Record Numbers for Railway

Bulletin article written for the Bulletin by Carolyn Grant

It was another good year on the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway, as rider numbers rose by nine per cent.

Society President Mick Henningson says 9880 people (and 75 dogs) rode the rails this summer.

Special events like the combined train/chairlift rides and the Opera Underground helped boost ridership, but many tourists are simply drawn by the opportunity to take a look at the history of the Sullivan Mine and see live mining shows in the tunnel.

Good reviews, value and word of mouth help spread the word, Henningson says.

He says there was a noticeable rise in American tourists this summer, likely a product of the Canadian dollar falling in relation to the American.

The railway has now closed for the season, and not long after the last ride, KUMR employees were busy with maintenance work that has to be done before the snow flies.

Work on upgrading a 200 meter section of track to heavier rail started September 8. This section of the track will also end up with more gentle curves and a more constant grade after the work is complete.