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On Feb. 15, New Mexico Rail Runner Express will implement several fare and service changes. The Rio Metro Regional Transportation District Board — which manages Rail Runner and its regional transit connections — recently approved a fare hike and the suspension of some weekend service.   

Rail Runner will increase weekday fares to comply with Federal Transportation Administration regulations that require reduced fares to be half the price of full fares. The cost of weekday one-way fares will rise by $1 to $2, and price of a three-zone day pass will increase by $1.

In addition, weekend fares will go up to be consistent with weekday prices, Rail Runner said. Previously, all passengers could use a reduced fare structure on weekends; now, the structure will only apply to those who meet reduced-fare criteria, such as senior citizens and students.

Rail Runner also will indefinitely suspend five Saturday train trips departing from downtown Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Belen.

Although the state has provided some financial assistance, the modifications are necessary to balance Rail Runner’s budget given a shortfall caused by lower-than-expected sales taxes, said Dewey Cave, interim executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments, in a prepared statement.