The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has announced the newly revised schedule for the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions for 2010. The popular rail excursions will be operated through an expanded community partnership in the coming year.
Morristown & Erie, who operates the rail line under the name Stourbridge Railway, will take a more active role in operations. The New Jersey based company took over operations of the 26 mile rail way following its purchase in 2008 by Paul Brancato of Ideal Steel. As a rail management company, Morristown & Erie also operates Maine Eastern Railroad which provides rail excursions and tour packages through the mid-coast region in the State of Maine.
Prior to 2008 the short-line rail road was owned by the Lackawaxen-Honesdale Shipper's Association (LHSA). The LHSA will continue to be involved with the rail excursion business in 2010 by providing equipment support. Transfer of ownership of the train was made from Chamber to the LHSA, at the beginning of this year.
The Association represents member organizations with an interest in utilizing the rail for shipping and receiving finished and raw materials.
"We are very excited to have Morristown and Erie more involved with the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions", said Netta DeYoung, Train Manager for the Chamber. "Given what M&E has achieved in Maine, we are confident that their influence will increase our train ridership and bring even more visitors to Wayne County in 2010."
"Wayne County is an excellent backdrop for a scenic train excursion," stated Al Siebold, Managing Director for Stourbridge Railway. "We plan to build on the previous success of the Stourbridge Line and incorporate additional travel package alternatives to highlight this great area well known as the Birthplace of the American Railroad," he continued.
The Stourbridge Line excursions began in 1979 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of America’s first commercial locomotive, the Stourbridge Lion.
Questions regarding the excursion schedule can be directed to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 253-1960.
Honesdale, Pa. —
