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V&T Commission approves 2025 train schedule and authorizes chair to finalize ticket pricing
Summary
The commission approved the 2025 operating schedule and unanimously authorized Chair Peterson to finalize ticket prices after the meeting decided on a $5 adult fare increase for steam and diesel, kept child fares unchanged, and adopted a 10% "rider appreciation" discount on non-holiday Sundays that stacks with other discounts.
The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway approved the commission’s proposed calendar for the 2025 train season and unanimously authorized Chair Peterson to finalize ticket prices consistent with the commission’s on-the-record guidance.
The commission approved a regular-season schedule that largely mirrors the previous year but incorporates monthly special-event trains (for example, a three-weekend Toast of the Canyon series, a Mark Twain-themed evening train and coordination with community events such as camel races and Red Run). Staff said the operating schedule was needed for contractor planning and to inform budget development; one additional operating day in the polar schedule was noted and contractors warned it could increase contracted costs.
The commission discussed a proposed fare adjustment package intended to increase ridership. Staff outlined an initial pricing plan that would have raised steam adult fares from $55 to $60 and diesel fares from $50 to $55. Staff also said they had considered increasing the child fare from $40 to $45 but commissioners later agreed not to raise the child price. The commission voted to adopt the following pricing principles and directives:
• Increase base adult fares for steam and diesel by $5 (steam from $55 to $60; diesel from $50 to $55). • Do not increase the child fare (the motion on the record directed that the child fare remain at the existing level). • Establish a 10% Sunday "rider appreciation" discount that applies to whatever the otherwise-applicable ticket price would be; the commission directed that the 10% discount stack with other applicable discounts (for example, veterans or senior discounts) rather than replace them. • Exempt certain special-event or holiday Sundays from the discount (notably Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the last day of the season); event pricing for special events such as Toast of the Canyon was left to final review. • Authorize one commission member (Chair Peterson) to finalize ticket prices and minor operational pricing details before publication.
Sherry Bailey, executive assistant, and Candy Duncan, representing the contract operator (Virginia Truckee Railroad), described scheduling details and constraints; Carla Wilson (production director) noted that adding one polar-operating day would create additional contract costs not currently covered in her amendment, and said she would provide a cost summary at a future meeting. Public commenters raised affordability and access issues; Commissioner Leah and others emphasized balancing revenue goals with making family trips affordable.
The commission moved to approve the 2025 schedule as presented and then made a separate motion to authorize the chair to finalize prices under the conditions described above. Both motions passed unanimously.
