Mississippi's Polar Express Adds More Rail Cars

Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Thu October 15, 2015

Iowa Pacific Holdings' Polar Express train excursion this holiday season in Batesville, Mississippi, has been such a hit with customers that the company is adding extra rail cars to accommodate more passengers.

In a report from Wayne Risher of The Commercial Appeal, initial estimates had between 30,000-40,000 guests boarding the train, but the rail company now believes due to early sales that it will reach the upper limit of the original estimate. The increased number will require Iowa Pacific to add extra rail cars to accommodate guests for the ride along the Grenada Railway.

Premier Rail Collection-a subsidiary of Iowa Pacific-Vice President Angela Lane told The Commercial Appeal, "We could potentially welcome 40,000 people aboard the event this year, which is remarkable. It has been a phenomenal success. This has been the most robust launch for any Polar that we've done."

While Premier Rail Collection runs nine Polar Express events total in the United States and Britain, this particularly popular Mississippi-based excursion based on the hit book and movie will take place on selected dates between Nov. 20 and Dec. 27.

The one-hour train ride will celebrate the story of The Polar Express, with tickets ranging from $20 to $85 a person, depending on class and date. The train will depart from the Station At The Square in Batesville.

Risher is also reporting that extra tickets in first-class and diamond-class have been added for the rides. First-class passengers will have table seating, while diamond-class guests will be seated in the dome or observation cars.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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