PASSENGER SERVICES
Established in 1985, RBMN’s Passenger offerings have been expanding rapidly. Initial excursions were limited in scope but utilized two historic steam locomotives during select events. The maiden voyage of the fledgling passenger business was later immortalized by local artist John Bond. This route, which entered into the Lehigh Gorge State Park would later become home to RBMN’s famous Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (LGSR).
To date, RBMN’s Passenger offerings have exceeded expectations and have broken national records for ridership numbers. In October of 2022, 5,302 riders were served in a single day during peak fall foliage. In the same month, four other days saw more than 4,000 riders.
As one could infer, such high volume and demand would mean that locomotive and passenger coach inventory would have to match interest. Not only does the current fleet exceed normative operational expectations, but it has been meticulously curated by Mr. Andy Muller, rail historians, and prestigious RBMN staffers over years of refinement.
As per one of Andy’s core principles, “Do all things with great care.”, he has acquired and restored relics such as Jay Gould’s Black Diamond, the dining car featured in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Pullman Parlor Cars which include Mrs. Carol Muller’s luxurious and Art Deco inspired Car 3, and a host of Crown Class coaches that have been upgraded with modern amenities while retaining their classic stylings.
THE 2102
Adding to the flurry of excitement in 2022, the highly-anticipated release of the restored 1945 Baldwin T-1 4-8-4 locomotive was a milestone to preservation of motive history. Now rebranded as RBMN’s “2102” during release for public ridership in April of 2022, its presence has garnered intense interest both domestically and internationally to the highest acclaim.
For comprehensive information regarding RBMN’s restoration process of the 2102, please click here.
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON REGIONAL RAILROAD STATION (AT PITTSTON)
On the heels of Reading Outer Station’s (Reading, PA) success after its construction in 2017, the Mullers and Passenger’s General Manager, Matt Fisher turned their attention northward. Since the mid-1970s, Passenger services from Pittston Yard at Pittson, PA (which provided transportation for the greater Wyoming Valley) was stagnated. After acquiring the line in the mid-90s, RBMN utilized the track strictly for freight services, bridging traffic from Pennsylvania to New York.
However, the increasing interest and demand for excursions into Jim Thorpe, PA (known as "the “Switzerland of America”), RBMN’s ability to support a new community hungry to reclaim its tourism roots, and strong advocates in the cities of Pittston and Scranton, building a new Passenger platform was kismet.
Construction began in early 2023. And, in a few short months, all infrastructure to support passenger services was ready for launch on Saturday, May 27, 2023. This venture not only didn’t utilize state or federal funds, but RBMN took the liberty of donating $10,000 to the non-profit organization, “Downtown Pittston Partnership”. This organization fosters community growth and the money provided was gifted as a “thank-you” from the Muller family for the city’s warm reception.
Since opening, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad has been running sold-out excursions every weekend and interest is not slowing down. At the close of a highly successful 2023 season and plans to expand in 2024, Pittston Station stands as another shining example of the Muller family’s ability to remain staunchly successful entrepreneurs no matter the era’s zeitgeist or economic forecast in similar industries.
DEDICATED WEBSITES - ADDITIONAL PASSENGER INFORMATION
For detailed information on all RBMN’s Passenger exploits, services, and current schedule, please click on one of the images above. Both options afford you a wealth of unique experiences, history, and opportunities to find your perfect train trip.