Santa Train Grinds To A Halt In La Grande (Oregon)

[fairviewroad]

The Santa Train will not roll into La Grande this Christmas season for the first time in about six decades because of a Union Pacific Railroad customer service issue.

The "customer service issue" is later explained to be:

UP spokesflack Aaron Hunt: “Based on the needs of our customers, we have recently seen a seasonal increase in freight movements through Oregon. In light of this seasonal change, we have taken steps to further focus our resources on creating value for our customers through the safe and efficient operation of our railroad and are not participating in the Christmas train event this year.”

Yes, kids. The railroad company is too busy "creating value for their customers" and will thus end a 65-year-old tradition. Merry Christmas from Union Pacific!

Link:

Santa Train Grinds To A Halt In La Grande

 

[the_traveler]

Or in other words, "How the Grinch stole Christmas".

I think they're saying that the "seasonal increase" and the reason for the end of a 65 year old tradition is because this is the first Christmas "season" in 65 years! I feel better now that I understand their reason.

 

[MikefromCrete]

Ho Ho Ho! We invest a billion dollars in the railroad and can't run a train one day a year for one mile without screwing everything up!!! Ho Ho Ho! And paying those three guys to run the train will wreck our bottom line!!!

 

[Bob Dylan]

Sounds like UP is following BNSFs Example from the Hi-Line Greed Fest! The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Indeed!