The central New Mexico region is preparing to open a commuter rail line called the Rail Runner that eventually will connect the Duke City to Santa Fe.
Considering that Albuquerque has the region's only major airport and considering Santa Fe is filled with tourism attractions, it sounds like this is a terrific alternative to driving the 90 or so miles on Interstate 25 or the remnants of the Mother Road.
But for the time being, the rail line will run from Belen (south of Albuquerque) to U.S. 550 north of the city. There are nine stops in all, including downtown ABQ, so commuters will find it enticing also. The train is scheduled to connect Santa Fe in 2008.
As for the Route 66 connection, the rail line runs close to the older alignment of the Mother Road, from north Bernalillo County all the way down to Los Lunas. Johnny Mango of the Albloggerque rode on a test run and was impressed. He also made this observation:
Further north, artifacts of the pre-1937 Route 66 are still visible near Sandia Pueblo and Bernalillo. In fact I think I remember seeing a Fred Harvey railroad poster showing the grade crossing at Sandia Pueblo. Abandoned gas stations and small roadside stores are also along the way.
Another blogger, NewMexiKen, also rode the train and has this report.
The train is set to begin making runs in July, and the first three months will be free.