Introducing a New Class of Service: Budd Coach Class
WILLIAMS, ARIZ. (January 31, 2006) - Work is underway in the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop on a new class of service - Budd Coach Class. Grand Canyon Railway is making general repairs and adding restrooms to each coach to get it ready for service. The 14 commuter coaches that will comprise Budd Coach Class came from the Joint Powers Board (CALTRAIN). The vintage 1950s Budd stainless steel cars - which match the Railway's first-class cars - will supplement the current historic Pullman Coach Class cars. Beginning in summer 2006, Grand Canyon Railway passengers will have their choice of either Budd Coach Class or Pullman Coach Class. Budd Coach Class will be priced $20 higher during the warm summer months as these cars are equipped with air-conditioning. This new class will offer guests a tremendous savings. Prior to developing Budd Coach Class, Grand Canyon Railway passengers' only air-conditioned option was first class, priced at $120 and double the cost of a coach seat. In addition to providing air-conditioned relief, the Budd Class cars will help Grand Canyon Railway better serve passengers with disabilities. Each new car can comfortably accommodate wheelchairs in the aisle and four will feature wheelchair accessible restrooms. "We've already completed work on two cars and are working on a third. They came in pretty good shape, now we're just getting them up to Grand Canyon Railway specifications," said Sam Lanter, Chief Mechanical Officer for Grand Canyon Railway. What will happen to the Railway's famed Pullman coaches? Pullman Coach Class cars will be removed from service Labor Day to Memorial Day (unless required due to high train volume) to help ease the wear and tear sustained through daily usage. "The simple truth is that we can't ever go out and buy more Pullman coaches. These cars are nearing 100 years in age, and it's beginning to show in some cases," said Bob LaCivita, executive vice president of Grand Canyon Railway. "Our hope is that by limiting the Pullman's usage to steam season, we'll be able to preserve these icons for future generations to enjoy." Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz. and the Grand Canyon. The Railway offers five distinct classes of service, as well as money-saving packages featuring the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Overnight stays at the Grand Canyon also can be included in the packages. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and the Kaibab National Forest. For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).
