North Yorkshire Moors Railway passenger joy (From York Press)

North Yorkshire Moors Railway passenger joy

1:50pm Tuesday 3rd February 2009

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A LEADING attraction has defied both bad weather and the economic downturn.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway last year recorded the second highest number of passengers in its 40-year history.

A total of 315,000 visitors rode on the heritage railway, despite the poor summer and economic pressure.

General manager Philip Benham described the figures as “remarkable” and added: “We are very pleased with these results.

“There has been a lot of hard work and the figures reflect a railway which continues to be appealing for tourists and enthusiasts alike.

“Despite a small decline in volume, we remain the market leader in heritage steam and remain one of Yorkshire’s finest attractions. This puts us in good stead to face the challenges ahead.”

Extended services beyond Grosmont to Whitby were one of the key factors. In 2008 the number of services running between Pickering and the coast increased by half.

Last October’s Railway At War event was the biggest yet, attracting over 10,000 visitors to Pickering and its neighbouring villages along the route of the railway.

However, on the downside the railway was hit hard by the cost of coal, which doubled in price during 2008.

“For a railway operating a very busy timetable every day between April and November, this represents considerable outlay,” said Mr Benham.

The hiring of steam locomotives from alternative sources also added to the bill, but was necessary to ensure that the railway had sufficient engines to operate its timetable, which at its peak delivers 12 return services per day.

Looking ahead to this year, Mr Benham said the railway would continue to plan for the delivery of a comprehensive timetable, offering as much choice as possible for visitors. Most fares have been held and the railway plans to deliver a number of special events, including a Spring Steam Gala featuring the newly-built A1 Pacific steam locomotive Tornado.

Yorkshire Tourist Board chief executive Gary Verity said: “The figures are very good news and we support the excellent service being delivered by North Yorkshire Moors Railway.”

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