February 10, 2003

Texas GulfLiner Excursion Train

Tickets to ride the Texas GulfLiner on excursions between Galveston and League City during the two Mardi Gras Galveston! weekends go on sale today at noon.

The train will carry passengers between the Clear Lake area and Galveston's Railroad Museum beginning Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, and again on, Friday, February 28 through March 2. 

Tickets are $16.00 roundtrip.  Children 2 through 15, and seniors age 65 and older, will ride for half price.

The City of Galveston has been working to initiate passenger rail service for the past several years with representatives of Union Pacific Railroad, AMTRAK, the Galveston Railroad Museum, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Congressman Nick Lampson and other members of the Congressional delegation, as well as other cities located along the rail route.

The Goodman Corporation, a Houston urban planning and transportation consulting firm, is assisting the City of Galveston in the implementation of the passenger rail demonstration project. 

“The successful Labor Day demonstration, where approximately 3,000 passengers traveled on the train, showed that there was extreme interest by citizens who want rail passenger service to exist between Galveston and the Mainland," said Galveston Mayor Roger Quiroga.  "We are hopeful that by continued success with this service, a long term funding commitment for passenger rail service will result."

League City is the north most point of destination from Galveston at this time, and future plans to extend the service to Houston are the ultimate goal.”

For south bound travelers, a free bus shuttle service to the League City departure area will be available from the Bay Area Park and Ride located at Bay Area  & Feathercraft in Clear Lake. 

The public is encouraged to buy tickets online at www.texasgulfliner.com where schedule, parking, directions, and event information can also be found. For an additional small fee, tickets may also be purchased by calling (877) GALRAIL.

Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 926 Broadway in Galveston and 2500 South Shore Boulevard, Suite C Marina in Clear Lake.  Call (409) 763-NEWS (6397) or (281) 334-NEWS (6397) in the Clear Lake area.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.