Michael,
Please note the kids ride free on this years Cinder Bear Erperience. It is designed to provide a shorter day than the full ride or having to run a special train.
The Cumbres Express is not designed to save money but to accomadate those for whom time is at a premium. We do not want to cannibalize our regular excursions by offering it at a per mile price comparable to the full trip, but we do want to offer a product to guests who do not have a whole day to spend with us.
You can not save old trains with old thinking!
John Bush