Numbers for those taking the tourist train ride from Kingston to Fairlight have been down on the previous two seasons since Mr Bryce bought the historic train and got it back on its tracks.
He attributes the slower season to a quiet summer for tourism in the area as well as the interruption late last year when the boiler of the main locomotive cracked. Since its month-long repair in Invercargill, the boiler has run to speed and ''couldn't be better''.
The Kingston Flyer lost two employees at the end of last year when young train driver George King left after a season, and driver of more than 30 years Russell Glendinning retired.
Mr Bryce has also spoken of moving on, after announcing health problems last year.
He said at the time he was looking to return to his vineyard in Marlborough, but yesterday said his plans are yet to be decided.
''I don't know yet. I haven't decided really.''
The Kingston Flyer will run regularly over the Easter holiday period and close for the winter on April 30.
