We are visiting Durango for the local events, the outdoor activities and clean mountain air. Our family also planned to ride the train to Silverton and back, but we changed our minds when we saw the clouds of coal smoke belching from the engines through downtown.
With climate change in mind, we chose not to support pollution by purchasing tickets. In addition, the air quality on the south side of Main Avenue had us rethink our dinner and shopping plans.
The railroad is a vital part of your economy. We see that retiring the trains is not an option. Is it possible to replace the engines with diesel-electric locomotives or some other less polluting fuel?
We came for the scenery visible from the train. Featuring a coal-smoke belching locomotive should no longer be the tourist draw.
Maria Cullen
Santa Fe
