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Nevada Northern Railway reports ridership gains, viral videos and economic impact to council
Summary
Nevada Northern Railway President Mark Bassett told the council the railway carried 226 passengers in February (a 17% increase year over year), estimated a $124,300 economic impact for the month and highlighted two viral social videos and upcoming PBS exposure.
The Nevada Northern Railway Foundation reported monthly operations to the Ely City Council on March 12, with President Mark Bassett outlining equipment status, ridership figures and the railway's estimated economic contribution to the local economy.
Bassett told the council that in February the railway carried 226 passengers, a 17% increase over the previous year, and that year‑to‑date passenger counts were at 384, a 1% increase over the prior year. Using a visitor expenditure estimate of $550 per overnight visitor (Rural Nevada Visitor Profile), Bassett estimated the February economic impact of train passengers at about $124,300 and year‑to‑date impact at $211,200. He also reviewed locomotive and rolling stock maintenance needs, noting several locomotives out of service for repairs and others awaiting funding for restoration.
Bassett highlighted the railroad's growing social media reach and two recent viral videos (one firing up Locomotive 81, another explaining the "F" on diesel locomotives) that collectively generated millions of views. He also said the railroad was featured in a PBS Culture Quest episode and that the episode had been made available on the railroad's Facebook page. Council received the report; no formal action was requested.
The council did not take action on the report but heard that the railroad continues routine maintenance, restoration needs and outreach efforts that the foundation says support local tourism and economic activity.
