PACIFIC LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION INC

The Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA) is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that has successfully operated Niles Canyon Railway for over 30 years in Niles Canyon now listed on the historical district.

The Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District is made up of the final segment of the eleven mile-long section of the First Transcontinental Railroad that passes through Niles Canyon. The rail line between the towns of Sunol and Fremont was completed in 1870, providing the first rail connection between the San Francisco Bay Area and the rest of the United States.

We restore and maintain our extensive collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger and freight railcars, railroad right-of-way and historic structures. The organization preserves the physical aspects and atmosphere of Pacific Coast railroading pre-1960 and has developed and operates a working railroad, Niles Canyon Railway (NCRy), as a museum for the benefit of the general public. Our focus is about bringing families together so they experience our heritage railroad in a unique outdoor classroom environment. We provide service to about 45,000 riders annually from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and all parts of the world.