 |
Re: Excursion Operations on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line
Author: RailEX
Date: 02-17-2016 - 10:19
This is a wonderful forum - I'm not sure if this will help but we are the people proposing the Rail Explorers idea. I will try to answer any questions you may have.
Our current operation in the Adirondacks New York was launched last year with railbike tours running between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear, on the Remsen to Lake Placid Railroad. (www.RailExplorers.net)
NY State is looking to remove part of this beautiful historic railroad. We are fighting alongside Adirondack Scenic Railroad and TRAC (Trails & Rails Action Committee)to save the railroad from being cut in half to make way for a multi-use trail.
If the State's proposal goes ahead, Rail Explorers will potentially relocate to a section of track that will remain, to the south of Tupper Lake. But the fight is not over yet!
Our mission is to work with communities to activate underused railroads in a new and exciting way to provide positive economic and social impact. The railbikes can be ridden by everyone, families with young children, couples young and old, the elderly and those with disabilities. It is a truly multi-generational activity. In NY last year we had 96 yr old great grandparents riding alongside their 1 year old great grandchild.
In Santa Cruz we hope that using the railroad for community transportation becomes viable and in place within a few years. In the interim the Rail Explorers railbikes can activate the rail today, and can be removed just as quickly if another solution for the rails is introduced.
Our business will not cost the county anything. Any public lands we use will be managed and maintained by Rail Explorers and improved if necessary (eg safe access and toilet facilities). We are also a social enterprise sharing a percentage of profit with the community NFP.
Rail Explorers will present our proposal tomorrow to the RTC.
We ask that you keep an open mind about our proposal as we want to compliment the community's vision and be a positive addition, providing training and jobs, whilst preserving and activating this beautiful railroad.
Thank you - Mary Joy Lu & Alex Catchpoole
Our current operation in the Adirondacks New York was launched last year with railbike tours running between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear, on the Remsen to Lake Placid Railroad. (www.RailExplorers.net)
NY State is looking to remove part of this beautiful historic railroad. We are fighting alongside Adirondack Scenic Railroad and TRAC (Trails & Rails Action Committee)to save the railroad from being cut in half to make way for a multi-use trail.
If the State's proposal goes ahead, Rail Explorers will potentially relocate to a section of track that will remain, to the south of Tupper Lake. But the fight is not over yet!
Our mission is to work with communities to activate underused railroads in a new and exciting way to provide positive economic and social impact. The railbikes can be ridden by everyone, families with young children, couples young and old, the elderly and those with disabilities. It is a truly multi-generational activity. In NY last year we had 96 yr old great grandparents riding alongside their 1 year old great grandchild.
In Santa Cruz we hope that using the railroad for community transportation becomes viable and in place within a few years. In the interim the Rail Explorers railbikes can activate the rail today, and can be removed just as quickly if another solution for the rails is introduced.
Our business will not cost the county anything. Any public lands we use will be managed and maintained by Rail Explorers and improved if necessary (eg safe access and toilet facilities). We are also a social enterprise sharing a percentage of profit with the community NFP.
Rail Explorers will present our proposal tomorrow to the RTC.
We ask that you keep an open mind about our proposal as we want to compliment the community's vision and be a positive addition, providing training and jobs, whilst preserving and activating this beautiful railroad.
Thank you - Mary Joy Lu & Alex Catchpoole
