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Institute Fiscal Analyst Assists SAM Shortline Railway with Budget Outlook

The SAM Shortline Railway, a tourist attraction in Southwest Georgia, has information it needs to prepare for a sustainable future thanks to a report from the Vinson Institute. Paula Sanford, a fiscal specialist on the Institute's local government services team, provided the SAM Shortline board and staff with a budgetary and fiscal analysis to help the organization better understand its financial situation.

The SAM Shortline is a vintage train operated under the guidance of the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority. It travels daily to various stops between Cordele and Archery, Georgia, and contributes to economic development in South Georgia through tourism. State budget cuts have reduced the railway's operating funds in recent years, and the organization asked the Vinson Institute to conduct the analysis and explore possible ways of ensuring the railway remains financially viable.

Sanford reviewed SAM's revenues, such as ticket and concessions sales, and its expenditures. She provided the railway's manager with a financial outlook, including a break-even analysis. The report also examined other shortline railways in the region to provide insights into alternative revenue-generating strategies. One such option is increasing the number of special events during the year. Currently, the railroad conducts an annual Day Out with Thomas event during which the train is transformed into a replica of the popular character Thomas the Tank Engine. The Thomas event produces significant revenue for the railroad, and other events could help relieve budgetary strain.

The Vinson Institute report details other options for SAM including raising ticket prices, increasing its marketing budget to attract more customers from metro Atlanta, and developing a capital fund for train repairs.

The Vinson Institute's budget and finance experts help state and local governments make informed decisions for their communities based on objective comparisons of revenues and expenditures. They also provide economic forecasts and financial management training so that leaders have the skills and knowledge to implement sound financial policies.