I’m sorry to be a killjoy, but they are so noisy.”

Nancy Laurienzo, abutter to Rail Explorers

PORTSMOUTH — Representatives from Rail Explorers came to the Town Council Monday night to share some rosy news about their unique business that started up last spring. 

Before they left, however, they heard a complaint about noise generated by the “rail cars” that travel along the town’s west shoreline.

Rail Explorers, the “eco-tourism business” owned by the husband-and-wife team of Mary Joy Lu and Alex Catchpoole, began its first “Northern Ramble” runs in April 2017 from 1 Alexander Road at Melville. Tours heading south from the Melville station began two months later.

Rail Explorers use “rail bikes” of various sizes that have four steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and pedals for each seat. For its northern tours, the rail cars go six miles until they get to Anthony Road, on the other side of the Montaup Golf Club. Then, passengers disembark and a van or bus takes them back to Melville.

Portsmouth is one of only three locations where Rail Explorers operates. The venture started in 2015 in the Adirondacks and just recently added tours in Las Vegas, Ms. Lu told the council.

After Ms. Lu shared some information on how the business has been a boon to the local economy, abutters Nancy and Paul Laurienzo took the microphone. They live north of the Rail Explorers’ Melville depot at 148 Thayer Drive at the bottom of the King’s Grant housing development.

“I’m sorry to be a killjoy, but they are so noisy,” said Ms. Laurienzo, adding she’s heard similar complaints from other neighbors. “Is there something that can be done to soften the noise? They’re actually noisier than the train.”

When she’s in her house or on her outside deck, it’s difficult to carry on a conversation with someone else, she said. “I timed it. For six minutes we heard this clanging, then another car comes,” Ms. Laurienzo said.

Ms. Lu apologized for the inconvenience and said the company is working on modifications to the rail cars to lessen the noise. In addition, only half the amount of tours this season will be heading north compared to last year, she said, which should make things quieter for neighbors on that side of the depot.

Ms. Laurienzo said she would return to the council if she didn’t see any improvements when the new season begins May 12.

‘Big boost’ to economy cited

Before the noise complaints were heard, Ms. Lu told the council that Rail Explorers’ debut season was a success, with about 23,500 people riding the rails. 

The company has a $400,000 payroll and currently employs 30 people, 10 of whom work full-time, she said. “A majority of our employees are Portsmouth-based. All of them are within a 20-mile radius of Portsmouth,” Ms. Lu said.

Many customers are coming to Portsmouth just for Rail Explorers, then asking what else they can do in town, she said. “It’s been a big boost to the local economy,” she said, adding that the company is working to get the word out that “Portsmouth is not just a way to Newport but a destination in itself.”

Jay Primiano, who handles community outreach for Rail Explorers, agreed. 

“Portsmouth is a happening place,” said Mr. Primiano, who noted the business is also promoting local historical spots such as Melville, where John F. Kennedy trained, and Battle of Rhode Island locations.

“We’re reaching out to the school system because of rich history along the rails,” he said.

The other reason for Rail Explorers’ visit to the council was to discuss the possible placement of signage on Route 114 at the corner of Stringham Road. 

Council President Keith Hamilton, however, said that’s a state road on Navy property, so the company would need to seek permission from those two entities.