Closure of Tourist Railways/Tramways
Roy Winslow
Thursday, July 4, 2002 12:22 AM
The
much publicised insurance 'crisis' that is affecting doctors, sporting groups
and businesses has also had a few high profile casualties in the rail
preservation industry.
After 28 years of operation, the Pichy Richy Railway in
South Oz was forced to close indefinately on 30 June as it was unable to source
appropriate Public Indemnity Insurance, even though in its long history, it has
never had a claim against it. This coming just months after it opened the
much-awaited extension of its line to Port Augusta.
On
the West Oz front, the Pemberton Tramway (actually a light railway), has also
closed, as has the Canarvon Jetty Train. Out at Whiteman Park, where the Perth
Electric Tramway Society has its electric tramway, our sister rail operator, the
Bennet Brook Railway is facing an increase in its insurance premium from $6,500
to $45,000 if it wishes to continue past November. Although I don't have the
figures, it is likely that PETS's premium will also have a nasty increase.
If
the trend continues, it is just possible that there will be no railway or
tramway preservation groups operating by Christmas, except perhaps those very
few (maybe even only 1 or 2) who can afford the ludicrous increase (if they
can find an insurer to cover them). State and federal governments have been
requested to address the problem, but as it affects just about all levels of
business and community, there can be no easy and quick fix.
Get
your rides in now...
Roy
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