The Railroad Needs Your Help
We need your help to keep the railroad functioning during these difficult times.
There are many ways to help our organization – by donating to our general fund, joining as a member, or volunteering. Although the Adirondack Railroad Preservation Society (ARPS) supports our operation via ticket sales, we are currently unable to run trains, including our popular Polar Express, during this pandemic.
Your tax-deductible donations will help us maintain our fleet of both trains and railbikes, further equipment restoration projects, prepare for next season’s trips from both Utica and Thendara (Old Forge), and much more. Please click on the link to donate to our railroad.
Public Support
Public support and pressure are critical to the advancement of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society’s mission and the further development of an expanding tourist attraction and nonprofit organization. Write:
- Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Capitol, Albany, NY 12224
- Basil Seggos, Acting Commissioner, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233
- Matthew Driscoll, Commissioner, NYS DOT, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232
- Robert Palmieri, Mayor, City of Utica, 1 Kennedy Plaza, Utica, NY 13502
- Utica Common Council, 1 Kennedy Plaza, Utica, NY 13502
- Oneida County Board of Legislators, 800 Park Ave #1, Utica, NY 13501
- Clyde Rabideau, Mayor, Saranac Lake, 39 Main Street, Suite 9, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Local News Publications, Elected Officials, Advocacy Groups
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- The Adirondack Scenic Railroad has carried over 1.5 million passengers and ridership has been steadily growing, in 2015, the Railroad recorded record-breaking ridership of 75,000 passengers.
- ASR is operated by a group of about 350 volunteers who give a collective 15,000 hours per year to theRailroad, serving as conductors, engineers, board members and others who maintain the 119 mile corridor. Volunteers not only keep the Railroad running but lower corridor maintenance costs substantially.
- Already offers “Canoe & Rail” and “Bike & Rail” packages which are successful and could be expanded with a fully operational line. There are already plans in place to offer similar packages between Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake – one of the most scenic and diverse areas of the corridor.
- Brings a significant economic impact to the region, the Railroad is not only a job creator but has an annual operating budget of $2 million and works with local vendors, suppliers and merchants. A tourist attraction with an operating budget generates more economic impact than a passive tourist attraction.
- Draws tourists to the five counties through which it operates. Most riders originate from outside the county of their departing location. In the year 2014, ASR drew visitors from all 50 states and 12 countries.
- The corridor is already a multimodal corridor. The Railroad operates seasonally, allowing snowmobiles to have exclusive use of the corridor in the winter months.
- Will reach its full potential with rail service restored over the entire line, linking the tourist towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Old Forge with Amtrak and national rail service in Utica. Stopping in Tupper Lake stops short of connecting the two largest population centers in the Adirondack Park.
- A restored rail line and enhanced trail system north of Tupper Lake provides trailways for both snowmobiles and non-motorized forms of winter recreation which would not be feasible in the trail-only scenario.
- A rail and trail program provides more comprehensive range of economic and recreational opportunities for people of all ages and capabilities.
- Can accommodate trails north of Tupper Lake, all of which have already been mapped out by a group of community leaders (Trails and Rails Action Committee). These trails are compatible with the rail corridor in place and provide a scenic route for hikers, bikers and skiers.
- Maintaining rail infrastructure north of Tupper Lake allows for greater ease of trail construction, rail access will allow for the delivery of materials as well as provide a core group of volunteers and infrastructure to easier maintain remote areas.
- Restored rail service provides for a small taxpayer investment in the corridor and will reap immediate economic benefits.
- Service extended north of Tupper Lake enhances marketability (name recognition) and connectivity between New York, Chicago and other metropolitan areas, via Utica, to the heart of the Tri-Lakes area.
- Will offer a unique tourism opportunity with train service allowing for drop off points for hikers, paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts in the most remove parts of the Adirondack Park.
- Is listed on the National & State Register Historic Places, is a protected landmark and one of the longest historic districts in the nation. The tracks and ties are included in the listed.
- Was designated by the Preservation League of New York State as one of “Seven to Save.” The Preservation League draws statewide attention to New York’s most important and at-risk historic places through this program. For more information, visit preservenys.org.