The Poway Midland Railroad at Old Poway Park is one of the most iconic features of our city, with operations made possible through a unique partnership between the City of Poway and the Poway-Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc. (PMRRV).
An agreement update approved at the Oct. 7 city council meeting formalized new operational cost-sharing responsibilities between the two organizations. It addresses increased maintenance needs and rising costs and approves new ticket and charter pricing, which was last updated nine years ago.
PMRRV President David Blake spoke in support of the agreement at the council meeting and thanked the city’s leadership for their continued support.
“Many of our volunteers – me being one of them – are not residents of the city of Poway, but we love coming to Poway on our weekends and spending time to serve the community. We are the only operating railroad at a city park in the state of California, so we have a unique place [at Old Poway Park] and we truly enjoy that.”
The agreement includes increased cost-sharing that reflects a “mutual dedication to ensuring the long-term operation and preservation of the railroad's equipment.” The modest adjustment to ticket and rental fees will allow PMRRV to better manage their share of operating costs while continuing to build reserves to support the sustainability of its operations.
Steam locomotive and cable car adult tickets are now $5 per ride ($3.50 previously) and when the railroad is running the Speeder, adult tickets are $4 per ride ($2.50 previously). Children’s tickets (3 to 12 years of age) for all equipment are $2 ($1 previously) and children under 3 years of age continue to be free.
View the railroad calendar. Read the history of Old Poway Park.