Tourism Railroads See Double Digit Growth In 2019

The Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, with operations based in Lincoln, Meredith & Weirs Beach reported significant growth in passenger traffic at all three of their locations in 2019, with further increases expected in 2020.

"Revenues for 2019 were up double digits as a result of increased passenger counts and healthier per capita spending. We expect these numbers to continue increasing in 2020. Group tour bookings are currently running more than 10% ahead of last year," says Benjamin Clark, President of the Railroad.

In addition to continued increases in walk-on and tour group numbers realized, capital funds have been approved and allocated by the State of NH Department of Transportation. The approved repair work and funding will support cross tie replacement on three sections of the state-owned Concord-Lincoln Railroad Line which is utilized under agreement by freight railroad operator, New England Southern Railroad, and tourist excursion railroad Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad (AKA the Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad).

 The sections of rail scheduled to receive upgrades include over 24 miles of track between Tilton and Thornton. Work in support of these upgrades includes the purchase of materials, hiring of contractors, installation of railroad ties, and project supervision. Many of the ties that will be replaced as part of this project were installed prior to the 1970's. Work is scheduled to begin in 2020 and continue in 2021. Materials for these upgrades are currently on order, while the first two carloads of railroad ties recently arrived. These critical upgrades to the Concord-Lincoln line will allow for continued freight and tourist usage, which will also help attract new business to the region.

"We are committed to growing our business", says Clark, "It's meaningful for tourism, our employees, and the communities we serve. It also represents additional revenue to the track owner, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation."

Pictured above: The first two car loads of railroad ties needed for the Concord-Lincoln Railroad Line upgrade are shown above as they arrived in Canterbury, NH January 11, 2020.