(The Daily News published the following story by Carolina Amengual on its website on August 27.)
GALVESTON, Texas — Hundreds will have their noses pressed to the windows of the Texas GulfLiner, an Amtrak passenger train, during the Labor Day weekend.
The train, which made its official debut exactly a year ago and then ran on Mardi Gras, will again travel back and forth on the tracks connecting the mainland and the island.
This year’s bonus includes runs between Alvin and Galveston.
“It’s a hassle-free experience,” said John Dundee, executive director of the Galveston Island Railroad Museum. “It’s comfortable and very luxurious and the ride is very easy and smooth. It’s true relaxation. You’re really pampered onboard a train.”
To mark the occasion, the facility on 25th Street will officially adopt its new name: The Galveston Island Railroad Museum and Terminal.
Riders will board four double-decker coaches that seat about 280 people.
Rick Beverlin, project manager with Houston-based The Goodman Corporation — the transportation consultant for the City of Galveston — said about 3,000 people rode the train during Labor Day 2002, when the service was free.
Last Mardi Gras, about 3,000 were sold out of a total of 4,000.
“We did a passenger survey and the vast majority of people said they would ride again,” Beverlin said. “Children and families really like it.”
The Texas GulfLiner is part of the Galveston Intelligent Transportation System Rail Passenger Demonstration program.
It seeks to promote and demonstrate the benefits of commuter rail travel to avoid congestion on the Galveston Causeway.
Sponsors, including the city of Galveston and the Railroad Museum, assert regular service would ease traffic problems and bring more tourists to the area.
The long-term goal is to show service between Houston and Galveston would be feasible beyond weekends and special events.
“Our cruise ship terminal is across the street from us, the rail trolley stops right out front, we have adequate bus and personal vehicle parking and Harborside Drive right behind us takes commuters directly to the University of Texas Medical Branch, the Bolivar Ferry or Interstate 45 in minutes,” Dundee said.
U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson has requested the federal government for $150 million to get the service funded.
“A modernized rail industry can be very efficient for folks,” Dundee said. “I see the time in a not so distant future when you’ll get from downtown Houston to downtown Galveston. I think that?s going to happen again because we?re not that different than Long Island is to New York City.”
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Service
What: Labor Day weekend train service.
When: Saturday through Monday.
Where: Departures from Perkins Station on Fm 518 in League City, the Galveston Railroad Museum on 25th Street and Alvin’s downtown depot.
Cost: $16 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and children under the age of 16.
o Carry-on luggage will be limited to one piece per passenger (medium-sized suitcase) but will not apply to briefcases, purses, laptop and cosmetic cases, infant car seats, diaper bags and strollers.
o No foods or drinks will be allowed onboard the train. Snacks, sodas and coffee may be purchased on the train. No alcoholic beverages will be served.
o Parking is free at each train depot on a first-come, first-served basis.
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TICKETS
o For more information or to purchase tickets, call (877) 425-7245 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to www.texasgulfliner.com. Add a $2 service charge to purchases over the phone. Credit cards accepted.
o Passengers can also purchase tickets up to one hour before train departure. Only cash accepted.
o No tickets will be sent out in advance. They can be picked at check-in at the departing depot with proper identification. Passengers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.
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SCHEDULE
(Same for all three days of service)
o From League City to Galveston: 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
o From Galveston to League City: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
o From Galveston to Alvin: 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
o From Alvin to Galveston: 11:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.