PORT CLINTON, PA. — Almost 340,000 riders took part in Reading & Northern excursions in 2024, surpassing the previous mark of more than 322,000 in 2023 by 5%, the railroad has announced.
The year included the opening of the new Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station on the railroad’s Nesquehoning campus, which includes the railroad’s new shops and other facilities. An Aug. 17 Iron Horse Ramble excursion with T-1 4-8-4 No. 2102 served as the grand opening for that facility. It was one of six Iron Horse Rambles during the year. Four such trips are scheduled this year, including the previously announced first-ever winter Ramble trip on Feb. 8 [see “First winter trip highlights Reading & Northern …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 28, 2024].
The 2025 schedule for other all-day excursions will include themed trips from Reading and Pittston to Jim Thorpe, Pa., in February, with the regular excursion season beginning March 15. Tickets for the regular-season trips are set to go on sale Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. on the railroad’s passenger website or by phone at 610-562-2102.
The railroad’s Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, based in Jim Thorpe, Pa., accounted for the largest percentage of passenger ridership in 2024. That operation will operate on weekends in January and February, then begin daily season on March 15, 2025, a month earlier than in the past, reflecting more favorable weather in recent years and increased ticket demand. Tickets for trips through March 30 are now available at the railroad’s passenger website.
— Updated at 8:05 p.m. CT to correct number of Iron Horse Rambles in 2024.
