Southside Transit Center

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail train providing service to the Albuquerque / Santa Fe metropolitan area. The Rail Runner Express seeks to foster environmental sustainability by offering transportation alternatives and using bio-diesel fuel. To further that commitment, the Rail Runner Express has decided to power their busiest stations with solar power.

Autotroph is the design partner on a team commissioned to design, fabricate and install photovoltaic carport structures at two of the busiest Rail Runner Express stations in Belen and Bernalillo. Our team completed an energy audit of each station and designed a photovoltaic system capable of supplying 85% of their power needs. We designed custom carport structures for optimal solar exposure while also shading rider’s cars. The carports are designed to integrate with the architectural style of existing station structures, thereby reinforcing the Rail Runner Express brand image.