PENINSULA, Ohio — The rails will be running again in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thursday marks the first time riders will be boarding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad since March.
The railroad has been working with Cleveland Clinic to make sure passengers, volunteers, and staff members stay safe.
First up are the railroad’s Fall Flyer train rides. They run Thursdays through Sundays with two runs each day. Then, the popular Polar Express trains will start running in November.
To keep up with COVID-19 safety guidelines, capacities on the trains have been reduced to 50% or less, passengers, volunteers, and staff members will have their temperatures checked every day before boarding, and masks are required throughout the ride.
The cafe car will also be closed, but passengers can bring their own pre-packaged food.
The railroad shut down back in March and staff says the last several months have been challenging, but they always had a goal to open back up on Oct. 1.
“It's been a very challenging time from a financial standpoint. Our members have really stayed strong with us and renewed their membership and are knowing the importance of the membership and the impact it has on this historic railroad,” Joe Mazur, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, said.
Tickets are already on sale right now for the Fall Flyer and some dates have already sold out. Tickets for the Polar Express go on sale Oct. 14. They can only be purchased online at cvsr.org or by calling customer service at (330) 439-5708.
RELATED: Volunteers needed aboard the Polar Express on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Jade Jarvis is a reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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