Dear Passengers:
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 Virus (Coronavirus) Pandemic, the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad management has determined that it is in the best interest of our passengers and volunteers to cancel all remaining scheduled trains for the rest of the 2020 Season. This decision is again based on recommendations and mandates from both the Federal Centers for Disease Control and the New York State Department of Health’s phased opening guidelines.
The health and safety of our passengers and volunteer crew members continues to be our number one concern. With COVID-19 still an issue in many locations, and with many of our volunteers in the vulnerable category, it just isn’t worth taking a chance. Likewise, due to the nature of our equipment we don’t want to place our passengers in a possible compromising health situation.
While we have cancelled all our regularly scheduled trains, we are starting to operate our Guest Engineer Program, where you get to operate one of our Alco Locomotives under supervision out on our Railroad. For anyone who always wanted to be a Locomotive Engineer, this is great opportunity to see what it’s like, and it’s a great way to support our Railroad during these difficult times.
We had hoped this situation would improve, but it has not. It’s very disappointing to cancel any train, not to mention an entire season, but everyone’s health must take priority.
Stay safe and well as we continue to navigate through these difficult times, and we look forward to serving you in 2021.
Bruce J. Hodges, President
Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
