Strategic enhancements set to boost Alaska’s south-end rail experience.
BELLEVUE, Washington, April 4, 2024 – The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC)
South-End Passenger Service Assessment project was an extensive evaluation aimed at
enhancing the south-end train traffic services from Anchorage to Seward, including Whittier,
recognizing the increased business during the May to September peak period and potential future
growth spurred by developments including the envisioned Seward Cruise Dock and Passenger
Terminal replacement. The project’s scope included assessing passenger train schedules and
patterns, asset utilization and revenue management, infrastructure needs to support growth and
schedule adherence, and technology improvements for station check-in and luggage handling.
The Global Voyages Group team included Joseph Slattery, a subject matter expert and long-time
global cruise industry executive with deep Alaska cruise and tourism experience, and Nicholas
Giersdorf, a subject matter expert in data and marketing technologies.
The Assessment consisted of three phases. The initial phase involved analytical insights from
operating data, stakeholder interviews, and meetings with ARRC leadership to ensure all aspects
specified in the controlling documents were addressed. The second phase included site visits and
further meetings with ARRC’s team and community leaders in Whittier and Seward to
understand the current state and future needs comprehensively. The final phase was dedicated to
refining the work into final recommendations that met the contract deliverables, incorporating
inputs from the ARRC operating team, and identifying integration points with ARRC’s 10-Year
Fleet Management Plan.
“The Alaska Railroad celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2023. It is a high-performance,
high-service organization that has successfully served multiple stakeholders and customer
segments over time. This is due to its proactive commitment to looking ahead, around the corner,
at emerging trends and developments, which enables it to prepare and adapt today for ongoing
success in the future. We were honored to be selected to perform this comprehensive South End
Passenger Services Assessment,” said David Giersdorf, Founder/Principal of Giersdorf Group
LLC.
In summary, Global Voyages Group’s completion of the South-End Passenger Services
Assessment for the Alaska Railroad Corporation represents a pivotal step forward in enhancing
the passenger experience and operational efficiency from Anchorage to Seward, including
Whittier. The comprehensive effort and expert analysis have laid the foundation for strategic
growth, improved service delivery, and an adaptive framework to meet future demands, ensuring
the Alaska Railroad remains a vital link in Alaska’s tourism and transportation network for years
to come.