnership for businesses: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Within each partnership level are a number of criteria the business must meet, ranging from appointing an onsite transportation coordinator to creating a flexible work schedule for employees who use public transportation.

“It’s difficult for us to tailor a bus schedule to fit every individual’s work time and location, so we ask employers to be flexible if a bus gets someone to work at 8:09 a.m. for example,” said Faught. “Many employers are open to the idea of letting someone work off of the regular 8 to 5 work schedule. In return, the employee will work an alternative work schedule where they are still able to work a full day.”

In return, the Rio Metro Transit District provides the business 16

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

Rail Runner passing through Isleta Pueblo.

ERNIE MONTOYA

with free services such as support, brochures and teaching materials on all the mass-transit options.

Business incentives increase with each level of partnership. Gold partners receive discounted transit passes and recognition of their efforts on buses and rail cars.

“It just benefitted us completely,” said George San Miguel, events manager at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Albuquerque. The hotel and casino is a Gold Partner. “We did a lot of research on how to make our property more environmentally sound. By pushing for our employees to ride the train or bus more, to use our shuttle system or by carpooling more, we are able to do our part for the environment.”

MORE THAN JUST A SERVICE Several SBP partners, such as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Brookline College, both located in the Albuquerque area, also use the program to help promote their businesses.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino officials use the availability of the mass-transit system to entice businesses to hold their conferences there.

“Not a lot of people know that we have our own Rail Runner stop (Isleta station),” said San Miguel. “With our shuttle service to the train stop and availability to the ABQ RIDE bus system, clients

benefits commuters, environment SMART BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA BRONZE PARTNER Employer must have all of the following program elements to be considered a Bronze Level Partner • Complete a partner sign-up form • Appoint one or more onsite transportation coordinators • Allow Rio Metro/ABQ RIDE to survey the staff annually to determine alternative transportation use and measure the success of the program • Allow Rio Metro/ABQ RIDE to set up an employee presentation and provide on-site trip planning assistance • Display transit schedules and brochures at the worksite

SILVER PARTNER

To get your business involved in the Smart Business Partnership Program, please contact Jay Faught at (505) 724-3652 or email jfaught@mrcog-nm.gov.

can easily explore the Albuquerque area. We get clients from as far as Japan, London and Australia who love the idea of riding the mass-transit system to see Albuquerque’s attractions. It’s a win-win situation. Not only do we promote and help the tourism industry, but we also do it in an environmentally sound way.”

Silver Partner Brookline College uses the partnership as an advertising tool. With many students traveling from Socorro, Grants and Santa Fe to attend the school, the mass-transit system offers a perfect way to get to and from class while also helping to promote the school with ads on the buses and train.

“Through the partnership we are able to give them information about the mass-transit services offered,” said Julie McCullough, director of student services at Brookline College. “We have a lot of students who ride the bus and train and through the partnership we are able to give them information about those services.”

Employer must meet Bronze Level criteria and actively participate in or offer at least three of the programs listed below • Allow flexible work schedules when possible to accommodate public transportation • Pay for a portion of employees’ bus or rail passes • Create an internal incentive program to encourage alternative transportation use • Add bike racks or promote existing bike racks • Provide our monthly alternative transportation information in employee newsletters, emails or paycheck stuffers • Allow employees to participate in a carpool-matching party at the worksite • Allow informal alternative work arrangements through telework, compressed work weeks or flextime • Take part in the Travel Training Program at the worksite

GOLD PARTNER Employer must meet Silver Level criteria and actively participate in or offer at least three of the programs listed below.

• Create designated carpool spaces for employees who share a ride • Add bicycle lockers at worksite • Host an alternative transportation event/fair at the worksite • Have 10% or more of your employees pledge to use alternative transportation at least one day a week • Pay for 50% or more of the employees’ transit passes • Implement a formal telework, compressed work week or flextime program • Provide ongoing strong incentives/rewards for employees using alternative transportation • Offer a shuttle van or vanpool for employees • Provide fleet vehicles for use by employees who use alternative transportation

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

17

GOLD PARTNERS

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Albuquerque

COURTESY PHOTO

A STRESS-FREE RIDE Lori Lee Sauber considers the Smart Business Partnership a benefit to both herself and the company for which she works (Gap Inc., a Gold Partner). She’s ridden the Rail Runner since its first day and believes the program can help Gap Inc., grow.

“The Rail Runner is such a useful tool,” said Sauber, a finance manager. “You can live 50 miles away from Albuquerque and still be able to use public transportation to come to work. It could be used to attract talent from outside to the Albuquerque area. Not only do you get a good job, but you also get benefits for using the mass-transit system. That’s a big win for both the employer and the potential employee.”

The Rail Runner was an even bigger win for Sauber, who enjoys her commute from the Sandoval County/US 550 train station in Bernalillo to the downtown station: The train helped her build her dream home.

“My husband and I were looking for a new place to live and found this amazing plot of land in northern Rio Rancho,” Sauber said. “The only thing that bothered me was the commute to my work. We felt it wasn’t worth building our dream home if I had to commute that far to work.

“Once we heard the Rail Runner and a stop in Bernalillo were being built, we bought the plot of land. Now my husband and I have our dream home. The Rail Runner cleared up the one legitimate hurdle we had.”

MORE TO COME Rio Metro Regional Transit District officials continue to enhance the SBP program. One new incentive they’ve been working on is the creation of a flexible spending plan.

“Basically, the employees can write this off on their taxes,” Faught said. “You get a transit tax benefit through the government that provides $125 a month for transit passes. Or you can purchase the passes pre-tax.” Faught said businesses also could offer the passes to their employees free of charge.

“Then the businesses could count it as a tax write-off,” he said.

“With the Smart Business Partnership program, there are so many incentives we offer businesses — and we continue to find more ways to make it easier for them.”

For more information go to www.riometro.org/smartbusiness.

18

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

Carrington College CH2MHILL City of Albuquerque Cliff’s Amusement Park Costco Wholesale Gap, Inc. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Albuquerque Hinkle Family Fun Center Hotel Andaluz IT’Z Family Food Mid-Region Council of Governments Residence Inn by Marriott Sandia Casino Social Security Administration-Albuquerque The Santa Fe New Mexican University of New Mexico UNM Hospitals UNM West, Rio Rancho Campus U.S. Forest Service

SILVER PARTNERS Adelante Development Center, Inc. Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. AMERIND Risk Management Corporation Brookline College Eye Associates of New Mexico Fidelity Investments New Mexico Human Services Department-ISD New Mexico Job Corps Santa Ana Star Casino Social Security Administration-Rio Rancho Sprint, Inc. Towne Place Suites by Marriott

BRONZE PARTNERS AECOM Technology Corporation Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Albuquerque Public Schools Albuquerque Publishing Company/Albuquerque Journal Bernalillo Public Housing Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Hyatt Regency Downtown Albuquerque ITT Technical Institute Modrall Sperling Law Firm Jemez State Monument Sandoval County Sun Country Industries Town of Bernalillo

COMMUTER JERRY MARTINEZ IS 1 IN 5 MILLION

BY TODD BAILEY

For 14 years, Jerry Martinez drove the 21 miles from his Los Chavez home to his job as a maintenance employee at The University of New Mexico’s main campus — fighting traffic, dealing with construction or waiting for an accident scene to clear.

Then, about three months after the New Mexico Rail Runner Express service started, Martinez decided to take the train to work instead. More than three years later, on Oct. 25, 2011, he became the five-millionth passenger to ride the Rail Runner.

Martinez remembered the day he decided to ride the Rail Runner.

Driving home from a long day at work, he noticed the train parked at a station close to his home.

“I was skeptical at first,” Martinez said. “I didn’t know much about the train, or where the stops were. I didn’t know much about the buses either. I hadn’t ridden one in years, but it didn’t take me long to learn.”

Now Martinez drives his Ford Ranger three miles to the Los Lunas Rail Runner station. After he arrives at Albuquerque’s downtown station, he boards a Rapid Ride bus to the campus.

“It takes me about an hour to get to work,” said Martinez. “That’s about the same amount of time it took when I drove.”

“Jerry is a shining example of how commuters in our region can save money and help our environment by using public transportation,” said Dewey Cave, executive director of the MidRegion Council of Governments, the agency that operates the Rail Runner. “He is just one of many New Mexicans who has realized the convenience and economic benefits of the Rail Runner.”

Martinez believes he saves around $400 a month on gas and wear and tear on his truck. When he began driving to work more than 17 years ago, he drove a large 1979 Ford Ranger. Before winning a train pass — one of the many gifts he received for being the fivemillionth rider — he’d shell out $50 for a monthly pass; now he is saving money there as well.

While saving money is always a bonus, Martinez said his biggest joy is enjoying the ride home. He is an outgoing individual, he said,

Jerry Martinez

COURESY PHOTO

HOW GREEN IS COMMUTING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s

2010 U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, in 2008 fossil fuel combustion accounted for 94.1 percent of all harmful carbon dioxide emission in the United States — and 32 percent of those harmful emissions came from fossil fuel combustion.

Because the largest sources of transportation greenhouse gas emissions were found to be passenger cars and light-duty trucks (including sport utility vehicles and minivans), one person switching his or her commute to public transportation can reduce his or her household’s carbon emissions by 10 percent — up to 30 percent if a second car is eliminated.

(SOURCE: ECOSTYLEUSA.COM)

who has made his fair share of friends on the train.

“I really get a kick out of talking to someone new,” Martinez said. “I ask them what they do and have a nice conversation. It’s interesting to witness so many different people on the train, so many different lives.”

Martinez figures he has about seven more years before he retires.

Who knows? Maybe lightning will strike twice.

“That would be something, to be the six or seven-millionth passenger,” Martinez said with a smile. “Do you think they’d remember me?”

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

19

NEW BUS ROUTE a boon

BY TODD BAILEY

Motor coach operator Daniel Martinez has worked at ABQ RIDE for more than six years — and was present when Route 198 made its first run in May 2011.

As southwest Albuquerque’s population has grown, the route has become one of the more popular in the ABQ RIDE system.

Route 198 starts at the Unser Transit Center at Unser and Central, travels west to 98th Street and then south to Dennis Chavez. The bus then turns east to the Wal-Mart at Rio Bravo and Coors, circles around and retraces its route back to the Unser Transit Center.

From the transit center, passengers can either catch another bus to any part of the city or stay onboard if theirs is one of the Route 198 buses that become a 66 bus traveling eastbound on Central to Tramway.

That’s why Hadley Kaufman enjoys riding the bus. The 20-yearold Central New Mexico Community College student, who recently moved to a neighborhood on 98th Street, only owns a bike.

“I love the fact that the bus turns from 198 to 66, back to 198,” Kaufman said. “I can ride one bus from my stop on 98th Street to University and Central. Then I can ride my bike to CNM.” Kaufman is part of a growing number of college and high-school students who depend on the ABQ RIDE system to get to school.

“Another reason I like riding the bus is because it’s better for the environment,” she said. “We have become a society that tries to do more. Recycling and riding the bus is just the start. We see car companies making electric cars. It’s just a way our society is going. I think that’s another reason why the bus service is doing so well. People choose to ride the bus to work instead of driving their car(s).”

Depending on the time of day, a bus comes along the route about every 20 to 25 minutes.

Earlier in the morning, when the bus traffic is higher, it’s more like 30 to 40 minutes.

“A lot of people ride the bus (to WalMart) instead of driving their vehicles,” Martinez said. “The bus comes to Wal-Mart about every 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day. So people can get off, spend some time shopping and won’t have to wait long for another bus.”

Anthony Esquibel, who lives a block and half 20

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

Southwest Albuquerque residents can take Route 198 to downtown.

away from the 98th and Central bus stop and works at the Wal-Mart as a tax preparer, appreciates the door-to-door service he gets with Route 198. He especially likes that the route runs late at night.

“It’s almost 10 o’clock at night, and I am able to still take this bus home,” he said. “It gets busy during tax season and that allows me to work overtime, which is nice. But I wouldn’t be able to do that if the bus ran 9 to 5 every day.”

Route 198 starts at 6 a.m. every day. On the weekdays, the route ends around 11 p.m.; on Saturdays it shuts down at 10:30 p.m. On Sundays, the route stops around 6 p.m.

“There are a lot of good people who ride (the Route 198) bus,” Kaufman said. “You get to be around a lot of different people and strike up conversations with them. I’m happy this route is here — and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.”

for students, shoppers, workers MORE THAN 12 MILLION PASSENGERS — AND GROWING

TODD BAILEY

GREEN FACTS Between 1995 and 2008, U.S. public transportation ridership increased by 38 percent — a rate of growth that outstripped the 21 percent increase in the use of highways and the 14 percent increase in the U.S. population over the same period.

It is estimated that Americans who have access to public transportation save 646 million hours of travel time and 398 million gallons of fuel each year — just by reducing congestion on our streets and roadways.

(Source: greenPERL.com)

In January 2012, it was determined that 12,373,445 passengers boarded ABQ RIDE buses during the 2011 calendar year — a 7.3 percent improvement from the previous ridership record of 11,527,241, set in 2010.

“More and more, ABQ RIDE is convincing Albuquerque’s citizens that it is a viable, economical and even fun alternative to get where you want to go around town,” said Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry. “The numbers speak volumes about the value of the service being provided; ridership is increasing even when gas prices have been decreasing.”

The growth in ridership is in direct correlation to housing growth, especially in the southwest Albuquerque area, where the population has exploded in the past couple of years. In the past five years, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School and Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School were built to accommodate the area’s population growth — and ABQ RIDE followed suit.

“What’s great about ABQ RIDE is that it has an ear to the public,” ABQ RIDE bus driver Daniel Martinez said. “More and more commuters are riding the bus to go to work, but what is growing as well is the population of students who ride the bus, either to high school or to college.”

“I believe much of the credit [for the increase in ridership] should go to our employees, who’ve managed to meet Albuquerque’s big transportation growth with just a few more routes, buses and drivers than they had to work with in 2007,” said Bruce Rizzieri, director of ABQ RIDE. “We hope to expand our resources in the near future to continue to better serve Albuquerque’s growing transportation needs.”

“THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE WHO RIDE (THE ROUTE 198) BUS, YOU GET TO BE AROUND A LOT OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND STRIKE UP CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM. I’M HAPPY THIS ROUTE IS HERE — AND I KNOW I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO FEELS THAT WAY.” HADLEY KAUFMAN, CENTRAL NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

21

ALL PUZZLES ABOARD CROSSWORD BY MYLES MELLOR 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

10 12

8

9

11 14

13

17

18

19

22

23

24

25

27

28

30

32

15 Astonish

34

37

38 39

40

10 Career with numbers

14 Spanish city with Moorish architecture

29

33 36

1 European peninsula

12 Cuenca’s country

26

31

35

1 Largest of the Galapagos Islands

11 Campbell’s container

20 21

Down

5 Name of one of Princess Cruise Lines ships

15 16

Across

41

42

43

45

44

47

20 Rental car expense

29 The Righteous Brothers, e.g.

30 Famous English cathedral site 32 Italian “but” 34 Ford for one 35 Weight Watcher’s stat.

37 Study of the pharaohs

6 2

1 6

5

6 9 9

22

39 Chain in Alaska? (2 words)

3 9 5

2 5

4

45 School of whales 46 Paleozoic, for example 47 Asian river 48 Ferrari, for example (2 words)

2

4

6 2

7

2

38 Actress Derek

8

3 4

4

8

7

1

1

9

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

9

6 Airport abbr.

7 Cruise stop in Mexico 8 Oliver Twist, e.g.

9 Code of life, for short 13 Be obligated

27 Raised walkway

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1-9.

Level: medium

5 High fliers

17 Route

25 Hot spot in Mexico

SUDOKU BY MYLES MELLOR AND SUSAN FLANAGAN

4 Israeli city

17 Coastal town in southern England

24 “Walk on __” by Dionne Warwick

48

3 Like some species

16 Free (from)

21 Swedish or Norwegian

46

2 Sea color, hopefully

18 Honey drink 19 Home to the largest thermal water cave system 20 UK car plate letters 22 Greek word of good cheer 23 Collector’s goal 26 Brazil, for one 28 Journey 30 Home of a Stampede 31 Traveler’s items 32 Plane reading material, for short 33 Petanque is one of the games that falls under this heading 34 Drink and French town 36 “Close to __”, Bacharach song 38 The Aare river runs through it 40 Young ruler that is now subject of a famous exhibit 41 Sodium symbol 42 Global finance group, for short 43 Museum display 44 Round Table title

4 Answers can be found on page 26.

A NEW KIND OF GREEN THUMB

GOODGUIDE

GREEN GENIE

Device: Android and iPhone Price: Free

Device: iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Price: 99 cents

The GoodGuide app can help you choose products that are safe, healthy and environmentally responsible by setting up a barcode scanner that reads the level of environmentally acceptable products you want. Use the scanner to determine if more than 70,000 grocery store products — such as food, household cleaners and paper products — meet your standards. You can then use the information on social media and to create shopping lists for others.

Green Genie is a guide to a sustainable lifestyle. It provides more than 100 ideas and conservation tips to help you live a greener life — from getting paid for reducing emissions to bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store.

The iPhone app includes a glossary of green terms and a library of essential reading so you can learn more about each green subject. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greengenie/id332055754?mt=8

http://www.goodguide.com/about/ mobile

BY TODD BAILEY

In this age of smart phones and wireless Internet, cell phones have become more than just a way to talk to someone. These handheld computers have the capability to do everything from watching videos on YouTube to answering e-mails. They can also help make your life more environmentally sound. With phone apps, you can find where you can purchase healthy food, learn about the electrical output of your home, find tips on greener living and discover not only what you can recycle, but also where you can go to do so.

IRECYCLE Device: iPhone, iOS, iPad and Android Price: Free

GREEN OUTLET Device: iPhone and Android Price: 99 cents

This application tells you which household appliances consume the most electricity so you can decide which devices to use. It also predicts the devices’ monthly electricity bill and calculates your household’s carbon footprint, which is the measure of impact your daily activities have on the environment.

More than 240 types of materials can be recycled, so knowing what is and is not recyclable can be a challenge. The iRecycle phone app not only answers that question, it also uses your phone’s GPS system to identify the recycling center closest to you. http://earth911.com/solutions/irecycle/

http://itunes.apple.com/app/greenoutlet/id329692231?mt=8

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

23

Jambo Cafe (African homestyle cuisine) will participate in Santa Fe Restaurant Week March 4-11 JANE PHILLIPS

The third annual Santa Fe Restaurant Week (March 4-11) kicks off a culinary celebration that continues in Albuquerque (March 18-25) and Taos (March 25-April 1). Visit www.nmrestaurantweek.com for details.

COURTESY PHOTO

Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Gardens present the Spring Pastels Flower Show April 7-29. Visit www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden for details.

Right, Sergio Juarez, a Mexican Aztec dancer, opens the show for the Miss Indian World competition at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Albuquerque last year. Visit www.gatheringofnations.com for details.

LUIS SANCHEZ SATURNO

24

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

All Year Santa Fe Farmers Market (Santa Fe, Railyard) Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. www.santafefarmersmarket.com.

Exit the train at the Santa Fe Depot.

New Mexico Artisans Market (Santa Fe, Railyard) Every Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.santafefarmersmarket.com.

Exit the train at the Santa Fe Depot.

March Mar. 2-4 National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show (Sandia Resort & Casino, Albuquerque) Visit website for hours and admission cost. www.fieryfoodsshow.com. Exit the train at the Sandia Pueblo station and take the Sandia shuttle.

Mar. 4-Apr. 1 NM Restaurant Week (Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos) www.nmrestaurantweek.com/. Locations and times vary. Visit website for participating restaurants and complete details.

Mar. 9-11 Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Fair (Albuquerque, Expo New Mexico) 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. www.riograndefestivals.com. Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque station and board Rapid Ride Red Line, Green Line or ABQ Ride Route 66 to the fairgrounds.

Mar. 23-25 Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest (Albuquerque Convention Center) www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com.

Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque station and board the D-Ride or take the short walk to 2nd Street and Tijeras Avenue.

April Apr. 7-29 Spring Pastels Flower Show (ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden) www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque station and take ABQ Ride Route 66 or the Rapid Ride Red Line.

April Apr. 21 Founders Day Fiesta (Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque) www.cabq.gov. Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque station and take ABQ Ride Route 66 or the Rapid Ride Red Line to Rio Grande.

Apr. 21-29 Pueblo Days American Indian Week (Albuquerque, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center) www.indianpueblo.org.

Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque station and board ABQ Ride Route 8 or 36 to 12th Street & Candelaria.

Apr. 26-28 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (Albuquerque,UNM Arena) North America's biggest Pow Wow! Largest gathering of American Indian culture, pride and tradition. Over 500 (USA), and 200 (Canadian) tribes. Tribal bands will be in attendance with over 3,000 Native American dancers and singers. www.gatheringofnations.com

May May 12 National Train Day (Alvarado Transportation Center, Albuquerque) www.nmrailrunner.com. Exit the train at the Downtown Albuquerque Station.

May 12 National Train Day Wheels Museum Free 11a.m. - 5 p.m. www.wheelsmuseum.org. Exit train at Downtown Albuquerque, a couple blocks south to 1100 2nd St., SW. Hundreds of model & full-size transportation exhibits.

May 12 ABQ RIDE's The Great Bus Race (April Registration) Thirty teams of two people each taking buses around Albuquerque to complete tasks. Teams will need a Smartphone to collect clues at venues around the city and finish in the required time. Winning teams will get a variety of prizes, including iPads, iPod Nanos and a spa weekend. Race day registration starts at 8:30 a.m., race starts at 9:30 a.m., finishes around 2 p.m. with prizes awarded about a half hour later. www.myabqride.com May 19 Folk Art Flea Market (Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe) www.internationalfolkart.org. Exit the train at the Santa Fe Depot station and board Santa Fe Trails M-Line to Museum Hill.

May 26-27 Native Treasures (Santa Fe Convention Center) www.nativetreasuressantafe.org. Exit the train at the Santa Fe Depot station and board the Santa Fe Pick Up or take the short walk.

MAR-MAY 2012 | X PR ESS

25

ALL ABOARD

PUZZLE ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS 1

I

S

E

C

I

3

U

N O

R

27

P

30

C

A

A

L

A Y

E

G A

E

R

U

37

E

N

U

G

C

R P

T

I

D

Y

T

N

42

48

E

D

A

T

C

I

S

F

L

A

U U

Describe your typical work day. I drive the afternoon Rio Metro Sandoval Cochiti Lake Route 202, which serves Kewa Pueblo, Peña Blanca, Cochiti Pueblo and Cochiti Lake. This route starts at 1:40 p.m. at the Walmart in Bernalillo, taking passengers from Walmart to Santa Ana Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, Peña Blanca, Cochiti Pueblo and Cochiti Lake. Upon reaching Cochiti Lake, I pick up new passengers and head for the Kewa Rail Runner station where I meet the 4:52 p.m. train from Santa Fe and the 5:13 p.m. train from Albuquerque. I then proceed back through the towns and Pueblos to Cochiti Lake. I return to the Rail Runner station at Kewa at 6:23 p.m., where I meet the 6:28 p.m. train from Albuquerque. Route 202 takes those passengers home, with the last stop at Cochiti Lake at 7:06 p.m.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Helping people save money in these hard economic times by getting to and from work, shopping and entertainment safely. Meeting new people.

Most commonly asked question? Do you go further into Rio Rancho? And can you let me off at…?

When you are not working, what else do you like to do? I have a Christian church in Bernalillo that keeps me busy.

26

X PRESS | MAR-MAY 2012

N G

L

C

A

R

O

G

Y

G 43

N

E

R

A

S

T

C

D

44

S I

A

Family: I have 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and an

How long have you worked for Rio Metro? A little over 3 years.

H

M A

34

A

46

19

32

T O

T

Name: Ken

18-year-old son.

Job title: Professional coach driver Where do you live? Bernalillo

D

A

U O

B

G A M

Z

N

33

45

U G

A

A 29

26

U 41

9

N

L

I Y

L A

E

G 40

R A

B

N

8

C

U

25

A

A

11

P

T

D

A

7

18

S

Y

R

T

R

Y M O

28 31

E

L W E

B

6

T

17

24

E

A G R

20

B O

R 47

S

E M

14

R

E

G 23

Y

E

P

A W E

N

38

L

5

A C

D O

36

B

G 39

N

4

10

15

E

A 35

I

L 13

A 22

E N

M M U

A

COURTESY PHOTO

B

A

R

21

A Q

B 12

16

2

SUDOKU SOLUTION

9

5

3

2

6

1

4

7

8

2 4

7 8

1 6

8 3

4 7

9 5

5 2

3 9

6 1

7

4

2

6

8

3

1

5

9

1 3

6 9

5 8

9 1

2 5

7 4

8 7

4 6

3 2

5

1

9

4

3

8

6

2

7

6 8

3 2

7 4

5 7

1 9

2 6

9 3

8 1

4 5

R