Recently, I have seen some very critical letters in The Durango Herald about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The railroad has been running continuously for 136 years. The Durango & Silverton is, has been and will be the lifeblood of the city of Durango and surrounding areas. It’s Durango’s treasure.
To be critical of this railroad at this time is misguided. I have worked for the railroad for years and, prior to the letters appearing, I have never seen a critical letter of this railroad appearing. Why?
Every business in Durango and the surrounding area depends on the Durango & Silverton.
The amount of money the train brings to this area is incredible, paying services in the city and surrounding area, keeping hotels full, keeping restaurants full and keeping businesses open.
The railroad is doing everything in its power to correct or fix issues that have come up during the time it has not been running.
I am asking that you, as residents of the Durango area, support your treasure. Write a letter or note to the railroad showing your support. Wave at the train as it goes by. It will make the train crew’s day.
Support your train – please, no more letters like the one complaining about all the trash on the railroad’s right-of-way.
Everything will work out OK. The trains are running again. OK, we had a little glitch with the mudslides. We will get through all of this.
Ray Mayer
Durango
