The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission announced last week that John Bush, President and General Manager of the Cumbres & Toltec Operating Company is retiring.
“John has been an incredible asset to the Cumbres & Toltec and has poured his heart and soul into the organization,” stated Dan Love, Chairman of the Commission. “After eight amazing years with the C&TSRR, John will step back from his daily involvement to focus on a business his family is taking over in Chama and other tourism related projects,” Love added.
Bush remains committed to the success of the railroad and looks forward to continuing work and leadership on several projects. “I am looking forward to participating in the 50th Anniversary and Iron Horse Round Up,” Bush said. “I will be spearheading these events, as well as continuing my work with Tracks Across the Border Byway and the acquisition of historically significant equipment for the C&TSRR.”
In preparation for future seasons and planning for a permanent replacement for Bush, Eric Mason, who is currently serving as Interim CEO, will assume oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Commission and the Cumbres & Toltec Operating Company. Mason stated, “We will all miss John’s enthusiasm and extensive experience. We are fortunate that John will continue to maintain a home in the Chama area, and has volunteered to help with specific projects that will enhance the operations of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.”
“The Commission wishes John the absolute best, and we look forward to working with Eric to ensure the future of the Cumbres & Toltec for generations to come.”
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a 64-mile tourist line, operating between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado and is jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
The railroad is operated for Colorado and New Mexico by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, an interstate agency authorized by an act of Congress in 1974. The Commission is composed of four members, two from each state, appointed by their respective state Governor. A recipient of the National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has won USA Today’s Reader’s Choice as the “Best Scenic Train in America” for several years, most recently in 2020. Trains operate daily from Memorial Day to mid-October.