New guy running the cvsr.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/cuyahoga-valley-scenic-railroad-names-new-president-1.307542

 

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad names new president

 

By Bob Downing

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Published: May 16, 2012 - 10:01 PM

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has a new president and chief executive officer.

 

Craig B. Tallman, a group vice president for YRC Worldwide trucking until last October, replaces Steven Wait, who has retired after 5½ years as head of the tourist railroad.

 

Tallman, 58, of Hudson, has worked for national and international trucking companies since graduating from the University of Iowa in 1976. He was transferred to the Akron-Cleveland area 10 years ago.

 

“I am excited about my responsibilities,” he said in a statement. “The railroad is performing well and is an enjoyable means to experience the nature and heritage of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. One of my focus areas will be to further engage our communities and businesses for participation and support.”

... but will he push for expansion into downtown Cleveland?  I'm sure, with all the casino craziness (and concomitant parking headaches) in Cleveland, Akron-Cantonians wouldn't mind such a convenience.

... but will he push for expansion into downtown Cleveland?  I'm sure, with all the casino craziness (and concomitant parking headaches) in Cleveland, Akron-Cantonians wouldn't mind such a convenience.

 

I'm sure they wouldn't, but there's no capital or operating money available and thus no board interest in it. Steve Wait began pushing for it last year and hired me to do the community outreach, but the board told him to stop it which also meant I could no longer continue either.

 

BTW, Hudson had the story last week about Tallman (great name!), but the press release wasn't issued until yesterday...

 

Hudson's Craig Tallman becomes new CEO of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

By Ohio.com staff

 

Published: May 9, 2012 - 01:49 PM

Craig Tallman, of Hudson, was recently announced as new president and CEO of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The decision was made after a nationwide search, according to the Hudson Hub Times.

 

Tallman will replace Steven Wait, CEO since 2006, who announced retirement at age 59 last November.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://hudson.ohio.com/hudson-s-craig-tallman-becomes-new-ceo-of-cuyahoga-valley-scenic-railroad-1.305890

I'm sure they wouldn't, but there's no capital or operating money available and thus no board interest in it. Steve Wait began pushing for it last year and hired me to do the community outreach, but the board told him to stop it which also meant I could no longer continue either.

 

Damn, then maybe we should find out how to fire the Board.  :evil:

On a serious note: this episode (CVSR ordering no discussion of the downtown connection; then, suddenly, the CEO's retirement), disturbingly echoes the Ron Tober experience: GM executes the 1st rail extension in 28 years; draws up plans for rapid & commuter rail extension, which the RTA board is against and, then, Tober is sent packing).... Obviously, I don't know the exact reasons for Steve Wait's retirement, other than the fact that he was 59.  But CVSR's stubbornness regarding the downtown issue sounds all-too retrogressive when it comes to rail in the Cleveland area... Well, at least Akron Metro is more progressive than we Clevelanders with their purchase, extension of service south the Canton and their recent plans for DMU commuter service on lines in and around Akron.  Maybe Akron's aggressive progressiveness will shame officials in Akron's stubborn big brother to the North.

Well nothing has been done yet in Akron regarding any trains. A study is nearly forthcoming but I don't believe Cleveland had any consideration. That is a totally different scope. The study is more about using existing rail assets to enhance bus service and linking together the cuyahoga valley with downtown and goodyear with potentially points further south.  I can't foresee a study starting until there is actual service via metro on the line which in the crazy best scenario would be 2 years from now.  I think there is great appreciation of the train in summit county but i think people are just starting to realize the potential.

 

I think there would have to be a lot of parties that would have to come together to make that link happen.  Maybe Gilbert can spearhead that commission as part of his phase 2 plans.

On a serious note: this episode (CVSR ordering no discussion of the downtown connection; then, suddenly, the CEO's retirement)

 

There's no connection. Even before Steve Wait brought me on to pursue the Cleveland extension, he told me he was considering leaving CVSR. He enjoyed his time at CVSR but has been a freight railroad guy all of his life, so he started working at Cleveland Commercial Railroad as its marketing director while he was at CVSR. He wants to spend more time at CCR in business development which is doing some great things and is run by some great people. Just sitting in room with all of them is a trip. They are world-class jokesters and teasers. There was nothing nefarious in Steve Wait's departure from CVSR.

 

Speaking of Akron, I saw CVSR's renderings of the expansion of the Akron depot with the gift shop and restrooms. I think many of you will like it, as it puts the new building inside the pick-up/drop-off loop lane that comes off and returns to Furnace Street. The building comes up to the sidewalk on Furnace and is designed with an 19th-century clapboard siding style, similar to the CVSR depot.

I think there would have to be a lot of parties that would have to come together to make that link happen.  Maybe Gilbert can spearhead that commission as part of his phase 2 plans.

 

That would be ideal, and make sense, since the possibility of influencing large numbers of people to ride comfortably to the door of his casino exists... But it appears Gilbert is indifferent to CVSR. He seems more intent on creating more parking and connecting his "welcome center" parking garage to the Higbee Building via the diagonal overhead walkway over the Prospect/Ontario intersection.

On a separate note, those considering riding the CVSR this weekend should stand warned, particularly those contemplating riding the afternoon train: Thomas the Tank Engine is back in the park, and a number of the cars on the "primary" train were shifted over to that family-friendly attraction.  The result, at least last weekend (admittedly, with near-perfect weather) was that the main train was standing room only from Peninsula all the way down to Botzum.  In part, that was because the weather brought more people out, but also, the train itself was many cars shorter than normal.  (I certainly hope that the Thomas train was similarly full, or else it was a serious failure of demand forecasting on the part of the CVSR.  The main train could have definitely used another car or two.)

 

I actually had it easier than some.  I got on at Peninsula going south back to Akron.  There was a huge boy scout troop getting off, all of which had bikes.  They disembarked 60 bikes at Peninsula, which freed up some room for me and my fiancee--and it was *still* standing room only!

I'm surprised they sold standing room-only tickets.

 

And take/share photos of such a mass of humanity! You know we love photos at UO.

Maybe they didn't sell standing-room-only tickets for "normal" passengers (or maybe they did, I don't know), but they were definitely selling them for Bike Aboard riders.  (Glad they were, too, since I'd have hated to have missed the last southbound train of the day.)

Good point. I can see how the Bike Aboard tickets could constitute a standing room-only ticket since you don't/can't reserve them ahead of time.

http://tinyurl.com/78d8cuw

 

Beginners Bike Aboard

Wed, June 20, 1:00pm – 3:15pm

 

Every 2 weeks on Wednesday, until Aug 15, 2012

 

Where

13512 Station Rd. Brecksville, OH 44141

map

Calendar

Greater Cleveland Cycling Events

Created by

[email protected]

Description

This Bike Aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad excursion is suitable for riders of all abilty levels. The our route along the historic towpath trail is mostly flat and smooth with only slight hills. The bike portion of this excursion will last between 60 and 90 minutes.

See the route here

 

1:05pm Brecksville Station:

    Board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

1:20pm Peninsula Station

    Arrive at the historic Peninsula Station

1:45 Towpath in Peninsula

    Begin the 6.75 mile ride back to Brecksville Station.

2:45 - 3:15 Brecksville Station

    This excursion ends at Brecksville Station

 

Need a Promo Code? Call (330) 532 - 8687 and register for updates to receive a $10 off code.

 

GLTC.EventBrite.com

 

Contact Anne at [email protected]

New guy in charge of CVSR with what his goals are going forward. He'd like to get to downtown Cleveland as a goal:

 

Trucks to trains is easy transition

 

By Bob Downing

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Published: July 2, 2012 - 11:38 PM | Updated: July 3, 2012 - 07:01 AM

 

 

BOSTON TWP.: Craig B. Tallman is a truck, not a train, guy.

 

But the 58-year-old Tallman is learning about trains — especially the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

 

He is frequently riding the trains and talking to passengers, staff and volunteers to learn more about the appeal of the popular tourist railroad that runs through the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park and stretches south to Akron and Canton.

 

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/trucks-to-trains-is-easy-transition-1.317941

That's good to hear. I'll give him a shout soon to see what he might have in mind.

From CVSR.....

 

To all:

 

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR is in need of photographs for their upcoming celebration of the 40th anniversary of the incorporation of the operation in 1972.  Passenger trains started operating in the Valley to Hale Farm in 1975. 

 

They are especially in need of photos from the 1970's and '80's, but will use photos from any year of operation.  In addition to photos of the train, they would also like photos of people who worked on the trains, various locations on the line, etc.  They can only offer photo credit for use of any photos, but I have been assured that you will be credited for your work.

 

If you have any photos that might be of interest, please format them as .jpg in the highest resolution possible and send them by mid-August to Director of Development Amy Dragga, at:  [email protected]

Railroad to continue Bike Aboard! program; fee to rise

By Bob Downing

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: November 5, 2012 - 11:52 PM

 

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Bike Aboard! program will continue in 2013, but the price bicyclists pay will increase a dollar.

 

The fee for the popular program, which attracted nearly 22,000 bicyclists this year, will be raised from $2 to $3, railroad spokesman Kelly Steele-Moore said.

 

“Even at $3, we feel that it’s still a great bargain,” she said.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/railroad-to-continue-bike-aboard-program-fee-to-rise-1.347879

idk,  Haven't seen this discussed anywhere so here ya go...

idk,  Haven't seen this discussed anywhere so here ya go...

 

Interesting! Not sure where the NPS is getting the money for that anyway. I thought their budget was being slashed and they haven't gotten any new grants this large to pay for $4 million worth of bridge projects. I will inquire.

Exceptional performance for a passenger rail service that doesn't yet go to Downtown Cleveland -- or exceed 40 mph! A decade ago, CVSR estimated it would add another 100,000 riders per year if it reached Downtown Cleveland.

 

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad sets ridership record in 2012

By SCOTT SUTTELL

9:18 am, January 30, 2013

 

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula set a ridership record in 2012.

 

The nonprofit reports that 210,347 passengers climbed aboard to travel through Cuyahoga Valley National Park last year, a 31% increase from 160,009 passengers in 2011 — a year the railroad didn't run a full schedule due to track repairs. In 2010, CVSR carried 195,662 passengers.

 

Special events — beer and wine-tasting excursions, Bike Aboard!, Day Out With Thomas, Underground Railroad, Student Explorer Educational Field trips and The Polar Express — accounted for 38,305 of the passengers in 2012, CVSR said.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130130/FREE/130139978

Snow dusted Cuyahoga Vly Scenic RR Rockside Station today. Trains run only to Peninsula w/ bridge work south of there...

 

CVSR is ranked #2

 

"@TrainTraveling: Best Fall foliage trains... Check out the top 10... http://t.co/Iy9w7tNvwl #fallfoliage #autumncolors #us #usa"

:-( I'd practically forgotten about this thread.  I think this thread was probably hit pretty hard by the crash.  A lot of good stuff went on with CVSR this summer.  This is the kind of thing that makes me miss living on the Towpath (and we just moved this week).

Cvsr and metro are working a deal to let cvsr keep the train cars that they were leasing from metro. Cvsr was hoping to get a section of rail and more rights to interconnect on their tracks to other lines.  Metro refused that and also running the northside station.  If anything metro should seek more track from cvsr as it goes through the city of Akron.

 

Read about it in the various letters between the heads of cvsr and metro:

 

www.akronmetro.org/Data/Sites/2/pdf/september2013boardpacket.pdf

My response is more off-topic so I posted it here....

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3709.msg675618.html#msg675618

 

However I do think CVSR should acquire from Akron Metro RTA the section of rail right of way from Howard Street to Akron Junction (near Arlington Street). CVSR is and will likely be for the foreseeable future, the dominant user of this right of way.

Just spent some time catching up on the CVSR thread. Took it this past Friday for Ales On Rails. Great event.

 

Anything new on the potential Cleveland connection? The only unenjoyable part of the trip was having to drive.

 

I really think getting CVSR up here coupled with the Metroparks taking over some of the Flats and the incoming Towpath will be the best thing going on in the city.

Just spent some time catching up on the CVSR thread. Took it this past Friday for Ales On Rails. Great event.

 

Anything new on the potential Cleveland connection? The only unenjoyable part of the trip was having to drive.

 

I really think getting CVSR up here coupled with the Metroparks taking over some of the Flats and the incoming Towpath will be the best thing going on in the city.

 

Glad you took part in the CVSR's return (following the federal shutdown)!

 

All Aboard Ohio's Summer Meeting was held in August onboard the CVSR from Independence to Akron and return, followed by a lunch at Yours Truly with CVSR President Craig Tallman. He spoke of some efforts to improve linkages at the north end. One of those was used by our meeting attendees to walk from CVSR's Rockside Station to Yours Truly -- the new, $1 million ped/bike bridge over the Cuyahoga River to the Lock 39 Trailhead.

 

This is how that bridge looked last April while under construction. It was finished and open in June 2013....

 

 

 

That bridge offers several new options.... 1) it provides a convenient connection to the Towpath Trail; 2) it provides a safe ped/bike route to the Thornburg Station development (home of Yours Truly, Lockkeeper's Inn, Malley's etc); 3) and it provides a relatively direct route to Canal Road which is a stop on the #35 GCRTA bus whose Garfield Mall branch on Rockside runs hourly weekdays-only http://www.riderta.com/sites/default/files/schedule-pdfs/35.pdf.

 

CVSR is considering other options to improve linkages at the north end, using a grant to pay for a transportation scholar to review those options. One of the lease expensive options under consideration would include shuttle buses to/from Rockside Station to the top of the hill to the many motels up there, as well as to the #77F GCRTA bus which runs every day on Brecksville/I-77 into downtown Cleveland.

 

All Aboard Ohio floated a more expensive option but could potentially offer some enhanced linkages to Downtown Cleveland.....

 

http://freepdfhosting.com/15dceae754.pdf (right-click and rotate)

Thanks for the update, Ken.

 

So there's no stated goal of when they'd hope to connect Downtown? Flipping through old posts, I saw an old one talking about a five-year goal. But then that CEO left.

 

I'm biased since I live Downtown and have no plans to leave the Downtown/Near West side any time in the foreseeable future, but I really think getting CVSR up to Downtown will be a world-class addition to the entire region. I actually like hanging out in Downtown Akron and Canton, and wouldn't mind a way to get down there. Sure CVSR is currently seen as more recreational, but perhaps it'd be a way to show our deeply anti-rail state that there's promise in long-distance rail connections.

 

Granted neither myself or my friends are all that deeply embedded into CVSR affairs, but everyone I speak to says getting the train Downtown is most important to them (as far as CVSR happenings go).

 

Cheers!

I hear ya. Sadly, dealing with CSX Transportation (owner of the tracks from Independence north to downtown) is like trying to <<insert example of trying to uproot a stubborn person>>. CSX may change its attitude someday, just as it changed to this attitude. In the mid-1990s, CVSR and the National Park Service was near to getting a deal done with CSX to acquire its right of way. Then CSX and NS got into a bidding war for Conrail and all right of way decisions were shelved. Then a hedge fund took control of CSX's board of directors and the company has become one of the worst at public and community relations.

 

Even if the current track owner was willing to play ball, CVSR or someone on its behalf would have to come up with $20 million in capital improvements and, at least as important, a consistent revenue stream to offset operating costs of perhaps $1 million per year in perpetuity.

So you’ve got this stock sitting pretty much idle during weekdays.  Have you ever considered setting up your own commuter run?  Make it a membership based thing, paid in advance and limited to 75-80% of available capacity, running a train from a big enough parking lot somewhere south of 480 (wherever works best) once early in the morning and back around 5 or 530 in the evening.  Maybe even start out a couple days a week.  Make the costs higher than taking RTA but equivalent (or less) than the costs of gas/parking/etc. 

 

You wouldn’t really even be competing with RTA because your target base would likely rather go to the dentist than take RTA as it exists today.  But even if you are, so what?  They could use some, especially on the highly underserved south side.

 

Who says mass transit has to be public transit?

 

I've asked CVSR about this. CVSR considers itself an educational organization, so its trains serve an educational purpose -- providing a way to experience the history, wildlife and recreational opportunities of the Cuyahoga Valley. Even if they wanted to run commuter trains, they would continue to have an extremely difficult time getting CSX permission to run trains on its tracks, north into downtown. GCRTA would also have to give its permission, as GCRTA is the state-authorized transit agency for Cuyahoga County. I don't foresee GCRTA blocking it, however. But CSX would block a commuter service because they've blocked CVSR and the National Park Service so far. There is always a way to get something accomplished, but the price tag may be too high to make this worthwhile. And that's why the extension north to downtown, either as a commuter service or as an excursion service, hasn't happened.

 

Now, having said all of that, there are some on CVSR's board who -- if they ever got CSX permi$$ion to run north of Independence -- would probably operate the Cleveland extension as a short shuttle train back and forth between downtown and the Rockside Station. The first train south from downtown would probably have to depart about 8:30 a.m. or so to connect with the first excursion train of the day which departs Rockside at 9 a.m. And where is CVSR's train yard? In the very southeast corner of Independence, off old Fitzwater Road. In fact, CVSR crews simply call this facility "Fitzwater." So that first train has to get to downtown to load up passengers. Well, that's a long way to go as a "deadhead" move -- not carrying any revenue passengers. So CVSR would probably sell tickets to ride. And if commuters happen to be some of their passengers, they won't kick them off the train....

 

In fact, CVSR does carry a few commuters into downtown Akron on its Wednesday-Thursday-Friday runs that operate from May to November. They've carried students and some office workers who use the Akron Metro RTA shuttle from Akron Northside Station to their final destinations.

 

BTW, CVSR desperately wants to improve linkages at the north end. Their ridership estimates show they would increase their existing, record-breaking ridership of 200,000 in 2012 by AT LEAST another 100,000 annual riders if they could get to downtown Cleveland.

I think a shuttle would fail and leave a bad taste in everybody's mouth, spoiling the chance of an actual expansion.

For what it's worth...

 

I'd obviously prefer the CVSR train itself coming downtown, but I would use a shuttle. I'm definitely in that 100,000 crowd that would go far more often if there was a Downtown link.

I think a shuttle would fail and leave a bad taste in everybody's mouth, spoiling the chance of an actual expansion.

 

I think some at CVSR were interested in a shuttle because it would run more frequently than its existing three daily round trips. Theoretically, it could operate hourly, depending on what kind of track improvements were made and how much schedule padding they would need to build into the schedule -- especially in having to wait for slow-moving CSX and NS freight trains crossing at-grade at the bottom of the Big Creek valley below the Harvard-Denison bridge.

Since we're probably all dreaming anyway, here's an idea. Since CSX seems to be the biggest obstacle, can the route be built without using their tracks? If NS were to complete the Lakefront Bypass, CVSR could use then use their elevated line around the east side of downtown to get from the Amshack around and down to the valley by Slavic Village and then rebuild the tracks along Mill creek to get down to Garfield Heights. Or, for that matter, if NS doesn't build the connections to use the lakefront bypass, CVSR could use the tracks between Kinsman and Broadway to get up to 77 and 490 and then follow the old right of way to Tower City. Obviously neither option would be cheap though.

I hear ya. Sadly, dealing with CSX Transportation (owner of the tracks from Independence north to downtown) is like trying to <<insert example of trying to uproot a stubborn person>>. CSX may change its attitude someday, just as it changed to this attitude. In the mid-1990s, CVSR and the National Park Service was near to getting a deal done with CSX to acquire its right of way. Then CSX and NS got into a bidding war for Conrail and all right of way decisions were shelved. Then a hedge fund took control of CSX's board of directors and the company has become one of the worst at public and community relations.

 

Even if the current track owner was willing to play ball, CVSR or someone on its behalf would have to come up with $20 million in capital improvements and, at least as important, a consistent revenue stream to offset operating costs of perhaps $1 million per year in perpetuity.

 

To hear a CSX official who addressed the recent NARP meeting in Jacksonville, they would be interested in selling any line that isn't one of their core lines. The line to downtown Cleveland is plainly NOT a core line, so it it might be worth another try.

Since we're probably all dreaming anyway, here's an idea. Since CSX seems to be the biggest obstacle, can the route be built without using their tracks? If NS were to complete the Lakefront Bypass, CVSR could use then use their elevated line around the east side of downtown to get from the Amshack around and down to the valley by Slavic Village and then rebuild the tracks along Mill creek to get down to Garfield Heights. Or, for that matter, if NS doesn't build the connections to use the lakefront bypass, CVSR could use the tracks between Kinsman and Broadway to get up to 77 and 490 and then follow the old right of way to Tower City. Obviously neither option would be cheap though.

 

CVSR (the operator) and National Park Service (the likely track owner) have looked at numerous options over the past 15-20 years, including using NS past the zoo to the Ridge-Denison area then northeast to the Ohio City Rapid station. Another option was to reactivate the long-abandoned (and in some places, buried by landfills) B&O track up the Mill Creek valley to reach the N&SS tracks over Harvard & Broadway parallel to Jones Road, then on a new track alongside the busy NS mainline to Union Avenue, then northwest alongside the NS/CCR which parallels Bessemer Avenue and follow the former Erie commuter rail route into Tower City Center.

 

All those options were more expensive or ran into freight railroad opposition compared to the more direct CSX valley line.

 

 

 

To hear a CSX official who addressed the recent NARP meeting in Jacksonville, they would be interested in selling any line that isn't one of their core lines. The line to downtown Cleveland is plainly NOT a core line, so it it might be worth another try.

 

South of Harvard-Denison and north of I-490, this CSX right of way is clearly not one of their core routes. The portion in the middle is the kicker. There is an unused CSX track between the active CSX tracks and Steelyard Commons in this middle area that CVSR has eyed in the past. But it is immediately adjacent to active CSX tracks. I would not be surprised that if CSX sells that track to the National Park Service, CSX would stipulate that the NPS "drag" the track up 25 feet away from the parallel, active CSX tracks.

Great discussion!  I had never thought of a rail link to the Cleveland Zoo. That would be huge!  This goes back to what i was saying that Metro RTA should buy the part of the track that is not in CVNP land. This will give CVSR money to negotiate with CSX on track in the north to further extend even if it ends up being to Steelyard Commons.

Great discussion!  I had never thought of a rail link to the Cleveland Zoo. That would be huge!  This goes back to what i was saying that Metro RTA should buy the part of the track that is not in CVNP land. This will give CVSR money to negotiate with CSX on track in the north to further extend even if it ends up being to Steelyard Commons.

 

While First Interstate offered a station at the north end of Steelyard Commons, there was also consideration of having a station at Old Harvard Road, south of Steelyard Commons. In conjunction with building the Lower Big Creek Trail (http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bike/lowerCreek.html), the zoo could run its trams down the trail to a CVSR station at Harvard and back to provide a zoo connection. And coincidentally, extending CVSR north to Harvard Road is the "easiest" CVSR extension to do because CSX uses this section of track very lightly. There has been consideration of a shortline like Cleveland Commercial RR, Flats Industrial RR or The Crow (Cleveland Works Railway) taking over operation of the line south of Jennings Crossing (where the NS and CSX lines coming down Big Creek valley cross the CSX Valley Line at grade, below the Harvard-Denison Bridge). But the ownership of the line remains a question. If CSX continues to own the line and leases it to a shortline, CVSR may not be allowed in the picture. But if the National Park Service or some other public entity owns the line and leases it to a shortline, then CVSR could fit better into that scenario.

I hear ya. Sadly, dealing with CSX Transportation (owner of the tracks from Independence north to downtown) is like trying to <<insert example of trying to uproot a stubborn person>>. CSX may change its attitude someday, just as it changed to this attitude. In the mid-1990s, CVSR and the National Park Service was near to getting a deal done with CSX to acquire its right of way. Then CSX and NS got into a bidding war for Conrail and all right of way decisions were shelved. Then a hedge fund took control of CSX's board of directors and the company has become one of the worst at public and community relations.

 

Even if the current track owner was willing to play ball, CVSR or someone on its behalf would have to come up with $20 million in capital improvements and, at least as important, a consistent revenue stream to offset operating costs of perhaps $1 million per year in perpetuity.

 

To hear a CSX official who addressed the recent NARP meeting in Jacksonville, they would be interested in selling any line that isn't one of their core lines. The line to downtown Cleveland is plainly NOT a core line, so it it might be worth another try.

 

I was walking my daughter down the right of way Thursday night at Station St (she is utterly fascinated with bridges in general and the 82 bridge in particular) when two different trains came by heading south.  A lot more cars than I thought.  Does CVSR own/lease them?

 

I was walking my daughter down the right of way Thursday night at Station St (she is utterly fascinated with bridges in general and the 82 bridge in particular) when two different trains came by heading south.  A lot more cars than I thought.  Does CVSR own/lease them?

 

CVSR owns most of the cars. But you will see some marked with "Metro" in black letters in the upper corners. Those six coaches owned by Akron Metro RTA and leased by CVSR.

 

EDIT: an equipment roster showing the heritage of each locomotive or railcar and who sponsored its purchase or rehab is here:

http://www.cvsr.com/equipment-roster

This was taken in early November.  For those who like the rides.  I have 2 others on my YouTube page.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POjTMgJ4B2s

Nice job! I especially like the sound and editing work. Thanks for sharing.

 

FYI, the Emerson viewing car you noted at the start is formally called a Dome Car. But viewing car is just as appropriate!

Winter-spring service starts for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

CVSR offers many unique events in 2014

Rich Geyser

Jan 16, 2014

16 hours ago

 

PENINSULA, Ohio - The scenic train will be running again this weekend in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is the opening weekend, Jan. 18 and 19, 2014 for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s (CVSR) National Park Scenic Winter-Spring excursions

 

The winter-spring schedule for the Scenic Excursions is limited and will vary in January. This is due to bridge repairs and construction. January through mid-March will include departures from the Akron’s Northside Station, the Brecksville Station and Peninsula Depot.  Mid-March to April 27, service will be offered between Akron Northside and Peninsula.

 

Rockside Station and Canal Visitor Center will be closed until May 3, when the full track re-opens. From March 22 through April 27, Brecksville and Boston Mills stations will also be closed.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-summit/winter-spring-service-starts-for-the-cuyahoga-valley-scenic-railroad

For what it's worth...

 

I'd obviously prefer the CVSR train itself coming downtown, but I would use a shuttle. I'm definitely in that 100,000 crowd that would go far more often if there was a Downtown link.

 

I would too.  I could take the Red Line downtown, then walk out the back of Tower City to get on the CVSR, assuming they would use the old B&O station or something in that area. 

 

I've heard rumblings that a shortline railroad is seeking access to the CSX tracks from the Clark Avenue Yards near Steelyard Commons south along the Cuyahoga River to a location called Willow, between I-77 and SR-21 in Independence. But I've not heard a peep regarding any movement on a Cleveland extension of CVSR in years. Also there are no applications pending by CVSR, CVNP or anyone else with the federal Surface Transportation Board to use CSX tracks from Independence north to Steelyard Commons or downtown Cleveland. Instead, it sounds like First Interstate is trying to rekindle interest in this on-again, off-again project. Hope so! The sign is at the north end of Steelyard Commons. The photo was taken by Sam McNulty and posted on his Facebook page July 18.....

 

I've heard rumblings that a shortline railroad is seeking access to the CSX tracks from the Clark Avenue Yards near Steelyard Commons south along the Cuyahoga River to a location called Willow, between I-77 and SR-21 in Independence. But I've not heard a peep regarding any movement on a Cleveland extension of CVSR in years. Also there are no applications pending by CVSR, CVNP or anyone else with the federal Surface Transportation Board to use CSX tracks from Independence north to Steelyard Commons or downtown Cleveland. Instead, it sounds like First Interstate is trying to rekindle interest in this on-again, off-again project. Hope so! The sign is at the north end of Steelyard Commons. The photo was taken by Sam McNulty and posted on his Facebook page July 18.....

 

 

Of course the SYC people would be interested in this.  The question has to be if the CVSR people are.

Of course the SYC people would be interested in this.  The question has to be if the CVSR people are.

 

CVSR has been interested in this for a 20+ years. They just don't have $20 million siting around for the capital work or the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the operating subsidy. Unless Dan Gilbert will donate the money to make it happen.

Of course the SYC people would be interested in this.  The question has to be if the CVSR people are.

 

CVSR has been interested in this for a 20+ years. They just don't have $20 million siting around for the capital work or the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the operating subsidy. Unless Dan Gilbert will donate the money to make it happen.

 

If you run it to the Horseshoe, he just might....

If you run it to the Horseshoe, he just might....

 

Gilbert would have to take the initiative. And yes, a station (shared with the Jet Express to Sandusky and the Lake Erie Islands) could be at the riverside level of the Phase 2 casino. Combined, the boat and trains would save him the expense and space of constructing 1,000+ parking spaces.