Over 404,000 rode rails in ‘04
The White Pass & Yukon Route ended the 2004 season with a new annual ridership record of 404,722 revenue passengers – breaking last year’s record of 348,559, the company announced at the end of September.
Gary Danielson, President of the WP&YR stated in a press release, “This historic accomplishment is testament to the team at White Pass and their desire to ‘exceed the expectations.’ Doing more while still ensuring safety, service and efficiency wasn’t without its challenges – we worked hard to earn that record!”
The investment in eight new coaches for the 2004 season provided the additional capacity to meet demand. Engine 96, a 90 class GE diesel locomotive, was returned to service after three decades of being cannibalized for parts. Last year’s daily ridership record was broken 12 times in 2004, the release said.
Danielson added, “For 2005, we’re expecting more modest growth because we’re up against capacity yet again! We’ve got exciting plans for an enhanced steam program, expanded charter service and development of Carcross as a destination for 2006.”
In May 2005, White Pass expects to take delivery of steam locomotive No.69, a 1907 Baldwin that was the largest steam locomotive ever built for the WP&YR. Snapshots of the two-year restoration project can be seen on the railroad company’s website at www.wpyr.com/railfancorner/engine69.html.
The White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge railway was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush and is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the Panama Canal, Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The WP&YR railroad is Alaska’s most popular shore excursion.
White Pass & Yukon Route is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tri-White Corporation based in Toronto, Ontario. The Tri-White Corporation is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange as TWH.
Top, a wide view of the string of parlor cars that were hit, and, bottom, a view of damage to the trucks and platforms of two cars. AC
WP work train comes undone, cars damaged
An accident in the White Pass and Yukon Route rail yard on Oct. 1 is under investigation.
“Four cars came uncoupled from a work train and rolled into the coach yard,” said WP&YR President Gary Danielson. “Eleven cars were damaged. The cause is under investigation, and we’re assessing the damage with outside help.”
One of the cars is completely off the tracks with visible damage to all 11 of the aforementioned parlor cars. No one was injured in the incident, which occured around lunchtime after the tourists were long gone. – AC
