Frequently Asked Questions
About The Rio Metro and North Central Regional Transit Plans
1. What areas are covered by the Rio Metro Regional Transit District and the North Central Regional Transit District(NCRTD)?The Rio Metro service area covers the counties of Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia. The NCRTD area covers the counties of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Taos. The NCRTD service territory is in excess of 10,000 square miles.
2. What are the Rio Metro and North Central Regional Transit Plans?It is a coordinated, regional transit system that provides cost-effective rail and bus services including: Rio Metro:- Rail Runner commuter train service- Direct commuter express service to all Rail Runner stations- Dial-a-Ride service- Neighborhood Circulators- Rural Transit service2NCRTD:- Rail Runner commuter train service- Direct commuter express service to Santa Fe County area RailRunner stations- Dial-a-Ride (Demand Response) service- Community Circulators- Rural Transit service- Partnering with Taos Chile Line, Atomic City Transit, Santa Fe Trails, and New Mexico Park and Ride
3. Why do we need a regional transit plan?- Population & Employment Growth- 1 million people will live in the Rio Metro area by 2015- An estimated 82,000 new jobs will be created by 2015- Increasing Traffic Congestion- More people traveling to work means slower travel speeds and longer travel times - even with planned road improvements- Our population is aging- By 2030 New Mexico is forecasted to have the 5th oldest population in the country
4. Economic Competitiveness - Businesses that want to expand or locate in the Rio Metro area are looking for a reliable, regional transit system that provides timely and economical service for workers
5. It's Good To Be Green- The Rio Metro and NCRTD plans save commuters money--costs farless than driving.- Both plans offers an environmental friendly way to travel - reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
6. How Will The Plan Be Funded? Rio Metro: At the November 4 General Election voters in Sandoval,Bernalillo and Valencia Counties have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to approve a 1/8 of one percent County Regional Transit Gross Receipts Tax to fund the Rail Runner and Rio Metrotransit services.NCRTD: At the November 4 General Election voters in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Taos Counties have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to approve a 1/8 of one percent County Regional Transit Gross Receipts Tax to fund surface transportation(buses and vans) and partially fund the Rail Runner in Santa Fe County only.
7. How Much Will the 1/8 of One Percent Cost Me?12.5 Cents for every $100 spent.
8. How much with the tax raise? Rio Metro: $26 million annually NCRTD: $8 million annually.
9. Where will the money go? $13 million for Rail Runner operations$13 million for connecting transit servicesNCRTD:$2.25 million for Rail Runner operations$1.9 million to the City and County of Santa Fe by agreement$3.75 for Transit providers and connecting transit services in the 4 County area
10. Where can I get more information about the transit plan?Rio Metro:www.riometro.orgNCRTD: http://www.ncrtd.orgwww.nmrailrunner.com/
11. Why should I support this?• More innovative and efficient transportation systems attract higher quality economic development keeping New Mexico economically competitive• Expand pool of potential employees who have access to reliable and affordable transportation• Consumers save money on gas consumption• Reduced road congestion means less wear and tear on our roads and fewer traffic accidents• Create a better environment by reducing smog and carbon emissions.
Visit www.getconnectednm.com
This information was submitted to AIBA from Dale Dekker. Please add your comments!