Reading & Northern is bringing passenger trains back to Jim Thorpe starting Aug. 14.

After a tough winter and spring, Reading & Northern Railroad is bringing back memories of days past.

“Our train trips have always been about memories; reminding returning passenger riders of the glories of riding the rails and making new memories for people riding for the first time,” a press release from the railroad states. “Our guests travel in restored passenger cars that hearken back to a different century complete with narration of the glorious history of the region and Jim Thorpe. And our guests get to enjoy the shops and restaurants of beautiful Jim Thorpe.”

Given the COVID-19 virus, RBMN is proceeding with certain precautions to make guests feel more comfortable.

“We will be offering extra cars to allow empty seats and we welcome all of our guests to wear masks. Our Open Air cars will be on the train offering guests open air seating.”

In making this announcement, Andy Muller, owner/CEO, said. “From our beginning in the railroad business in 1983 as the Blue Mountain & Reading, we have always been committed to our passenger service. That commitment is no less strong today than it was 37 years ago.

“Over the past year, we have refurbished our equipment and worked on restoring a second steam locomotive. We are now ready to resume passenger service to and from Jim Thorpe. We have always worked well with the merchants in Jim Thorpe and we are pleased to do our part to help Jim Thorpe, Carbon County and the region bounce back from the impact of the virus on our communities.

“We believe now is the right time to bring the joy of passenger railroading back to northeast Pennsylvania. We will begin advertising and letting people know Jim Thorpe is open for business.”

Reading & Northern will be operating its Lehigh Gorge train on a schedule that will be published on Wednesday. Tickets will go on sale starting that date for upcoming trips.

For more information, call the passenger department at 570-325-8485 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or follow the railroad by going to www.lgsry.com or “Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway” on Facebook.