In communities across the country, commuter rail stations have attracted business, housing, and public uses and have helped make station areas valued community and economic development centers.  New Mexico Rail Runner Express stations now present these opportunities to New Mexico communities.  

The MRCOG is assisting local governments to identify how the Rail Runner can help meet their current and future goals.  Using Transit Oriented Development as a framework, the MRCOG’s station area planning efforts emphasize each community’s unique character to help achieve these opportunities.

The Town of Bernalillo Station Area Plan, the Los Lunas Station Area Plan, and Bernalillo County / Sunport Station Area Plan in Albuquerque's South Valley are made possible by a 2006 legislative appropriate "to plan, design and improve land facilities located near transit stop." The local jurisdictions, area residents, consultants, and MRCOG are all collaborating in the planning efforts.  The plans provide local staff a guide for how development in the station area should occur, and inform future land-use and policy decisions made by elected officials, outside agencies, and developers.

Creating Vibrant and Inviting Public Spaces 

Transit oriented development (TOD) is a mixed-use area located within close proximity to a transit stop or line.  This type of development often includes:  

• a core commercial area; 
• development that is pedestrian friendly and encourages people to walk or bike between transit stations and local businesses, offices, homes and other destinations;  and
• mixed use development, such as residential, commercial and public space, which create an inviting area that attracts residents, employers and visitors.

Transit Oriented Development often focuses on 1/2-mile around the transit station, which is generally considered to be walking distance.

With smart planning and leadership, transit oriented development benefits may include:

• vibrant, safe, areas that are enjoyable to walk in;
• parks, plazas and public spaces;
• more transportation options for local and regional trips;
• opportunity for area residents to spend less money on transportation;
• more transportation options for an aging population;
• cost savings for local jurisdictions from reduced infrastructure needs;
• increased housing options – more styles and price options; and
• better health and quality of life for residents.

The Plans

All communities are different – each has its own history, setting, personality, and vision.  Recognizing this, each station area plan was approached individually with the goal of identifying how the station and TOD can best work with the community to help reach desired goals.  

As a result, the scope of the station area planning efforts varies by community, though in each case, includes a market evaluation, a visioning and public involvement component, land use and transportation planning, and recommendations.