New ticket prices for Texas State Railroad released
BY TERRIE GONZALEZ MANAGING EDITOR

When American Heritage Railways takes over the Texas State Railroad on Sept. 1, an adult round-trip ticket in a climate-controlled coach will increase by 54 percent.

An adult roundtrip ticket in an airconditioned car will cost $40.50 after Sept. 1, compared to $27, which the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department charged in 2007.

A child's ticket is going to increase slightly, from TPWD's $20 round-trip in an air conditioned car to $20.50.

"Kids Ride Free," a successful TPWD promotion each summer, is not likely to continue.

AHR is not offering one-way coach fares. However, it is offering a lower ticket price for customers who choose a diesel locomotive over a steam engine.

Diesel train rides will cost $34.50 and $16.50 for adults and children (ages 3-11) respectively in a non-air conditioned coach. Climate control costs $2 more for adults and $1 more for children.

The steam and diesel engines will rotate between Rusk and Palestine, and customers are asked to tell the reservation agent if they have a preference.

The name "Texas State Railroad" will not change, although AHR is using the slogan, "A Texas Treasure," instead of "the official state railroad of Texas." TPWD adopted that slogan in 2003 after passage of a bill authored by state Rep. Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville).

American Heritage Railways unveiled a new logo for the TSR, featuring a Texas star and a diesel and steam engine. A new web page lists a fall-winter schedule, including special event excursions.

For each of the weekend dates in September, AHR qualified the schedule as "pending," and asks customers to confirm the updated schedule.

Heavy summer rains caused up to $700,000 of damage to the tracks, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is trying to make repairs in time for the transfer.

October, November and December train dates do not have a "pending" notation, and AHR is pressing forward with plans to bring a popular children's character, Thomas the Tank, to East Texas during two weekends in October. Confirmed dates are Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28, and all trains will depart from the Rusk depot.

"A Day Out with Thomas" excursions are priced at $19.49 for adults and children, and Rusk Chamber of Commerce manager Connie Brown said that 20,000 visitors are anticipated over the two weekends.

Ticket prices include an abbreviated, 30-minute train ride, a photo with Sir Topham Hatt, storytelling, a viewing station for videos, temporary tattoos and an Imagination Station.

"Thomas" tickets may be purchased on-line through the Web site.

Polar Express Train rides during the evening will begin Nov. 23 and continue on select dates through Dec. 23. Those excursions will originate from the Palestine depot.

Dates have not been confirmed for two other themed excursions: "Country Christmas" and "The Little Engine that Could." AHR officials anticipate the latter will be during March 2008.

Tickets for regular train rides and other special events require a reservation agent's assistance.

The 2008 schedule kicks off Jan. 5 and includes scheduled dates through Aug. 31 on the new Web site.

AHR's new Web site is www.texasstaterr. com or reservations can be made toll-free at (888) 987-2461.

Friends of the Texas State Railroad own a domain address which is very similar to AHR's address: www.texasstaterailroad. com.

The opening page features the photo of the Bean's Creek washout and indicates that all rides have been suspended temporarily pending repairs.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Texas State Railroad excursion rides will resume Sept. 1, pending repair to the track damaged by recent floods.

American Heritage assumes management of the Texas State Railroad Sept. 1. Regular excursions depart from both Rusk and Palestine depots.
RESERVATIONS:
Phone: 1-888-987-2461
On-line: www.texasstaterr.com

	Adult	Child*
CLIMATE-CONTROLLED CAR:
Diesel	$36.50	$18.50
Steam	$40.50	$21.50
REGULAR CAR:
Diesel	$34.50	$16.50
Steam	$38.50	$19.50

*ages 3-11

GRAPHIC: CHEROKEEAN HERALD