4/22/2003
Second Nature - Texas' Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Tram
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For
more than 15 years, an open air, interpretative tram has taken visitors through
Texas’ Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The tram runs four times daily from
Thursday through Monday during peak season, and private vehicles are prohibited
on the drive when the tram is in service. The tram holds up to 30 people and
makes a tour loop of 7.5 miles. The tram fare is $3 for adults and $1.50 for
children, and free for school groups.
The tram service is a
cooperative effort with the Valley Nature Center (VNC), a local, nonprofit
organization dedicated to environmental education, which supplies a driver and a
narrator for each tour. Annual ridership exceeds 6,000 passengers, earning about
$18,000 in fares for VNC. The Santa Ana NWR supplies the tram, gasoline, and
maintenance for the vehicle, with an annual budget of $5,000.
The Surface Transportation Policy Project is a nationwide network of more than 800
organizations, including planners, community development organizations, and advocacy groups,
devoted to improving the nation’s transportation system.
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