Re: Commission meeting, my feedback

I had an impossible time of omitting my opinion as far as the 7%+ increase. I had to note what I read in Trains Magazine about the D&S. While I love the D&S, I do see them as the gold standard. They haul a bunch more folks than the C&T. Trains reported their 2% increase this year. Not that I wish them any ill will, I thought that was a bit low. Auto traffic in the C&T area was clearly up this year. People are getting back out there. Remember, in the August meeting, the C&T had a 15% bump. Both RR's are going in the right direction (up). I would suggest they both should be more up. Maybe Launch Marketing did make the difference. I am looking forward to seeing what Launch will do with the web site over the off season. They know they pretty much have to rebuild it . Get it simple to use. The video has their description of the desired work.

I rode a lot this year. I was on a train that had to deal with the most difficult to resolve rock fall*. I agree with John Bush. The RR did a great job in dealing with the issue. Between the rumor mill, and the official meeting, all trains went through EVERY day each way. Some were a bit tardy. I am proud of the on train crews. They care. I have gotten feedback from riders, and their experience was rated as quite good. For you on train crews reading this: The passengers notice your fine work.

*As I mentioned in my report, Hwy-17 had the same problems. There were several rock falls along 17, one involving the C&T bus. Nothing major, but the better than average rain fall was a big ROW issue for both the RR & Hwy.