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Nevada Northern Railway reports 2,125 riders in June, celebrates 400,000th passenger
Summary
The Nevada Northern Railway Foundation told Ely City Council it carried 2,125 passengers in June (about 2% below last year) and marked its 400,000th rider since operations began in 1987; the foundation reported maintenance needs and economic-impact estimates based on $550 per overnight visitor.
Mark Bassett, president of the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation, presented the foundation's June operations report to council, noting that June ridership was 2,125 and that year-to-date ridership stands at about 5,000. The foundation marked its 400,000th rider since operations began in 1987. Bassett outlined locomotive and rolling-stock maintenance items — including locomotives out of service for governor, radiator, and heavy repairs — and cited parts delays on the Morley project tied to Build America, Buy America (BABA) rules.
Bassett also presented an economic-impact estimate using a $550 daily spending figure from the Rural Nevada visitor profile, calculating a May 2026 impact of about $1.17 million (2,125 visitors x $550) and year-to-date impact of about $2.75 million. The council received the update; no formal action was required. Bassett encouraged continued local and state support for restoration funding and parts procurement to keep services operating.
