> <<<<<<<<I think it is rather sad that the PTC has such a poor reputation when it
> comes to
> a) rail fans
> b) heritage / preservation>>>>>>>>>
>
> What on earth are you talking about? Name one other railway anywhere that has
> been so accomodating to fans/preservation and fantrips? Who else runs steam on
> regular services just so the fans can have qualified drivers for their fan
> trips? You should get out and see the world and reaslise how hard it is for
> most fans around the world.
>
> Mark.
>
> THE ROCK is dead
> Long live THE ROCK!
Mark:
While you were still in Australia it was well and widely known htat PTC bled the
fans for everything they could, and they had to be shamed out of further
increases. When drivers received about $17 per hour, they were charged out at
about $60, and there was an attempt to raise it to $105. Not a bad margin when
industry allows about 33% for overdeads to get to a cost price. The MET Tram
division killed off its tours marker by imposing a $2000 [yes, two thoudand]
"preparation charge" on the historic fleet, which are used for its own purposes as
it sees fit. That's better than $40 per head on a tram trip price.
And you say they are friendly!!
Anthony Sell