The RR currently recovers about 9% of O&M costs in fares. Richardson and the legislature have been shifting funds to keep it going as the tax increases passed in 2008 have not kept up with the costs due to the recession. Look for further cuts in service with increased fares come a new administration. I doubt if it will be shut down completely, at least not now. But if the recession continues, it will have to compete with education funds among other demands. And you know who will win that battle.
If fares increase I’m sure ridership will decrease, resulting in a vicious circle. It’s just such a shame that Richardson needed a monument to his ginormous ego and didn’t care what it cost future generations of New Mexicans.