The Oct. 7 episode of the Austin Breakdown shines a light on the Austin Steam Train Association, which operates the only nonprofit railroad in Texas—the Austin & Texas Central Railroad. The railroad organization restores and preserves vintage train cars, and keeps historic steam and diesel engines running with excursions on the Hill Country Flyer, which runs from ASTA's main railyard in Cedar Park to Burnet.
Listen to this episode to hear from Ben Sargent, board chair and volunteer train conductor for ASTA, on why preserving the history of America's passenger train culture is valuable and the unique additions ASTA brings to Central Texas.
Plus, later in the podcast, hear from Community Impact Reporter Zara Flores on how local school district Hays CISD is responding to a string of fentanyl overdoses among students.