Fillmore & Western Railway holding its own in tough economic times

August 08, 2003
Santa Paula News

As the Santa Clara River Valley’s reputation as a place to visit widens, the Fillmore & Western Railway Company is trying to overcome a flagging economy and rising costs, the Santa Paula Rotary Club learned at a recent meeting.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAs the Santa Clara River Valley’s reputation as a place to visit widens, the Fillmore & Western Railway Company is trying to overcome a flagging economy and rising costs, the Santa Paula Rotary Club learned at a recent meeting.Railway owner Dave Wilkinson noted that the railway has a long-term lease with the Ventura County Transportation Commission, the owner of the railroad corridor that stretches from the Los Angeles County line in the east river valley to Ventura to the west.The railway is responsible for 30 miles of track in close proximity to 408 residences and businesses, noted Wilkinson, and “we spend a considerable amount of time maintaining the right-of-way,” as well as with the 70-plus agencies and sub-agencies governing the industry.A business within the business is a restaurant: “We serve 500 meals a week,” in the dining car, and, “we’re probably the most photographed railroad in the world,” with an average shoot every two weeks.The tourist and specialty trains, such as the Santa Paula Museum & Murals and the Antique Treasures trains, brings the train to the city numerous times each week, and although the F&WR is “doing fantastic compared to other,” tourism venues, the “industry is on its knees. . .ridership is down tremendously” as the economy falters.Railway statistics showed that 1999 was a boom year for the company, but that less than 2 percent in the river valley ride the train and usually only when entertaining out-of-town visitors.
Most riders are from within a 500-mile radius, Wilkinson said.Tourism benefits all communities where the train stops: “It’s a nice clean industry great for all of us. . .”Active with tourism bureaus and with a large mailing list, Wilkinson said he has tracked a “gradual increase” in mail returns due to businesses failing.But overall, the railway continues to grow, offering Thomas the Tank events for children and special holiday events for a total ridership of up to 50,000 annually.Although F&WR grew the business “tremendously, now we have to refind the people,” and contend with growing costs and regulations, he noted.“Dave is probably one of the most resourceful people I’ve dealt with,” said Ventura County Transportation Commission Executive Director Ginger Gherardi. The Santa Paula Branch Line was in a “deplorable condition in 1994,” when acquired by the VCTC and Gherardi noted that Wilkinson is responsible for the capital improvements that will eventually expand the train route and open up the line commuter service.



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