NEW MEXICO - The plan to build a New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train station at Montaño Road in the North Valley is proceeding, and three station concepts have been put out for the public to consider.

Mid-Region Council of Governments staff and consultants went over the proposals with the public recently.

"I am so looking forward to it," said Lucille Vigil, who lives a minute from the proposed station. "I work Downtown. I would easily take the Rail Runner and go to work."

There are 11 stops on the Belen to Santa Fe rail system. More are planned, such as one at Sandia Pueblo and another at Zia Road in Santa Fe. The proposed Montaño station would be on more than two acres on the southwest corner of the road and track intersection between Edith Boulevard and Second Street.

About 275,000 people live within the "market area" around the proposed station, according to information presented during the recent public meeting. The defined "market area" includes the area within 20 minutes of the station.

"That's comparable to what we have in the Downtown Albuquerque station and the Journal station," said Tony Sylvester, a MRCOG planner.