Re: C&TS ridership

bookemdanno Wrote:
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> Even at 24% that sucks. But I guess I would agree
> that the double headed run up to Cumbres is
> something that is an essential part of the
> experience.
>
> Dan

I would guess that the bridge situation planted some uncertainty into tourists minds, accounting for some of the slowdown. However, I would guess the economic conditions had more to do with less riders than anything.
As an example the Hamilton County Fair (This is the county Cincinnati, Ohio is in) had attendance down this summer by 50%!!!
Thats mainstream USA, not rail related of course.
Given the ridership is down so much I cannot see how they justified spending $50K to move another engine to Cumbres. I know what the logic is, to have a backup engine, and for when engines have boiler washes. However, there are only around 60 days left in the schedule. Oh well, thats why I don't get the big bucks to make those decisions.
Greg