BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (AP) - The Ridge Runner is moving full steam ahead on another season of taking area residents and tourists on scenic mountain rides.
The Ridge Runner season began Saturday at Lotito Park.
"We are extremely excited for our sixth season since restoration," Ridge Runner Director of Operations Lori Mills said. "In 2011, we raised almost $300,000 to reopen the train. We completely redid the track and restored the train. We also built the train station in 2011."
According to Mills, officials started fundraising efforts for the Ridge Runner in 2009. "We opened in 2011."
The Ridge Runner is open on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from noon to 6 p.m. "Weather permitting," Mills said. "We can't run in the rain."
The train costs $1.50 to ride. "Since we opened in 2011, we have had 68,098 riders," Mills said. "The kids love it. They love the whistle. They love to see the smoke. We have people that travel from near and far to ride the train."
Mills said each year during mid-March officials spend about two weeks working on the track. "The ground settling can get it out of gauge," Mills said. "Every year we have to make sure it's gauged. We look at every tie on the track. This year we replaced about 40 ties."
The Ridge Runner is open through the end of September.
Mills said the Ridge Runner has a history. "The train is 52 years old," Mills said. "It was built in 1964. It ran on East River Mountain for many years until the tunnel was put in. Once the tunnel was put in the traffic no longer needed to travel across East River Mountain. In the early '80's the train was moved from East River Mountain to the city park."
Mills said the train operated off and on from the '80's until the early 2000's.
"I can't thank Lecia Smith enough and her husband Danny," Mills said. "They were instrumental in the whole process of getting the train back in operation. Lecia headed up the committee and was instrumental in getting the project off the ground."
Mills also said the train station will be selling snacks this year. Mills said that private rentals of the train are available for $250 for every four hours. Mills can be contacted at 304-327-2401 extension 2451. Mills said the train rentals are great for school groups.