EXCURSION RAILROAD ASHEVILLE TO HENDERSONVILLE. By Larry Morton, President, Apple Valley Model Railroad Club

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "EXCURSION RAILROAD ASHEVILLE TO HENDERSONVILLE. By Larry Morton, President, Apple Valley Model Railroad Club"

Roxanne Short
5 years ago
Views:

1 EXCURSION RAILROAD ASHEVILLE TO HENDERSONVILLE By Larry Morton, President, Apple Valley Model Railroad Club

PURPOSE Determine interest from this group in pursuing a passenger excursion train to run from Asheville to Hendersonville then to Saluda and return Obtain approval for

2 PURPOSE Determine interest from this group in pursuing a passenger excursion train to run from Asheville to Hendersonville then to Saluda and return Obtain approval for appropriate agencies to begin research in determining if the public, businesses and industries have an interest in pursuing this excursion train Solicit input on how to proceed and next steps

3 PROPOSAL Operate an excursion train from Asheville (vicinity of Biltmore Village or River Arts District) to Hendersonville with same day return service using existing tracks. Stops could be included at Arden/Fletcher and East Flat Rock. Special events such as wine and cheese, birthday parties, dinner excursions as well as using local acting and musical talent to promote businesses in all three cities Excursion could be expanded to other points south (e.g., Saluda) and west (e.g., Great Smokey Mountains Railway, Cherokee) Service could be daily, seasonal (e.g., Apple Fest through Fall) and/or 2-5 days a week (e.g., Friday, Saturday, Sunday) or a combination of commuter and excursion trips

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT Use existing park and ride locations as well as existing bus service (S lines) in Asheville and Hendersonville (routes 1,2,3) allowing passengers to park their cars and take a

5 OPERATIONAL CONCEPT Use existing park and ride locations as well as existing bus service (S lines) in Asheville and Hendersonville (routes 1,2,3) allowing passengers to park their cars and take a bus/trolley from the park location to the train station and return Initially, train could consist of a Blue Ridge Southern locomotive and use a coach and/or parlor car. Rail car service could consist of soft drinks, snacks, beer/wine and a tour guide that could explain the history of the Saluda grade and expand on shopping/dining opportunities in Hendersonville/Saluda and Asheville

PROPOSED STATION/PARK AND RIDE LOCATIONS IN HENDERSONVILLE, ASHEVILLE AND SALUDA Hendersonville New hotel to be built in Hendersonville near track and bus transfer point Use existing routes to take

6 PROPOSED STATION/PARK AND RIDE LOCATIONS IN HENDERSONVILLE, ASHEVILLE AND SALUDA Hendersonville New hotel to be built in Hendersonville near track and bus transfer point Use existing routes to take people from train to downtown and return Asheville Use existing bus service (S lines) to Biltmore Village and River Arts district Saluda Use existing parking Possible trackside locations for station/tickets/park and ride on next slides

11 BENEFITS Positive impact on tourism/business in Asheville, Hendersonville and Saluda Draws people to businesses in each town, SHORT list of attractions: Asheville: Breweries, Biltmore, River Arts District, downtown Hendersonville/Flat Rock: Breweries, Flat Rock Playhouse, Carl Sandburg home, festivals, Hendersonville Symphony, Heritage Museum, downtown, Apple Valley Model Railroad Club Saluda: Train station, shops, restaurants Adds revenue via park and ride kiosks and existing bus service Reduces traffic on I-26, I-40 and major roads Reduces downtown parking overload Gives visitors another reason to stay in Hendersonville, Asheville, Saluda

12 ISSUES TO ADDRESS Funding note: State transportation reps said no data, no funding Who pays and how much/when to be determined after market survey determines there is a need. Security Safety/police/fire impact study Environmental study, if required Insurance needs TBD based on results of analysis (estimate $5 million policy costs $20,000) Traffic/parking study impact Rail classification: track from Asheville south to 1 mile north of Hendersonville is Class 2, top speed 30 mph for passenger service Utilities impact Water/sewer/electric Building location for ticket office/park and ride(note: Blue Ridge Southern owns 25 feet on each side of track and could allow kiosks/passenger boarding facilities)

13 NEXT STEPS Approve the concept Approve the proposal to start survey work Begin coordination with other cities/counties/agencies/organizations, state and federal legislators Begin funding search Begin equipment search Begin coordination with Blue Ridge Southern, Norfolk/Southern Identify business model/business plan

CONCLUSION Rail excursions proven to be popular (Great Smoky Mountain Railway, others) Commuter service could be included initially or added later Rail service to Great Smokey

14 CONCLUSION Rail excursions proven to be popular (Great Smoky Mountain Railway, others) Commuter service could be included initially or added later Rail service to Great Smokey Mountain Railway, and Cherokee could be added Select Apple Valley Model Railroad Club members willing to assist Contact information: Larry Morton,

15 HENDERSONVILLE OLD HOSIERY/NEW HOTEL SITE LOOKING NORTHEAST

16 HENDERSONVILLE LOOKING NORTH FROM STATION

17 HENDERSONVILLE STAR DRAY BUILDING LOOKING NORTHEAST

18 OLD EAST FLAT ROCK STATION LOOKING SOUTHWEST

Harness the Power & Economic Punch the Group Tour Market Packs

Harness the Power & Economic Punch the Group Tour Market Packs Agenda Planes/Trains/Automobiles/Buses Let s Discuss the Metrics The reasons for Group Travel 3 P s Keep Your Eye on the Opportunities 25