I am not a resident of Durango. I visit there as much as I can. The train brings me and my wallet. I am sure that I am not alone in my love for the D&SNGRR.
I make the point that I come to Durango (along with thousands of other tourists and steam/narrow gauge enthusiasts). When I come I buy railroad tickets (I spend my money), I stay in a downtown hotel (I spend my money), I eat in Durango’s restaurants (I spend my money) and I buy souvenirs (I spend my money).
The point is, the railroad brings millions of dollars to Durango. I believe that without the railroad at least half of Durango would dry up and blow away. I would have no reason to make my trips to Durango!
For the naysayers and train haters, it doesn’t matter if your income doesn’t come from us train folks. Our money pays the hotel and restaurant owners and staff and a couple of hundred railroad employees who, in turn, spend their money enabling a higher and more complete level of goods and services that you do use. In short, lose the train, lose us.
Ultimately, you, too, will lose.
Towne Comee
San Antonio, Texas
