Alaska railroad continues successful track record: passengers, assets and real estate all saw increases in 2007.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: TRANSPORTATION

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One of the highlights of any visitor's trip to the 49th state is a ride on the Alaska Railroad. Yet this journey, one of hundreds made each tourist season, is only a fraction of the role the Alaska Railroad plays on the Last Frontier. From providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to moving freight to remote Alaska villages, to creating jobs and economic opportunities all along its rails, the Alaska Railroad plays an integral part in the state's freight and transportation system.

In 2007, the railroad continued in its mission to be "profitable while delivering safe, high-quality service to its freight, passenger and real estate customers, and to foster the development of Alaska's economy by integrating railroad and Railbelt community development plans." Total railroad assets increased by 17 percent, net income by $16.3 million, and the railroad set new revenue records in real estate and passenger movements. Freight tonnage was down from previous years, however, with some of this decrease attributed to market conditions, as well as to changing client situations. As a whole, the Alaska Railroad boasted a solid safety record.

PASSENGER SERVICE

According to Steve Silverstein, vice president, market, sales and service, 2007 was a banner year for passenger traffic on the Alaska Railroad. "2007 was terrific for us with a little growth on the north end; a lot of growth on the south end, and the building of our day-trip operations," he said. "Overall, we served 564,800 passengers."

Approximately 60 percent to 70 percent of the railroad's passengers are out-of-town passengers traveling in cars owned by cruise ship companies, with 30 percent to 40 percent of passengers either local residents, visiting local friends and relatives, or independent travelers.

In the past several years, the railroad has concentrated on providing new amenities and package trips for passengers, including its new, first-class GoldStar service.

"We built brand new, two-level luxury dome cars, which are the only ones in existence to have an upper-level open viewing platform," said Silverstein. "From the front of the train, passengers have the opportunity to view what's coming down the tracks. Passengers can also enjoy fine dining on the lower level."

Currently the GoldStar fleet consists of two cars that seat 72 people on the top level and 35 people below. In 2008, the railroad plans to add another two cars, with another two in 2009.

At the...