Cog train doesn't run all the time. Hikers can get up there after the last trains has left and.... they call 911. Bet that's the case.

I've ridden the train a number of years ago and they wanted to see your ticket both ways- probably to ensure car riders don't try an alternate route down. Don't know if there is provision to sell a one-way-down ticket.

I think that a taxi service would be willing to do the retrieve for a healthy sum once the 911 operators determine no medical emergency exists.

Seems like charging these folks is a great idea.