I really appreciate the comments/ideas that Scott Turner, Randall Hess, John West and others have initiated with this thread. It is long overdue to have the Commission with input from the other Triad members, get on with the tasks of creating a master plan for the Railroad. If there is any doubt that there is a serious problem the turnover of 5 management companies in the past 10 years would be enough to torpedo any sales and marketing plan. While the shops and equipment have been able to weather the changeovers to some extent, the lack of a consistent marketing message has taken its toll at the ticket window.
While all this discussion regarding plans for the RR is great I think unless it is undertaken in the context of the socio and economic realities of the communities it may well be for naught. While we are focusing on the RR, the visitors total experience includes a lot of equally important components including; lodging, food and other activities, all outside any control of the Commission, operator or Friends. In some respects these local aspects are almost more important than the RR in determining whether visitors enjoy their stay, return in the future, or recommend it to others. If you don’t think this is important stuff just ask your wife or significant other if they accompany you how they rate their experience. I/we have almost a 35 year experience and on a scale of 1 -10 for the non railroad experience , for the local aspects would rate it a 4. While there have been some great experiences over the years the poor customer service, cold or burnt food , dirty rooms, leave a lasting negative impression. I don’t know how you would even begin to address these failings of private enterprise(s) when you are dealing with a 4 month tourist season and many competing communities that offer an overall better tourist experience.
Lastly I think it is incumbent for all of us to ask critical questions and seek an understanding of the decision making process at all levels. I am encouraged to see that someone is listening as transparency and openness in all the organizations is contributing to this renewed can do attitude I see developing.
Rod Jensen
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/19/2007 10:03PM by rod.
