World’s first preserved railway is steaming ahead despite pandemic challenges
The world’s first preserved railway is steaming ahead again despite challenges created by the pandemic.
With two months of the financial year remaining, Talyllyn Railway has carried 36,472 passengers so far in 2021 compared to 49,344 in 2019, which was a record breaking year.
The Tywyn-based heritage railway has achieved this in the midst of passenger numbers being restricted due to Covid safety measures and there being no trains running at all between February and the end of April due to the Covid-19 crisi
The railway’s revenue, including tickets, shop and cafes, is 3.7% behind the 2019 full year figures.
The performance of the railway since passenger trains resumed in May has been hailed by general manager Stuart Williams.
He said said: “The COVID restrictions, which were in force at the start of this year, meant that we could not open until May, so we missed the early part of the season and Easter, which traditionally would have seen us take around 15% of our annual income.
“All things considered, I think everyone connected with the railway can be very proud of its performance this year.”
The Talyllyn adapted to the pandemic challenges by implementing changes which allowed customers to enjoy a steam train ride in their own personal compartment, maintaining a physical barrier between them and other groups of passengers.
When the restrictions eased in August, mixed seating areas were re-introduced but the ability to book a private area was maintained.
‘Flexible’
Williams added: “We have been inundated with positive comments about the way we managed the services to be COVID safe.
“It’s a testament to our staff and volunteers who have had to be very flexible with our planning.
“In previous years, the railway would shut after the October half term until the Santa Specials in December, but this year it has decided to run every weekend until the end of the year, as well as daily between Boxing Day and January 5.”
Talyllyn Railway is a member of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
The railway is running “Santa Special” trains on December 22, 23 and 24. Further details can be found on its website.
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I’m so Impressed with how well the Talyllyn Railway (in Wales) on Bravely Steaming Through this past infamous year, & certainly on Track to A Bright & Multi-Colourful Future Ahead.
The Talyllyn Railway’s still on my ”Eagerly-Must-Visit” Transportation Destinations (Bucket) List… Alongside Other Preserved Railways, & Transportation Museums Galore
I also consider this Historic Narrow-Gauge Heritage Railway Attraction… The UK’s Flagship Heritage (Preserved) Railway, of whom it was the Very First Preserved Railway, in both the British Isles, and the World.
The Talyllyn Railway… 70 Years A Heritage Railway, through Preservation.