Central Park Railroad
Central Park train was only 9 cents per ride
1948. Oris and Edna Latta purchased the train for $10,000 and had it shipped from Wichita, Kansas
It comprised a steam engine running on coal, 3 coaches and an observation car. Children sat in the cars and the conductor sat on the engine.
Central Park railroad served over 62,000 passengers in its first year of operation in 1949, at only 9 cents a ride.
The steam engine was replaced by a diesel engine which caused great controversy. Would it have the same appeal and aura? Of course, the children didn’t care. They just wanted it to continue on its track.
1986. The diesel engine is replaced by a clean battery engine.
Fares have increased over the years. A ride around the park will now set you back $2.
Train importer Oris Latta
From “The Little Engine in Central Park”,
The Times, June 8, 1989�San Mateo County Historical Association (1974.404)
A section of the 500 feet of Central Park railroad.
Fares have risen to 50 cents
From “The Little Engine in Central Park”,
The Times, June 8, 1989�San Mateo County Historical Association (1974.404)