New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter trains should be up and running by June, thanks in large part to a review by the New Mexico Attorney General.

AG Patricia Madrid finalized the legal review of the deal between New Mexico and BNSF Railway that closes the deal on the state's purchase of fifty-one miles of rail line from BNSF between Belen and Bernalillo.

Eventual service plans call for commuter trains to operate between Santa Fe and Belen, however the first phase slated for June would see service between Albuquerque and Bernalillo. Extension to Belen would likely occur by the end of summer and Santa Fe would not be reached until late in 2008.

Madrid did not offer an opinion on the economic impact or the merit of the joint use agreement between the state and railroad, but she said the deal is legal under state law.