Lifts at unstaffed stations

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Everydaymatters

Engineer
Joined
May 15, 2006
Messages
3,406
Location
Just North of Normal, Illinois
A couple of years ago Amtrak built a new, unmanned station in Pontiac, Illinois. That station is closer to home for me, but I have always used the Bloomington/Normal Station because it is busier, has two agents on duty, a Subway restaurant and is located in a busy area. After the new station was built, I went to Pontiac to see what the new station was like. It is in an isolated area, but is very nice, and Pontiac is a safe place to visit. I noticed that there was a lift at the end of the platform. The crew on the Lincoln Service are always helpful, but I wonder if they would actually take care of getting the lift. The Texas Eagle also stops there. Has anyone had experience with requiring a lift at an unmanned station?
 
I normally board/deboard at an unstaffed station, Windsor Locks. Once I saw the lift used. Both conductors used it as quickly and efficiently like they've been doing it every day.

Almost 2 weeks ago, when deboarding #448 from the sleeper in Springfield, MA, it was the 2 conductors that used the lift for a wheelchair-bound passenger in the handicap bedroom.
 
A couple of years ago Amtrak built a new, unmanned station in Pontiac, Illinois. That station is closer to home for me, but I have always used the Bloomington/Normal Station because it is busier, has two agents on duty, a Subway restaurant and is located in a busy area. After the new station was built, I went to Pontiac to see what the new station was like. It is in an isolated area, but is very nice, and Pontiac is a safe place to visit. I noticed that there was a lift at the end of the platform. The crew on the Lincoln Service are always helpful, but I wonder if they would actually take care of getting the lift. The Texas Eagle also stops there. Has anyone had experience with requiring a lift at an unmanned station?
I've seen the Crews on Amtrak( OBS and the Conductors) board and detrain lots of passengers using the lifts that are stored in little sheds @ unmanned Stations.

Taylor, the first Station North of Austin, and San Marcos, the first stop South, both have frequent instances of this.
 
Betty, I've had the same experience everyone else witnessed above: yes, train crew will use the lift. Sometimes it helps if you know how to use it in case they get stuck because they left out one of the many not-so-obvious steps, and be patient with them if it takes a while to get it right. Important note: Be sure to check the "needs trainside assistance" box. You won't be able to check the station assistance box so you will be on your own for luggage handling. I recommend reserving and taking a day trip from Pontiac to see how it goes.
 
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