The State of New Mexico has purchased a stretch of BNSF Railway trackage for the first phase of a commuter rail system and trains could be running in June.

The $50 million purchase of 51 miles of track between Belen and Bernalillo from BNSF Railway was finalized Friday.

Over the next couple of months, officials say a contractor will build covered platforms for commuters at nine stops along the route.

Service will be free to riders for the first three months and discounted to $2 through the end of the year. A permanent fare structure would be in place in 2007.

Plans for the $393 million Rail Runner project include extending the service to Santa Fe by the end of 2008.