Step into the captivating world of railroads at the Colorado Railroad Museum (CRRM) in Golden, where history comes alive amidst the largest collection of steam locomotives, rail cars, and model trains in the state. As the early summer sun warms the tracks, the museum embarks on an exciting journey with the revival of its Summer Train Rides starting May 16th. Extending its beloved Saturday rides to Thursday through Sunday from mid-May to mid-August, the museum sets the stage for a season brimming with adventure and discovery.

Mark your calendars for a series of exhilarating events, commencing with the grand Colorado Crossings on May 18-19, a haven for narrow gauge and railroad aficionados. Witness the spectacle of steam locomotives and Galloping Goose motorcars, delve into riveting lectures, and explore bustling model railroads both indoors and outdoors. Seize the opportunity to grasp the imprint of modern railroads, especially Colorado’s cherished heritage railways. Secure your tickets early as demand soars for this renowned event.

“Of course, there are fun things to do every day at the Colorado Railroad Museum, but this year we are ‘clearing the tracks’ to offer more train rides, steam ups and special events than ever before,” said Paul Hammond, executive director of the Colorado Railroad Museum.

Prepare for a prehistoric journey aboard the Dinosaur Express Train on June 1-2, where railroads intertwine with Colorado’s ancient past. Traverse the landscape where the mighty T-Rex once roamed while enjoying captivating views of South Table Mountain, home to the first T-Rex footprints. Encounter “Mr. Bones” and Spike the Railroad Dog amid a myriad of dinosaur-themed activities. With limited capacity, advance booking is recommended to guarantee your passage on this unforgettable voyage.

Celebrate the legacy of railroads during Colorado Railroad Heritage Week, declared by Governor Jared Polis from June 16-22, 2024. Embrace the spirit of exploration as you traverse historic sites and marvel at the ingenuity of locomotives that shaped Colorado’s landscape.

Dive into a weekend of discovery during Colorado Power Days on June 22-23, where antique tractors, classic automobiles, and the timeless allure of steam locomotion converge. Delight in family-friendly activities and immersive steam train rides amidst a backdrop of scenic beauty.

August heralds the Gold Rush Days on the 10th and 11th, paying homage to Colorado’s mining history intertwined with the rise of railroads. Experience the thrill of riding behind a coal-fired steam locomotive, partake in gold panning demonstrations, and relish in the festivities alongside Spike the Railroad Dog.

Throughout the summer, the museum offers an array of engaging events, including the Ride the Rails Summer Schedule, Thrilling Thursdays, and the exclusive Colorado Rails & Cocktails series. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of railroad history against the stunning backdrop of Clear Creek Valley and the majestic Table Mountains.

Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, education, and the timeless allure of railroads at the Colorado Railroad Museum.

Hammond notes that with so many events, families should consider the $100 a year Engineer Membership which includes unlimited free admission for two adults and all their children or grandchildren, and free train rides all year, except during specially ticketed events such as Day Out With Thomas™. “The Museum can be a great mid-week activity for kids to come out, watch model trains, and ride real ones over and over again,” Hammond says.

Thameslink drivers were stuck in a horrendous 15-mile tailback on the M25 on Tuesday morning following a crash near Heathrow Airport.

Two lanes were shut after a driver suffered a medical episode with congestion building up past the M4 and M40 to Chorleywood.

There were also long queues on the M4 back to Slough.

There are also 90-minute delays in north London on the M25 between Potters Bar and Waltham Cross after a heavy goods vehicle in the live lane caused around eight miles of congestion.

Meanwhile, a failure of the electricity supply between West Hampstead Thameslink and St Albans means all lines through the area are disrupted.

Thameslink has warned travellers going through London that their journeys are likely to be “significantly disrupted” with delays of up to 30 minutes.

90-minute delays on M25 following incident in north London
10:58 , Jacob Phillips

All lanes of the M25 anti-clockwise between Waltham Cross and Potters Bar have reopened following an earlier incident.

But the issue has caused 90-minute delays and there is around eight miles of congestion.

All M25 lanes reopen following Heathrow collision
10:49 , Jacob Phillips

All lanes are now open on the M25 anti-clockwise near Heathrow Airport following a single-vehicle collision.

The incident happened after a driver suffered a medical episode.

M25 Crash near Heathrow caused by medical episode
10:41 , Jacob Phillips

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that a collision which caused 15 miles of tailbacks on the M25 was caused by a driver suffering a medical episode.

One car was involved in the collision.

50-minute delays on M25 in north London
09:40 , Jacob Phillips

Huge queues have built up on the M25 between Waltham Cross and Potters Bar.

The congestion is being caused by a heavy goods vehicle in the live lane.National Highways Traffic Officers are on the scene. There are 50-minute delays and around eight miles of congestion.

Ladbroke Grove station shut due to power supply failure
08:59 , Jacob Phillips

Minor delays on Northern and Piccadilly Lines
08:49 , Jacob Phillips

There are currently minor delays on the Northern and Piccadilly Lines.

There are delays between Acton Town and all Heathrow terminals while Transport for London fixes a faulty train at Acton Town.

Meanwhile, there are minor delays on the Northern Line due to a shortage of trains.

Trams unable to run between Arena and Elmers End
08:43 , Jacob Phillips

No trams are running between Arena and Elmers End and minor delays on all other routes due to a shortage of trams.

All lines disrupted between Hornsey and Alexandra Palace
08:34 , Jacob Phillips

Great Northern trains have been delayed due to power issues in the Hornsey area.

National Rail has warned that all lines are disrupted between Hornsey and Alexandra Palace meaning trains could be cancelled or delayed until 9.15am.

Long delays on M25 near Heathrow Airport
08:26 , Jacob Phillips

A stalled vehicle has forced two lanes of the M25 to shut creating long delays near Heathrow Airport.

The stalled vehicle is on the M25 anticlockwise at Junction 14 near Heathrow and congestion has built up back past the M4 and M40 to Maple Cross.

There are also long queues on the M4 back to Slough.

Thameslink hit by 30-minute delays
08:18 , Jacob Phillips

A failure of the electricity supply between West Hampstead Thameslink and St Albans means all lines in the area are disrupted.

Commuters may be hit with 30-minute delays at rush hour. The disruption is expected to continue until 10am.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in coordination with Indian Railways (IR), has announced the provision of 500 ml Rail Neer Packaged Drinking Water (PWD) bottles on all Vande Bharat trains to passengers. This initiative aims to reduce the wastage of drinking water on trains, particularly during the ongoing summer season and in response to increasing concerns about conserving natural resources like water. This measure enhances passenger convenience and supports environmental sustainability.

Under this scheme, every passenger on Vande Bharat trains will receive a 500ml water bottle. Additionally, passengers can request an extra 500 ml bottle at no additional cost if needed. Most travelers on Vande Bharat trains typically journey short distances, making the 500 ml bottles a suitable and convenient option during their travel. The decision to introduce these smaller bottles was made after considering several factors that benefit both passengers and the environment.

Introduced in 2019, the first Vande Bharat train offers passengers stunning views and ample luggage space, enhancing the travel experience across the Northeast states and the rest of the country. The introduction of 500 ml packaged drinking water bottles is yet another step towards improving the journey for its passengers.

The Japanese authorities announced on Monday the implementation of an online booking system for Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail, in response to the challenges posed by overtourism. This system aims to regulate the flow of tourists and mitigate safety and environmental concerns caused by the trail’s increasing popularity. As Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji has seen overcrowded trails during the summer hiking season, prompting the need for controlled access.

• Daily Climber Limit: To manage congestion, the daily number of hikers on the Yoshida Trail will be capped at 4,000.
• Entry Fee: Each climber will be charged US$13, which is part of the new regulation to help manage the trail’s maintenance and safety operations.
• Online Booking: Set to open on May 20, this system will facilitate planning for visitors and ensure that they are guaranteed entry, with at least 1,000 spots reserved daily for on-the-spot registration.

Traveller Adjustments and Tourism Business Impacts

For Travelers

Travelers planning to hike the Yoshida Trail will need to adjust to these new regulations. The introduction of an online booking system means that:

• Advance Planning: Hikers must plan their visit in advance, especially during the peak July-September hiking season.
• Guaranteed Access: By securing a spot online, tourists can have certainty about their hiking dates, which aids in planning the rest of their travel itinerary.
• Potential Restrictions: Those unable to book in advance may face limitations, with only a limited number of on-the-spot entries available.

For Local Tourism Businesses

The cap and booking system are likely to have significant impacts on local tourism businesses:

• Regulated Tourist Flow: Businesses may see more predictable patterns of tourist arrivals, which can help in managing resources and staff more efficiently.
• Increased Spend: The entry fee could potentially increase overall tourist spending, benefiting local businesses that cater to hikers and tourists.
• Innovation in Services: Tourism providers might innovate by offering packaged deals or coordinated tours that include guaranteed hiking slots.

Broader Implications on Global Travel Trends

Mount Fuji’s approach to managing overtourism through technology and regulations reflects a growing trend among popular global destinations. As international tourist numbers rise, other renowned sites might adopt similar strategies to balance tourism growth with sustainability and local community needs. This could redefine how global tourism destinations are managed, emphasizing sustainability and quality of visitor experience over mere numbers.

• Sustainability Focus: More destinations might impose visitor caps or fees to handle environmental impacts and ensure sustainable tourism practices.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: By controlling crowd sizes, destinations can improve the overall visitor experience, making visits more enjoyable and manageable.

The new measures at Mount Fuji represent a proactive approach to tackling the challenges of overtourism. For travelers, this means more structured and possibly more satisfying travel experiences, albeit with some need for advanced planning. For the tourism industry, it presents an opportunity to enhance services and contribute to sustainable tourism efforts that could set a benchmark for destinations worldwide facing similar challenges.

The expansion of luxury train experiences, such as those offered by Anantara with its Vietage service in Vietnam, underscores a significant trend in global rail travel. This shift not only caters to the luxury traveler segment but also heralds a broader adoption of rail as a preferred mode of travel over air, particularly in regions where sustainable and immersive travel experiences are becoming more valued. The introduction of routes like the five-hour journey between Na Trang and Quy Nhon, and the six-hour journey between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, represents a strategic enhancement in rail services that align with global trends towards slower, more scenic, and environmentally friendly travel options.

Anantara’s luxury train, the Vietage, which traverses southern Vietnam, offers a unique travel experience that allows passengers to immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes of Vietnam. By connecting popular resort destinations such as Na Trang and Quy Nhon, Anantara taps into a growing demand for high-end, leisurely travel experiences that offer not just comfort but also a chance to engage with the local scenery and culture in a more intimate manner. The Vietage service emphasizes the enjoyment of the journey itself, with features such as a sit-up bar, private booths, complimentary gourmet meals, and scenic views of coastal areas and mountainous terrain, which are particularly appealing to those who prefer the relaxed pace of train travel over the hurried nature of air transit.

This focus on luxury rail travel is timely, especially considering the current challenges faced by the domestic aviation industry in Vietnam, including the reduction of airline operations and increased costs. These factors make rail travel a more attractive alternative, not only in terms of cost but also in reducing the stress associated with air travel. Moreover, the environmental footprint of train travel is typically lower than that of air travel, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainability.

The implications for global rail travel are profound. As luxury train services like the Vietage gain popularity, they set a benchmark for what modern, sustainable tourism can look like. This could encourage other countries to invest in similar rail experiences, potentially leading to a renaissance in train travel internationally. As rail networks improve and expand, offering services that rival the comfort and exclusivity of air travel, we could see a significant shift in how people choose to travel, particularly for inter-city or intra-country routes.

Furthermore, the success of such ventures could spur economic growth in regions connected by these luxury rail services. Local economies could benefit from increased tourist traffic, which would spend on accommodations, dining, and activities. This would not only boost local businesses but also create jobs and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural and natural heritage, as seen through the unique vantage point of a train journey.

In summary, the growth of luxury train services like those offered by Anantara represents a transformative movement in global rail travel, promoting a more leisurely, scenic, and sustainable approach to exploring new destinations. This trend has the potential to reshape tourist patterns, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the travel experience worldwide.

The inaugural whistle will sound on May 25th in both Chama, NM and Antonito, Colo., marking the start of the 2024 season for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Each station will host celebration activities starting at 9 a.m., which include a flag-raising ceremony led by local Boy Scout troops, live music performances, blessings of the train, and speeches from community leaders.

“In 2024, it will be easier – and more affordable – to get on board for the trip of a lifetime,” said Ed Beaudette, general manager of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. “The hardworking Cumbres & Toltec team is eager to welcome visitors to Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado to experience the thrill of steam railroading.”

This year introduces several new offerings, including extra weekend departures in the fall, Friday Express Trains, Outlaw Dinner Trains, and a significant reduction of $20 on average in summer coach class ticket prices.

From May 25 to October 19, 2024, trains will operate from Tuesday to Sunday each week, departing from both Antonito, Colo. and Chama, NM. Passengers can choose from several trip options:

● Full Line Excursion Trips – These journeys cover the entire route between Chama, NM and Antonito, Colo., including a one-hour bus transfer. Known as the Antonito All Aboard and the Chama All Aboard, these trips feature lunch and motorcoach services. Adult tickets for summer trips begin at $115, increasing to $155 during the autumn season.

● Half Route Trips – These trips cover half the distance of the C&TS line, traveling either from Chama, NM or Antonito, Colo to Osier Station and returning. The Chama Limited and Antonito Limited both offer lunch and are train-only excursions. Ticket prices for adults start at $95 in summer and $135 in autumn, with an additional Chama Half Route Trip available on selected autumn weekends to accommodate the seasonal demand.

● Express Options – Ideal for those with limited time, families, and enthusiasts who wish to both ride and follow the train. The Cumbres Express, a three-and-a-half-hour round trip, departs from Cumbres Pass at 11:10 am, includes a lunch stop at Osier, and returns by 2:45 p.m. Tickets for adults are $95. The Chama Express leaves Chama at 1 p.m., reaches the highest operational railroad pass in the country at Cumbres Pass, and returns by 3:30 p.m. This ride excludes lunch and runs on select Fridays; adult tickets are $80, tickets for children aged 6-12 are $45, and for those aged 2-5, $25.

● Special Trips – These include the Geology Train on June 9 and September 8, and the Fourth of July Fireworks Special. Ticket prices vary for these unique events.