By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CHAMA, N.M. — The president and general manager of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has retired. John Bush has been at the helm of the beloved tourist railroad for eight years, although his time at the railroad began long before that. His retirement was effective as of Monday. 

“John has been an incredible asset to the Cumbres & Toltec and has poured his heart and soul into the organization,” said Dan Love, Chairman of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, the board that oversees the state-owned operation. “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.” 

While Bush will no longer be leading the organization, he said he plans on working on several projects at the railroad and will partake in next year’s Iron Horse Round-Up, a week-long event in 2021 that will feature locomotives built during the 19th century. Eric Mason will serve as interim CEO and will assume day-to-day oversight of the operation while the commission searches for a new leader. 

“We will all miss John’s enthusiasm and extensive experience,” Mason said. “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 C&TSRR.”