Re: Excursion Operations on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line
Author: Mr Conductor
Date: 02-14-2016 - 16:25
Not to open up another can of worms, but for #1 I remember the SCMB claiming that they were waiting until the bridge repairs (especially Manresa) were completed before moving forward with tourist trains, which is understandable, but now I don't know what their new issue is.
Reality Checker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Based on the RTC staff agenda it appears that they
> are recommending both Rail Trail (Daisy) and
> RailExplorers (Bike) proposals be moved forward. A
> few questions:
>
> 1. When exactly does the RTC and its designated
> operator SC&MB Ry. plan to initiate rail service
> on the Santa Cruz Branch from Santa Cruz to
> Davenport?
>
> 2. Assuming that rail service is planned for some
> point in this decade? how does the RTC plan to
> operate the line with Daisy, RailBikes and
> SC&MBRy. trains operating at the same time
> (weekends) over the same single track?
>
> 3. Why given the Santa Cruz Rail Trail (Daisy)
> operators proposal that states “This would not be
> a profitable venture” even consider such a
> proposal that admits it is not economically
> feasible?
>
> 4. Where in the RailExplorers proposal is the
> revenue sharing of $1.00/ ticket shown? Their
> projected??? 47,000 annual riders would generate
> about $1.5 million in ticket sales (estimated
> based on $33 average per rider). Is 3% revenue
> sharing typical for such a lease? What does the
> State of California get for the wear and tear on
> roads and use of Wilder Park Ranch and Davenport
> Beach parking lots, restrooms and security/
> maintenance thereof?
>
> 5. How do the two operations (Daisy & RailBikes)
> running multiple excursions with 20+ vehicles
> operating in both directions on a single track
> from Wilder State Park to Davenport Beach control
> traffic flow on the line? PTC?