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Train to the Trek in the works

By John Larson

Area residents could be taking train rides to Northwest Trek this summer. Metro Parks Commission passed a resolution during its May 12 meeting that authorized Executive Director Jack Wilson to enter into an interlocal agreement with Tacoma Rail to launch a new excursion train.

Gary Geddes, director of zoological and environmental education with Metro Parks, told the commission that he, Wilson, Tacoma City Council members Connie Ladenburg and Spiro Manthou met in December with Paula Henry, who until recently was superintendent of Tacoma Rail, which is part of Tacoma Public Utilities.

They discussed having a train that would depart from Freighthouse Square and go to Eatonville. From there, passengers would board school busses that would transport them about six miles away to Northwest Trek, a large animal sanctuary operated by Metro Parks.

Geddes said a survey was done of residents of King and Pierce counties to gauge interest in such an excursion train. It indicated potential users would be willing to pay $40 for youth and senior citizens and $50 for adults for an all-day experience.

Geddes discussed another excursion train, the Spirit of Washington, which was operated by a private sector interest. After operating in King County for many years, it relocated to Pierce County last year. Interest in the train was substantial, and he noted that it generally operated at or near capacity on its runs from Freighthouse Square to Lake Kapowsin. The company halted the operation after several months.

He said this new proposal would be different, in part because it would be a partnership between two public sector entities.

“There is some risk from the business and financial side,” Geddes told the commission. Initial study shows it would take two years to break even, he added.

Geddes feels the train project could generate interest in Northwest Trek from area residents who currently rarely or never visit the attraction.

Commissioner Aaron Pointer noted that the bus operator, First Student, was recently replaced by Tacoma Public Schools as the operator of its buses. Pointer said that at one point Henry favored more luxurious buses. Geddes said this would add another $10 to the price of a ticket and that survey respondents would rather ride a school bus than pay this extra amount.

Commissioner Larry Dahl said information provided to the commission in their packets for the meeting was inadequate. He expressed concern about the financial aspect of the proposal, and worried it could cost Metro Parks too much in terms of staff for the rides.

He said he liked the concept, but feels the proposed ticket price would be too much for many local residents. He suggested marketing it to tourists. He mentioned that the Spirit of Washington dinner train was unsuccessful and questioned whether this proposed excursion train would succeed.

Geddes said high operating costs brought down the Spirit of Washington operation.

The train and bus transportation would not be entirely accessible for people with certain disabilities. Geddes said such information would be provided to the public so they could make an informed choice before purchasing tickets. He said the width of the doorway of the train would be an issue for individuals in wheelchairs.

Geddes said a trial run for the train will take place June 7. Passengers would be elected officials and other dignitaries. The tentative plan is to begin service for the general public once a month from July through October. Geddes said a two-year agreement with Tacoma Rail is to be negotiated. He added Tacoma Rail cut its original cost of running the train from $4,000 to $2,000 per run.

Dahl said he was apprehensive about “gambling public funds on a venture that has already failed,” referring to the dinner train. “I would honestly like to give it a try,” he added.

Geddes said officials with Tacoma Rail “feel Northwest Trek will make a better destination than Lake Kapowsin.”

The commission voted 4-1 in favor of the resolution, with Dahl casting the dissenting vote.

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