Carsonites to get free V&T rides this month

Carson City residents who want to see for themselves where their tax dollars are going can ride the 4 p.m. train on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad for free throughout the month of October.

The 4 p.m. train is the ride that goes past Gold Hill on the new track laid by contractors for the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T. It runs through Tunnel 2 and past American Flat.

Riders will have the opportunity to see what all the hoopla is about and how far the V&T is now able to travel - way, way beyond Gold Hill.

Tickets are available at the visitors center, 1900 S. Carson St., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., good for the V&T's 4 p.m. ride only, and only for Carson City residents.

Tickets will also be available at the Chamber Breakfast Club at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Courtyard by Marriott. Call 882-1565 to RSVP.

V&T project coordinator Kevin Ray said the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsored the free passes, something he hoped would give residents a greater understanding of the project.

"There are people in Carson City who say, 'We're paying the tax, where's my free ride.'" Ray said. "I I think it's a great thing to do so people understand the project and get excited when they see it, and they'll start to realize the economic impact will be great."