N.M. Rail Runner settlements reach $8M

The system, which had paid any of the claims to this point, will pay $2 million to cover liability claims up to $3 million. The Rail Runner buys insurance in the private market for claims over that amount.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

August 20, 2014

N.M. Rail Runner settlements reach $8M — Photo courtesy Camerafiend

1 min to read

SANTA FE, N.M. — According to state records, taxpayers have paid nearly $8 million to settle damage claims against New Mexico’s Rail Runner Express, while the agency itself has not paid anything, reported The Bellingham Herald.

Until last month, the Rail Runner didn't pay premiums for the state's self-insurance program that provides liability coverage for settlements of lawsuits against government agencies. The insurance arrangement represented a little-known subsidy for the state-owned passenger train.

The Rail Runner will pay $2 million to cover liability claims up to $3 million. The Rail Runner buys insurance in the private market for claims over that amount. For the full story, click here.

Topics:insurance Rail

More Rail

Rail•by Staff•March 6, 2026

Caltrain Adopts Corridor-Wide Right-of-Way Safety Strategy

Caltrain and its partners have implemented safety improvements at specific locations in response to known risk conditions, operational needs, and available funding since the agency’s founding.

A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Security and Safety•by Staff and News Reports•March 4, 2026

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Stairs in a New York rail station with text reading "USDOT Invests $686 Million to Modernize Aging Rail Stations."

Rail•by Staff•March 2, 2026

FTA Invests $686M to Modernize Aging Rail Stations

Competitive FTA grants will support accessibility upgrades, family-friendly improvements, and cost-efficient capital projects at some of the nation’s oldest and busiest transit hubs.

A purple MBTA train at a Mansfield Station platform.

Rail•by Staff•February 27, 2026

MBTA Updates Rail Modernization Plan to Expand Reliability and Accessibility

The strategy outlines near- and long-term upgrades to ease congestion, support housing growth, and advance statewide climate goals.

LA Metro underground station with vehicle

Rail•by Staff•February 27, 2026

LA Metro Sets D Line Subway Extension Launch Date

The 3.92-mile addition will soon take riders west beyond its current Wilshire and Western station in Koreatown, continuing under Wilshire Boulevard through neighborhoods and communities including Hancock Park, Windsor Square, the Fairfax District, and Carthay Circle into Beverly Hills.