I think you reinforced my thoughts below, because without the funding for capitol improvements there is no way to grow. Right now there is a struggle to keep up with keeping 3-4 locos running and slow upgrading of ROW.
I still think the states are the ones gaining the most out of all this and putting the least amount into it. Money is probably being spent on upkeep, rather than advertising, and other PR that would help sustain patronage, or increase it as some of your 100,000 passenger guys are wishing for. I'm 100% for increasing ridership, but I can't see it happening until the capitol improvements issues are solved, and not just for the next year or two, over the long haul.
Of course if you read Mr. Wimers post below it appears the railroad isn't that big of deal in the Chama valley. So maybe that explains why the states give it the minimum amount possible.
Not trying to stir up trouble here, just trying to explore methods that might get the states to recognize how much MORE they might be spending if the railroad weren't there. CJ seemed to grasp what I was refering to in his post.
Here's hoping a B-52 makes a bombing run over Chama and Antonito and the payload is bales of 100 dollar bills!
Greg Scholl