Future passengers on Grand Canyon Railway will arrive at the South Rim with little fanfare or noise, as a battery-powered electric locomotive is added to the fleet. The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement. “This … [Read more...] about All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Grand Canyon Railway
Grand Canyon Railway Recognized for Green Practices
The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad thats carries passengers between Williams and the Grand Canyon every day over a historic route in place since 1901. But today, the railway is being recognized for something new – its green practices. Grand Canyon Railway “is a community asset that is treasured by so many,” said Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick, adding that not everyone is aware of the company’s environmental values. It starts with Grand … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway Recognized for Green Practices
Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
This past winter, while icy roads cut vehicle traffic to Grand Canyon 22% in the first quarter, Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) powered through all the snow with a 5% increase in ridership. Train travelers were treated to a snow-blanketed South Rim and photographers scored images of a century-old steam locomotive puffing smoke into the frigid air. “We’re chugging along and only seeing more and more people coming out to visit,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway vice president of sales. … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
One of the largest privately owned parcels of land in the cool pines of Northern Arizona is currently in escrow and scheduled to close this year. Located in Williams, just 30 minutes from Flagstaff in Coconino County, the 500 acres are owned by Valley entrepreneur Max Biegert, who spent 85 million to develop and build the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in the late 80’s. He is selling the land to developers to make way for a new mini master planned community that would include custom homes as … [Read more...] about The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
