Earl Wrote:
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> Despite what Jason is reporting, the Georgetown
> Loop states it is opening May 29 on their
> website...
True. The key though is in the wording "at this time we are planning to open May 29" followed by a very direct section explaining that you will absolutely get your money back no matter what if they can't open or you can't get there for some reason.
What follows below is not in any way directed at or intended to be directed at anyone, it is just my attempt to explain the logic behind what I am saying.
Over the past several weeks, most if not all of the tourist railroads in Colorado have had similar wording about an opening date "at this time we are planning to open (insert date here)", the date keeps changing. This wording reflects the fact that at the time it was posted, the relevant authorities had granted the railroad in question (which ever one it may be) "permission" to open on that date. In every case so far, the same authorities have revoked the "permission" just before the opening date and established a new set of criteria to be met along with a new (later) permissive date for opening.
Whether I or anyone else agrees or disagrees with what the governmental authorities are doing (and really whether or no their policies are a good bad or indifferent response to what is going on) is really irrelevant to the discussion, the fact is that these policies are driving the tourist railroad's actions and explain why the railroads are doing what they are doing. The railroads are doing their best to remain positive in the hopes that 1) they will get some real firm direction and 2) what ever direction the authorities give them will actually have some staying power and value (ie not get changed yet again just before it is supposed to go into effect) Knowing the full picture will give everyone a chance to make up their own mind about what is going on, along with a better understanding why the decisions that are being made are being made in the realm of narrow gauge tourist railroads and preservation projects in Colorado.
Jason Midyette
