Lobo Special Events Platform (Rail Runner station)

Lobo Special Events Platform
Rail Runner Express commuter rail station

Lobo Special Events Platform
Location 1425 Commercial St SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Coordinates 35°4′8″N 106°38′59″W / 35.06889°N 106.64972°WCoordinates: 35°4′8″N 106°38′59″W / 35.06889°N 106.64972°W
Line(s)
Platforms 1 side platform
Tracks 1
Construction
Disabled access Yes
Other information
Fare zone Zone B
History
Opened September 12, 2009
Services
Preceding station   NMRX   Following station
toward Belen
Rail Runner Express

The Lobo Special Events Platform is an inactive limited use platform on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail line. MRCOG created the station in 2009 at a cost of $1 million, split between MRCOG and The University of New Mexico.[1][2][3] It was created as an incentive for residents of the region to use alternative transportation to attend University of New Mexico sports games[4] as well as games of the Albuquerque Isotopes minor baseball team at Isotopes Park. The station is only opened during sporting events, and has no permanent service. Bus shuttles provide service from the platform to the stadiums.

Each of the stations contains an icon to express each community's identity. The icons representing this station are a Lobo, using the sports mascot from the University of New Mexico Athletic Department, and the logo for the Albuquerque Isotopes.

The last time the Rail Runner stopped at the station was in December 2009, for the New Mexico Bowl.[5] As of 2011, the station has been inactive, and the Rail Runner website no longer acknowledges the platform on its website or any of its materials. MRCOG cited the costs associated with chartering buses and low ridership interest as reasons for not using the platform. Neither MRCOG, Rio Metro, or UNM have held any discussions regarding the future use of the station. [3]

References

  1. ↑ "NM Rail Runner Express completes Lobo Special Events Platform". RT&S. Railway, Track, and Structures. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "NM Rail Runner Express completes Lobo Special Events Platform". Archive.org. Railway, Track, and Structures. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Luby, Ryan. "Rail Runner's $1M 'ghost train' station remains unused, off map". KOB 4 TV. KOB. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Freshman QB Triggers Wyoming’s Bowl Run". Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque Journal). 18 December 2009. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Heild, Colleen (26 August 2012). "Political Pressure Led to Bad Decisions". Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque Journal). Retrieved 2 February 2015.

External links