Marina Handcar Tours shutting down in August

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV) - After years on the Monterey Branch Line, Handcar Tours on the central coast are being permanently shut down on August 28th.

The announcement of this closure comes after litigation between the company and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County over the planned removal of the railroad line that the handcars operate on.

The company says that it had a federal court order that allowed it to continue operating while the Surf Bus Road project was under review, but now that order has expired, forcing them to wind down operations.

Owners say they still have reservations about whether the project set to replace the railroad is ready to break ground, and all rides ahead of the closure will be used to continue that legal battle.

As for the handcars themselves, owners say that they will be put into storage. Several of the handcars are also set to be donated to a historic railroad.

Talks are also in progress with new partners to possibly continue their mission at another location, although no details have been shared thus far.