Why do we keep having the same arguments over and over in New Mexico - argumetns long since resolved just about every place else? Why are the accepted, sensible policies of most of the civilized world considered pie-in-the-sky fantasies in the Land of Enchantment?

Passenger rail transportation is making a comeback all over the United States and the rest of the world. We are in deep trouble if we don't soon start moving toward multi-modal transportation - all modes working together as a system. Not millions of stalled, crawling and expensive cars with a few buses and bike paths tossed in, but a true set of choices, including everything from trains to feet.

Multi-modal transportation for New Mexico must include rail. Buses - big, small, private, public - are an important part of the picture but are not enough. Here are some reasons why this is so:

• Regional communter rail is cheaper and easier to achieve than most people think.
• Municipal light reail is not all that expensive when compared to road and highway expansions.
• Fuel consumption per passenger/mile is amazingly low when compred to cars and also very low when compared to buses.
• Easy compliance with clean air standards at any altitude.
• Independence from most traffic problems.
• No tire maintenance and disposal problem.
• Much more efficient use of land and materials per passenger/mile.
• Close compatibility with all other modes of transportation and with renewable energy systems.
• A smoother, quieter and much safer ride.
• A higher rate of financial return at the fare box.
• People like to ride trains.

Rails, Inc.