Date: Jul 12, 2002

The Rio Grande Railway Preservation Company (RGRPC) received word today from Peter Clark, Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor, that both Carson and Rio Grande National Forests are rescinding the special closure order, effective immediately.

RGRPC is pleased to announce that passenger service for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will resume on Tuesday, July 16, 2002, with a 10:00 a.m. departure from Chama, New Mexico to Cumbres Pass, Colorado and return. Trains will operate Tuesday through Saturday for the remainder of the summer, and resume seven day a week operations in September.

"We are just elated", Acting General Manager Kim Smith Flowers said. "We appreciate the collective efforts from Rio Grande and Carson National Forest officials for their diligence in monitoring our situation, and especially the efforts of Ken Schein and Joe Valdez for their support and training," she added.

The train will be operating an abbreviated schedule until on-going track work is completed, and necessary fire suppression equipment can be assembled and dispatched to resume full operations. "We anticipate full service from Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico within the next two weeks," Smith Flowers said. "We realize the fire danger is still an issue. We are committed to run the safest operation possible, and will continue with our fire suppression program until conditions improve," she added.

Media Contact:
Kim Flowers
Acting General Manager
Rio Grande Railway Preservation Corporation
P.O. Box 789
Chama, NM 87520
(505) 756-2151
Email: kimflowers@cumbrestoltec.com

Se also the link below

Cumbres and Toltec information
drgw483@la-tierra.com