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Nevada Northern Railway reports steady ridership and estimates $353,742 economic impact for August
Summary
NNRY President Mark Bassett told the Ely City Council on Sept. 11 that July ridership was 2,033, year-to-date ridership is 9,000 (a 1% increase), and estimated August economic impact from train passengers was $353,742.
Mark Bassett, president of the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation, briefed the council on the historic railroad's operations and economic footprint during the Sept. 11 meeting.
Bassett reported July passenger counts of 2,033 and said the foundation has carried about 9,000 passengers so far this year, a 1% increase versus the prior year. "So far this year we have carried 9,000 passengers, this was an increase of 1% compared to the previous year," Bassett said.
Using an average non-gaming and gaming daily expenditure per overnight visitor of $174, Bassett calculated an estimated economic impact for August of $353,742 (2,033 passengers x $174) and a year-to-date estimate of $1,566,000 (9,000 x $174). He noted these figures reflect spending by train passengers only and exclude other visitors who did not ride the train.
Bassett reviewed locomotive and rolling-stock statuses, outlined ongoing repair and restoration needs for several locomotives and cars, and highlighted a recent viral social-media video and a donation of seven four-person velocipedes intended for a paid guest program. He said work is underway on multiple heavy-repair projects and some restorations remain contingent on funding.
The presentation provided council members and residents with the latest ridership, equipment status and economic estimates tied directly to the NNRY's operations.
