Comments on: Passenger Train Travels Through North Escambia

By: Jim Larduskey

Jim Larduskey — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:32:12 +0000

They ride it because they want to. It is a novel experience because that particular railroad is not easily accessible by road. Most of the passengers are well advanced in age and on medication, so a mountain bike trip or similar active vacation would be out of the question. They can also afford to travel on a “rare mileage” trip which makes this trip extra special. This was the first “Revenue” passenger trip over this line in 55 years!!

Why does it cost so much??? Simple answer — LAWSUITS..

The tour had to take out Millions of dollars worth of Liability insurance to protect their considerable investment (the 4 cars themselves are priceless – 7 figures easily). The problem is not with the passengers, but with the potential idiot that the train might hit at a grade crossing. There is a lawsuit currently in progress by a person who ran through a protected crossing and then sued the railroad for something like 10 million dollars because according to the suit, the Railroad hadn’t informed the Public that Trains ran on Railroad tracks and that if you got hit by one, you might get hurt.

By: Uv Gotoo B. Kiddingme

Uv Gotoo B. Kiddingme — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:12:27 +0000

I never understood why trains are so danged expensive. Looked at an AmTrak trip cost lately? Outrageous!

Sure would be fun though. I make it a point to look for sales on trains every time I travel, and end up taking a plane as it costs far less and uses less time. Wish the prices would just come down…….

By: Just An Old Soldier

Just An Old Soldier — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:49:17 +0000

Money earned by hard working people and spent they way they care to spend it – wste and foolishness to one person might seem like a fit and honorable thing to another.

I watched this train ride past my house – and remarked how happy the people looked gathered at the rear car to watch the countryside go by. It brought back fond memories of train trips in my distant past – and gave me a thought that I might try such a trip again. I’ve always preferred a train to a plane, there’s just something about those wheels click-clacking down the tracks that speaks to my soul.

May God bless those that made such a trip possible. I know he blessed me as I watched it go by.

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 30 May 2010 12:28:02 +0000

As said many times before. The difference between the men and the boys,are the price of the toys. Gee I would love to have been on that excursion.

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:36:02 +0000

“The basic fare for the trip was $5,750 per person, double occupancy”

SHUCKS and I MISSED it.

David missing bargains

By: anydaynow

anydaynow — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:54:50 +0000

Shucks! I was hoping the Sunset Limited was coming back to rail. I’ve completely given up on the Hummingbird.

By: The Horn Doctor

The Horn Doctor — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:06:56 +0000

Someone obviously has never seen the inside of one of these rolling hotels. Cramped they are not. The train was full of almost entirely retirement-age people that can do whatever they want with their money. It is, after all, their money!

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Sat, 29 May 2010 16:01:05 +0000

They could have even stopped at the crossing at Brookwood and walked to Huddle House, McDonalds, Arby’s or other nearby eating places. Shopped Atmore northside too….

By: EscambiaGuy

EscambiaGuy — Sat, 29 May 2010 15:44:35 +0000

WHAT A GREAT PIECE OF HISTORY……. It would be awesome to travel on this tour.

By: Cynical

Cynical — Sat, 29 May 2010 15:11:49 +0000

Wow.

I wanted to RIDE that train – right up to the part about 6 Grand!