The CMRR wrapped up its season on December 23rd. Ridership was over 23,000 this year, much higher than last year's 13,007. Our non-Christmas ridership went from 11,216 to nearly 19,000 in 2021. Our Polar substitute, the Catskill Christmas Express had nearly 5000 riders in 2021, though nothing compared to the 29,500 we had for Polar in 2019.
Most important the Ulster County legislature extended our permit by another 2 years on a strong 17-5 vote. It will now go through December 31, 2023. We will keep working on our track extension plans in 2022.
All in all, we had a very good year despite Covid. Our six open air flat cars really saved the day. We look forward to a great 2022.
Ernie Hunt
CMRR