Those of you that have followed the BR&W over the years know that for several years the trend was to cut back service, then cut it back some more, then next year cut something else. I'm here to tell you that train has left the station.
I promise you all that events, trains, services, etc that cannot meet the BR&W / BRRHT's financial and operational goals
will meet the axe swiftly and
without remorse or nostalgia. That being said, the leadership of the BRRHT is committed to improving the trains and events we continue to operate AND
continue to explore possibilities for NEW services as much as possible.
In this spirit, last year (as you most likely already know) the BRRHT experimented with a revived "Saturday Night Special" service to downtown Flemington. We learned a few things in the process, and have decided to put some more weight behind the idea this year in an attempt to establish a regular presence in the downtown area. This year's Saturday Night Special has been scheduled for
every Saturday in June, July, and August, and will feature stops at both Flemington PRR (Stangl Road at Liberty Village) and Flemington CNJ (Main Street & Fulper Rd). While this service remains "family friendly", the real target is couples and small groups of adults looking for an enjoyable evening out to a restaurant that's a little bit off the beaten path (you know....something other than shmapplebees).
So far, the list of attractions for these trains includes VIP coupon books for shopping at Liberty Village (upon request), a complimentary map with walking directions to several restaurants within a 10 minute walk of the train station, a map with a walking tour of historical points of interest in downtown Flemington, and the ability to ride the train to the FRBA car shows which will take place on several of the Saturdays when this train operates. The train departs Ringoes at 5:30pm, arriving at Flemington CNJ 6:00pm, then laying over until 9:00pm departure to return to Ringoes.
So.......
We need your help!!! Tell your friends, relatives, fellow-railfans, and anybody else who will listen. Last summer, one thing that our SNS passengers repeated over and over was how surprised they were at how much there was to see and do in downtown Flemington. This is a great way for folks to get out and do/see something different that they've been missing in their own backyard. Plus, let's face it, it's just really cool to arrive at Main St Flemington by train! Tickets will be regular price ($14/A $7/C) and we'll be offering a discount to groups of 4 or more adults purchasing tickets together in advance through our website!
Of course, this will present new opportunities for evening/night photography on the BR&W....please come take advantage of them. May I suggest, come buy a ticket and enjoy the ride and dinner one Saturday, then come chase and photograph the following Saturday.
Information on this train has been posted on our website at
http://brrht.org/eventSaturdayNightSpecial.html. Advance ticket sales will be available through that page soon.
PLEASE let me know if you have any comments or questions about the Special!
Thanks,
Michael Shea
Vice-President
BRRHT