Goldbelt Tram season ticket holders get refunds due to shutdown after accident, reopening date uncertain

Company states refunded passes will remain ‘fully active and valid for the entire season once operations resume’

The Goldbelt Tram on Thursday, April 30, 2026, shortly after one of its two cable cars docked at the base station at an accelerated rate of speed, resulting in two employees in the car being treated at Bartlett Regional Hospital. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

The Goldbelt Tram announced Wednesday it is issuing refunds to season pass holders due to an extended shutdown following an April 30 accident, although passes "will remain fully active and valid for the entire season once operations resume."

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back aboard as soon as operations resume safely," a post at the tram’s Facebook page states. A previous update stated the company planned to reopen the tram May 24, but Goldbelt President and CEO McHugh Pierre stated in an email to the Juneau Independent on Wednesday evening the closure will extend beyond that date.

"The tram will reopen this summer," he wrote. "We do not have a specific date for reopening."

The lower base of the tram has reopened its coffee shop, gift sales and other amenities, according to Goldbelt.

The accident occurred when the two tram cars arrived at the base and top stations at an accelerated rate of speed. Two of five employees riding in the car to the base were treated at Bartlett Regional Hospital for injuries and the dock at the top of the tram sustained visible structural damage.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.