TasRail’s Christmas Train will return to the tracks for the festive season on 1 December and, after another remarkable community response to its train tracker website last year, has already pressed the go-live button for 2023.
TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said that interest in seeing the Christmas Train continued to be incredibly high.
“We start getting messages and requests in about October from Christmas train fans. It’s a much-loved dose of cheer for the community,” he said.
TasRail introduced a Christmas Train tracker website (christmastrain.tasrail.com.au) in 2021. The site allows the community to see where the light-adorned locomotives are around the State when they are in service, as well as view an approximate Christmas Train timetable.
“As Christmas Train fans would know, our lit locomotive timetables can vary due to a number of operational factors. This site is designed to adjust the viewing times online as our schedule changes,” Mr Dietrich said.
While TasRail’s Facebook page will be displaying pictures and any urgent safety information for the services, Christmas Train fans should now visit the website for timetable information, rather than messaging or calling.
Mr Dietrich also reminded Christmas Train enthusiasts to be rail safe while out and about. “Please remember to view the train away from the rail corridor and well clear of the tracks and danger zone,” he said.
“If you are watching for the train with your family, I encourage you to also take the time to remind your loved ones that TasRail is a 24/7 freight rail business and they should always be vigilant, all year not just at Christmas time.”
He thanked the operational teams who continue to foster the annual staff-led initiative.
“The TasRail team works hard to bring this festive cheer to Tasmanians every year. We want everyone to have a merry Christmas, and to go home safe and well every day to enjoy precious time with their friends and family.”
