Hi All,

Is there any requirements for reporting passenger numbers on a monthly basis to the fra for a tourist railroad? Several sources say yes, but don't provide anymore information.

Thanks

To whom? I think it is important to know yours for internal reasons, and to share them among ourselves to benefit us all, but to a national public entity of some sort?

Sorry, forgot to type to FRA. Fixed post

Yes, unless your operation meets the FRA's definition of "insular". See code of federal regulations, 49 CFR 225.3. You can also google for "FRA Guide for Preparing Accident/Incident Reports". Monthly reporting includes passenger counts, train miles (freight and passenger), hours worked, etc.

Alan Maples

Have you previously reported to the FRA?

-otto-

Dear Dave

Remember NOT all tourist railroads are privately owned and so ridership numbers would be of public importance. Properties such as the Nevada Southern and the C&TS are public institutions. The Grand Canyon Railway is privately held but interacts with a public property the National Park Service so those numbers are out. A railroad like the D&S is truly private but it is important to show their economic impact to community so D&S usually press releases numbers to the Durango Herald.

The FRA has kept statistics on Ridership for many years and that data can be accessed here.

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofs ... rstab.aspx

Robby Peartree

Computing the passenger miles report was one of the thrills of working as Conductor. On the local trains, the report was calculated from the agent's daily ticket sales reports. On the excursion trips, the Conductor started the report after the ticket lift leaving the originating terminal. Passengers entraining/detraining at intermediate stations also had to be accounted for.

Great link.

I help out a bit on the Lake Whatcom Railway in Washington State. I just learned a few days ago of this report that has to filled out from Frank Culp (the owner). I was totally unaware of it until then.

TW

If you don't own your own railroad, and operate on your local short line, such as a RailAmerica affiliate, my understating is they are supposed to report passenger numbers to the FRA - even if said shortline never had regular service nor operated a passenger train before. When we at Bluewater NRHS ran over Lake State RR in Michigan, Lake State would report our passenger counts to the FRA. I doubt anyone at the FRA tracks these numbers or enforces this requirement any more.

Well, actually, the FRA does keep track of all 49 CFR Part 225 reporting regarding all regulated railroads. If a tourist/excursion/ historic railroad is not sure regarding their status as an insular tourist/excursion/historic operation and FRA, they should contact the local FRA region for clarification. If a member of Heritage Rail Alliance, they can also assist you.

I can also be of assistance regarding clarification and point you in the right direction.

Mike Ramsey
FRA
Specialist, Passenger Rail Division

"I doubt anyone at the FRA tracks these numbers or enforces this requirement any more."

As someone who operates charter trains, I can say that the FRA has repeatedly requested the information from the railroads involved. It is a regular part of the railroad volume reports, and some of the regional offices really keep track of the numbers and watch every little tourist operation and special event. Mike Ramsey of the FRA just confirmed this. The data is also used when rating a grade crossing's safety and risk, and also priority for funding.

The Railroad Museum of New England’s Naugatuck Railroad is a common carrier and a class 3 railroad to my understanding. We record passenger counts on all passenger trains. Regardless of requirement and beyond that of keeping an internal record of ridership, it is a practice that serves an important purpose. Having been a professional firefighter and EMT for the better part of a decade, I believe accountability is such a purpose. Having an accurate passenger count and going as far as knowing how many passengers you have in each car, provides valuable information for first responders in the event that an incident should occur.