Del Monte Burns Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The people who run GGRM should have tried to get a
> signed agreement with SMART outlining what if any
> type of operation would be allowed on their rails
> before they agreed to move to Schellville.
> They probably would have been told to forget about
> it.
> A properly run tourist train like Napa Valley Wine
> train could bring extra money into communities
> like Santa Rosa and Healdsburg from visitors who
> patronize shops and restaurants
> but....unfortunately SMART would have been
> inundated with protests by NIMBY neighbors along
> the right of way who would not want noisy steam
> engines and old diesel trains rumbling along the
> tracks if a deal with GGRM was on the SMART Boards
> agenda.
> Remember all the legal battles NVR had to wage
> before winning the right to operate? It took
> several years and a lot of money from the original
> owners to win that fight.
> I dpn't think GGRM has that kind of money
> Having steam and vintage diesel trains would be
> nice but it would bring out inconsiderate foamers
> who would trespass along the right of way and
> drive like maniacs along parallel roads to get
> pictures and videos.
> SMART would not want to spend extra money on
> security for crowd control.
> They would not want antique trains interfering
> with regular operations.
> They have enough problems with people getting
> killed on the tracks
> SMART is a publicly financed agency that relies on
> taxpayer support not a tourist train only
> operation like Niles Canyon, OERM, Rio Vista and
> others that can find a right of way for their
> exclusive use that is in an urban area with a
> large population base.

Very well written. Mr. Burns got it right.I suggested nearly two years ago that GGRM sit down and discuss with SMART their hopes and dreams. The NCRA through contract (and transferred to the NWP) has a legal right to run excursions. The @#$%& is in the details. When and where is not spelled out.SMART's timetable forbids non roller bearing equipment. SMART could simply say GGRM can run excursions during the weekend. BUT wink, wink, they want a 200 million dollar insurance policy.