Tilden Park Steam Train Faces Shutdown After 70 Years of Service

URGENT UPDATE: The beloved steam train at Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay faces an uncertain future after 70 years of service. Reports from the San Francisco Chronicle indicate that the private owner has threatened to permanently shut down the attraction unless a long-term contract is secured with the East Bay Regional Park District.

Operating on a precarious month-to-month deal for the past seven years, the owner asserts that the current arrangement hampers necessary capital improvements. The steam train, which first began chugging through the park in 1952, serves approximately 250,000 riders annually, making it a cherished fixture for families and visitors alike.

The potential closure of the train would not only impact its dedicated riders but also end a significant historical attraction that has delighted generations. As discussions between the owner and the park district unfold, the clock is ticking for this iconic East Bay experience.

Park officials have yet to respond publicly to the owner’s ultimatum, but the situation remains tense. Community members and local families are already expressing their concerns over the potential loss of a nostalgic ride through the scenic landscapes of Tilden Park.

As the deadline for negotiations looms, all eyes are on the East Bay Regional Park District to see if a resolution can be reached in time to save this treasured steam train.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and consider sharing your thoughts on the future of this iconic attraction.