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Playing Santa usually means putting up with high gas prices, packed parking lots and retail-fueled highway congestion.

But this year, shoppers can find relief by leaving the driving to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.

Starting this weekend, all 50 miles of the commuter line will be open Saturdays through the holiday season, with buses available to take shoppers to major retail centers in Albuquerque.

"We want to take the madness out of the holidays for people," said Lawrence Rael, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments, which manages the train. "Providing Rail Runner service for shoppers lets them avoid holiday traffic and parking headaches, while also allowing them to experience the convenience of public transportation."

Trains will run from Belen to Bernalillo, starting as early as 10:30 a.m. and running past midnight, depending on the location.

Commuters can get free ABQ Ride shuttle and bus service to Cottonwood Mall and other retail areas by showing their Rail Runner tickets.

To sweeten the deal even further, commuters will receive 10 percent discount cards good at more than 100 participating merchants and restaurants in Old Town, Downtown, Nob Hill and ABQ Uptown.

Martha Doster, owner of Martha's Body Bueno at 3901 Central Ave. N.E., said she latched onto the program as soon as she heard about it.

"I just jumped right on it, because I thought it was a great idea," Doster said.

Betty Wilson, manager of Weems Art Gallery in Old Town at 303 Romero Road N.W., said she thought participating in the discount was a good way to get in on community events.

"We like to promote other means of transportation and promote other things in the city instead of just Old Town," Wilson said.

Augusta Meyers, spokeswoman for the council of governments, said donation bins for the Road Runner Food Bank will also be on board the trains, and that Santa Claus himself will be available for photographs at the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque on Dec. 15.