What would your ideal Amtrak station look like?

[DET63]

With all of the talk about the best and worst stations, as well as some that aren't perfect but have potential, I'd like to know what your ideal station would look like.

Would it be a small-town trackside station, or a large terminal with many stub tracks? How many gates would it have? How many tracks?

Would passengers walk across tracks to get to their train, or would there be underpasses or tunnels to get to the platform? Or would there be pedestrian bridges and overpasses?

Where would the ticket sales be? Where would the checked baggage counter be? Near the entrance? Near the departure gates?

How would train arrival and departure information be communicated? On permanent displays, or electronic message indicators, as are used in many airports?

Would Greyhound and other ground transport services also use the station, or would they be in other facilities nearby (or even far away)?

What kinds of shops would be in the terminal (food service, travel information, gifts)?

 

[goodnightjohnwayne]

The size and configuration of a station facility depends entirely upon the local market and the type of service.

Probably the most important factor for any station outside of an urban core is adequate parking. Most riders access the station by personal automobile, and without an adequate number of parking spaces, in a secure environment, you won't see adequate patronage to justify the investment in a station facility. The parking issue is especially important to commuter rail and metro systems.

Combining intercity bus service with Amtrak facilities would seem to desirable, but it only really makes sense if the municipality is willing to pay for the station facility. Oddly enough, very few people use third party buses to connect to Amtrak service, which bring us back to the paramount importance of parking.

High-level platforms are a must in the east, not only for ADA compliance, but to reduce dwell times. In some cases, high level platforms can shorten schedules more than major track improvements, for a far lower cost. What's the point of upgrading track to 110 MPH if the long dwell times from low level platforms lengthen the schedule. In some cases, you might have a shorter schedule with high-level platforms and 79 MPH running.

It is also important that stations have platforms of adequate length, because nothing kills a schedule quite as much as having to make two stops with a long train due to a short platform.

The station itself matters far less than most people appreciate. Beyond adequate and safe seating, and clean, accessible restrooms, what does a station really need? Monumental architecture is not important, but functionality is the most important factor. I'd gladly accept a small but adequate modern station, even if it doesn't look impressive or imposing.

Personally, I don't even mind picking up my own checked bags straight off the baggage cart, and I don't think a baggage carousel is necessary for any station where only one or two trains per day have checked baggage service. The real problem is that far too few trains have baggage cars and too few stations have checked baggage service. This is not an issue with the stations themselves, but the labor costs associated with checked baggage and the shortage of baggage cars, which hopefully will be addressed with the ongoing Viewliner order.

I do think that Amtrak needs to move to more efficient internet ticketing. Why can an airline allow you to print a boarding pass from a personal computer, but Amtrak makes you go to a dated ticket kiosk? Amtrak's ticket agents are invariably helpful and great people, both in person and over the phone, but Amtrak needs to embrace technology. Why can't we purchase Amtrak tickets online, and then print those tickets? Why couldn't a conductor simply scan a bar code on a printed ticket?

It's time to scrap the kiosks. Amtrak has great people but lousy technology.

My ideal station, in a medium sized urban area, would include:

1) A large parking area with good lighting and CCTV monitoring. Hopefully parking would be free, or at least parking fees would be reasonable.

2) A high level platform, of adequate length for the longest long distance train on that line.

3) A clean, safe waiting room with adequate seating and clean, accessible restrooms. The homeless and non-ticketed undesirables should not be allowed in the station, and a law enforcement presence is never a bad idea.

4) Checked baggage service is greatly appreciated, although there is no need for a dedicated baggage area. I can pick my own bags off a baggage cart. The important thing is that a baggage handler is on staff, as this is not a ticket agents job.

5) Real online ticket sales, allowing me to print a real ticket that I can present to a conductor on the train. Remove all outdated electronic kiosks. No more kiosks. I can't say it too many times.

6) The station itself doesn't need to be monumental in size and architecture, but only functional and adequate. Of course, if state and local governments are willing to build a palace, it's fine with me. If a local government wants to assume the maintenance and upkeep of a station, it's fine with me. If that station is built as an "inter-modal" facility to accommodate bus service as well as rail, it's fine with me. None of this is necessary, strictly speaking....

 

[Bob Dylan]

With all of the talk about the best and worst stations, as well as some that aren't perfect but have potential, I'd like to know what your ideal station would look like.
Would it be a small-town trackside station, or a large terminal with many stub tracks? How many gates would it have? How many tracks?

Would passengers walk across tracks to get to their train, or would there be underpasses or tunnels to get to the platform? Or would there be pedestrian bridges and overpasses?

Where would the ticket sales be? Where would the checked baggage counter be? Near the entrance? Near the departure gates?

How would train arrival and departure information be communicated? On permanent displays, or electronic message indicators, as are used in many airports?

Would Greyhound and other ground transport services also use the station, or would they be in other facilities nearby (or even far away)?

What kinds of shops would be in the terminal (food service, travel information, gifts)?

Good one,as the original poster of the Best and Worst(and they coulda been a contender!)IMHO the ideal station(s)would:

!)Accesable to cars/busses/metro trans(intermodel is OK/PDX has a bus station seperate but handy but needs metro trans stops closer)with safe/

affordable parking!

2)No rebuilds of the old NYP necessary but stop the Amshaks and bus sheds/wherever there is useable/salvageable old timey stations

(ie TPL is a great example)use them/Tacoma and St. Paul come to mind !

3)Adequate seating for # of paxs when station is @ its peak useage period WITH Security(ie no homeless/criminals hanging out)and Clean Bathrooms

(why not build pay for use showers when LD trains stop there for coach folks?)

4)checked baggage would be nice/again the PDX system seems ideal

5)adquate platform length so spotting of trains can be eliminated which affects the OTP

6)The electronic arrival/departures would be nice with Julies info readily available

7?wi-fi available for business travelers

8)perhaps a small seperate waiting area for the first class pax similar to the Magnolia Room but better run!

9)a small newstand/adequate coffee shop(not Starbucks!)/cafeteria and/or fast food mom and pop shops(not McDonald types)

10)Anew contract with Coke instead of Pepsi!(or at least a choice!LOL)

11)Improved OTP on all lines(its getting better)to cut down the waiting time/redo schedules for better boarding/deboarding times in major cities

12)electronic ticketing/a real agent in the stations that have enough traffic to pay for staffing during train hours (no need to be 24/7)

13)A security officer present @ all times(doesnt have to be Amtrak Police)to patrol/be available if necessary inside/outside the station

14)perhaps have cable tv available for waiting pax/it works in airports/why not stations?

FWIW!etc. etc. etc. Last But Not Least!Get Amtrak out of NYP and open the New Station thats been promised forever!

 

[MattW]

I'll do two, a major urban station (future Atlanta) and a suburban/small town station. The BWI station impressed me quite a bit and some of this stuff comes from there.

Atlanta:

At least two wide high-level platforms on each side with pedestrian observation-bridge access using large Elevators and Escalators running both directions.

Platform benches

A train and a half capacity waiting room with overflow on the bridge seats facing outwards (for railfans).

Simple boarding procedure with no platform occupancy restrictions. When the train pulls up, arrivings leave one side of the trains while the coach pax line up at one point at the train and the sleepers at another point. Once the arrivings have left, the boarding side opens up and the people board.

Security to prevent the homeless from being there, general crimes, and ONLY harassing people if they try to get on the actual track itself.

A reasonable vending area.

Electronic display boards on the platform, bridge, and two or more in the waiting room with electronic pre-recorded messages.

A parking garage with vehicle check like a coat check so the vehicle matches the owner who must have a check to even enter the garage.

Very convenient access to MARTA and the freeway.

Suburban:

Single platform in single-track territory, platform on each side in multi-track territory.

Platform benches

Car and a half capacity waiting room.

Traditional boarding procedure.

Standard security.

Maybe a drink/snack machine.

Automatic electronic display.

Ample parking with vehicle check.

Convenient to main town area and either local transit or major roads.

 

[the Other Mike]

My house so that would mean Amtrack stops at my door

 

[Upstate]

Intermodal is the most important thing. Just think how nice it would be if Atlanta's station was at the same place as a Marta station.

I recently used the intermodal station in Pittsfield, MA and it was amazing. It was so nice to have the local bus system expand out from where I was right after I got off the train. It even had greyhound and peter pan buses stopping there.

 

[JayPea]

My house so that would mean Amtrack stops at my door

I have the next best thing: An Amtrak Thruway bus stop right across the street. On some occasions, northbound bus drivers don't bother to pull across the street to stop, but rather stop on my side of the street......literally at my front door. If I ever have a need to use the bus, it's certainly convenient!

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

I'll do two, a major urban station (future Atlanta) and a suburban/small town station. The BWI station impressed me quite a bit and some of this stuff comes from there.
Atlanta:

At least two wide high-level platforms on each side with pedestrian observation-bridge access using large Elevators and Escalators running both directions.

Platform benches

A train and a half capacity waiting room with overflow on the bridge seats facing outwards (for railfans).

Simple boarding procedure with no platform occupancy restrictions. When the train pulls up, arrivings leave one side of the trains while the coach pax line up at one point at the train and the sleepers at another point. Once the arrivings have left, the boarding side opens up and the people board.

Security to prevent the homeless from being there, general crimes, and ONLY harassing people if they try to get on the actual track itself.

A reasonable vending area.

Electronic display boards on the platform, bridge, and two or more in the waiting room with electronic pre-recorded messages.

A parking garage with vehicle check like a coat check so the vehicle matches the owner who must have a check to even ent

r the garage.

Very convenient access to MARTA and the freeway.

Suburban:

Single platform in single-track territory, platform on each side in multi-track territory.

Platform benches

Car and a half capacity waiting room.

Traditional boarding procedure.

Standard security.

Maybe a drink/snack machine.

Automatic electronic display.

Ample parking with vehicle check.

Convenient to main town area and either local transit or major roads.

Matt,I was pleased to read your suggestions I understand better what the positive thoughts are that you have had in mind..

BTW I would like nothing better than an intermodal downtown station, near where the two big stations used to be with Greyhound,MARTA trains as well as MARTA buses, other suburban bus lines and additonal Amtrak trains, such as one from Chicago to Miami. Of course I am old enough to remember when those two stations were alive and well.

About your suggestions, the first thing I miss in walking into the station is a working bulletin board,it could be electronic or even chalk, since there are only two trains a day. But I always ask the agent if it is on time and it should not be necessary to bother them. Of course I have already checked on line, too.

There is a need for security. One time there were two guys pretending to be employees trying their tricks, I will always believe.

You mention a parking garage, not sure where they would put it, unless they make a more firm arrangement than they already have with the Masons, like maybe two levels, one for the Masons one for the train??

Whenever this subject comes up I always want people to understand why the station is so small. I do not want anyone to think Amtrak or the Southern RR before it was so short sighted as to build such a dinky facility. I just want people to really get that it was built purely as a suburban stop. Trains just paused there to handle the northern sububanites then proceded downtown where they did the real work. Adding and subtracting locomotives, adding and subracting cars, and all the amenities, restaurants, flower shops, travelers aid,barber shops etc.

Here is something which might amuse you. They tried this for a time but it did not work. People boarding the train were sent outside to walk down the hill on Deering Road and board the train at a gate down there That gate is still there, you can drive by and see it if you are looking for it. The detraining passengers enter the station on the steps or the elevator as at present. I guess they thought this made boarding more efficient but I guess all those people out lolly gagging right next to the street became a problem. I do not think we did that in the pouring rain.

Please feel free to PM me should you have any questions about the old trains,all the switching they did,etc, whatever I can remember from living so near it for 32 years.I like a lot of our suggestions.

Believe it ot not, they did spruce the station up before the 1996 Olympics, as a lot of things n ATl were.I am so used to it now I have forgotten what the improvements were.At least things like repainting but they made some more changes, too, I just do not remember.

About MARTA buses which stop in front of the train, some changes are coming tomorrow August 15. The #23 bus is being discontinued and replaced completely with the #110. The #110 will now run every 20 minutes seven days a week which is actually an improvement. Of course it will would be neat if MARTA rail connected directly to Amtrak.

 

[TVRM610]

I think the ATL Peachtree station is quite nice for what it is. Obviously ATL should have a terminal with many many more trains operating from it, and yes of course MARTA as well but ATL is far from the worst station.

I personally think that every train station should be modeled after the Seccaucas Jct. Station (I now duck for cover as things will be thrown in my general direction!).

Actually.. It is way to difficult to say what a perfect station is... I like the overhead walkways where you descend to track level, this seems the most convenient since there is never an issue of having to cross over a track BEFORE the train arrives. It also gives the station and train crew a bit more control as to when people can head towards the platform.

Of course.. a small town depot really doesn't need this.

As to the high-level platforms... I'm not sure if I always agree... the Keystone Service has many stations that do not have high-level platforms and I do not think it is a major problem time wise as these stations have a fairly low number of riders. Busy stations can benefit from high level platforms.. but to say all stations need them or its silly to run 110 is not completely accurate IMHO.

 

[the_traveler]

My ideal station is any that has a train stopping at it! :lol:

 

[jmbgeg]

I agree that the ideal station varies by city or town and the characteristics of the market that it services. Here are some elements that I would like to see:

Outside

1. A reasonably short and navigable route from the tracks and baggage claim to taxi stands, public transportation and parking.

2. A cab stand that has waiting cabs at times major trains are arriving.

3. Parking where you need not be worried to leave your car overnight or for several days. Free short term parking to pick up tickets or unload luggage.

4. A location within a reasonable and safe walk to at least one hotel/motel, some retail restaurants and lounges.

5. Ice lockers to replenish trains as needed.

Inside

1. Seats that are more comfortable than the standard wooden benches.

2. Quik-Trak service at most stations. ATM machines near ticket counters.

3. A deli and gift shop selling sundies like PDX.

4. A Metropolitan lounge similar to PDX. Consider limited liquor sales and snacks like at airline clubs.

5. Message boards that display updated estimates of estimated arrival and departure times by train and service alerts.

6. A public announcement system that is loud enough to hear in all areas and clear.

7. Separate sleeper and coach check-in stands for long distance trains.

8. An observation area for those awaiting arriving passengers to watch an area of the tracks with train activity, even if limited.

9. Adequate baggage department staff to smoothly handling departing passengers baggage check-in and off-load arriving luggage timely.

 

[AlanB]

I personally think that every train station should be modeled after the Seccaucas Jct. Station (I now duck for cover as things will be thrown in my general direction!).

I would never argue that Secaucus Junction is a very nice station. It's actually a very beautiful station, although in today's world perhaps the Pink Italian Marble is still a bit much. But otherwise, again it's a very nice station.

My problem with Secaucus Junction is that it's a wasted station. It basically serves almost no passengers outside of those transferring from one train to another. And since those transferring typically spend less than 15 minutes in the station, and most of those minutes are actually spent on the platforms, no one really "uses" the station. They could have build platforms and canopies, along with stairs, escalators, and elevators and forgotten the entire station and no one would have noticed.

 

[DET63]

Here are a few things I'd like to see at a railroad station for a medium-sized community (say population of 100,00-200,000, but not necessarily all in one town):

• Adequate free (or inexpensive) parking close to the station. This is a no-brainer.
   
  
• If the area also has intercity bus service, a bus stop or station no more than half a block away from the train station.
   
  
• Checked baggage facilities within the station (with adequate personnel on hand at all train arrivals and departures to handle those chores).
   
  
• A bulletin board showing scheduled arrivals and departures, and announcing any changes as they occur.
   
  
• Adequate indoor waiting area for departing passengers, as well as for arriving passengers waiting to be picked up, etc.
   
  
• Seats or benches on the platform to allow waiting there as well. At least part of the platform should be sheltered.
   
  
• Snack/vending machines and/or a restaurant within or near the station.
   
  
• Clean restrooms and drinking fountains.
   
  
• High-level platforms, but only if along tangent track. If there's a curve, then one or two ramps to permit wheelchair access. My guess is that a ramp system might occassionally result in the train having to make two stops, but that that would be a comparatively rare occurrence.
   
  
• Clear signs telling the name of the station (preferably on the roof at each end), as well as signs advising arriving and departing travelers of services available, etc.
   
  
• If there are multiple tracks, signs indicating which track is which.
   
  
• Adequate lighting for nighttime waiting, if trains are due in at ungodly hours.
   
  
• Security to keep homeless people, vagrants and criminals away from the station.
   
  
• Graffiti should be discouraged and removed. Yes, I know that it's important for some youth to indicate that the station is in their gang's territory, but . . .
  

 

[Upstate]

Lots of talk about having a security guard to kick the homeless back to the street. How about the ticket agent just calls a church to pick them up and bring them someplace that can help them. If they don't want their help then the security guard can take over.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Lots of talk about having a security guard to kick the homeless back to the street. How about the ticket agent just calls a church to pick them up and bring them someplace that can help them. If they don't want their help then the security guard can take over.

IMHO the concern is not so much with the homeless per se but the criminals around some stations are a concern/also,the homeless do tend to utilize the restrooms in a less than sanitary manner(aka p****ng on the floor/bathing in the sinks/stalls etc.)Best example Ive seen lately is SAS, a fairly new Amshak that has absolutely 3rd world restrooms!It hasnt been popular the past few years to help the homeless,most of whom are Veterans!,most churches

and religious organizations seem to want to give them a sandwitch after they are "saved",also the ones that usually can afford it dont want those "types" in their neighborhood!I do like the way that Detroit locks their station,you must have a ticket to get in,even if Im not wild about the neighborhood or the bank like look as the OP said!Ticketed pax and invited guests only seems like a good policy IMHO,of course this hurts railfans but since the new picture "rules" that Amtrak came out with make no sense,is there an answer to this? :unsure:

 

[NETrainfan]

With all of the talk about the best and worst stations, as well as some that aren't perfect but have potential, I'd like to know what your ideal station would look like.
Would it be a small-town trackside station, or a large terminal with many stub tracks? How many gates would it have? How many tracks?

Would passengers walk across tracks to get to their train, or would there be underpasses or tunnels to get to the platform? Or would there be pedestrian bridges and overpasses?

Where would the ticket sales be? Where would the checked baggage counter be? Near the entrance? Near the departure gates?

How would train arrival and departure information be communicated? On permanent displays, or electronic message indicators, as are used in many airports?

Would Greyhound and other ground transport services also use the station, or would they be in other facilities nearby (or even far away)?

What kinds of shops would be in the terminal (food service, travel information, gifts)?

The "ideal" train station would be like the one in Portland, ME- clean and bright and well run.

We like Portland, Maine's Amtrak/ Concord Trailways station and (ideally) would expand it to include more food options and tables. We like it because it has ample parking, plenty of seating, good desk services, and the combo of train/bus transport.

Having been to many of the large stations in the U.S., we find Portland, ME refreshingly pleasant.

 

[GoldenSpike]

jimhudson

 

!)Accesable to cars/busses/metro trans(intermodel is OK/PDX has a bus station seperate but handy but needs metro trans stops closer)with safe/affordable parking!

PDX: I'm not sure how many are aware, a new light-rail (MAX) route has been been completed. It has a stop in front of the Greyhoud depot next door to Amtrak which now easily allows transportation to/from the airport or getting around the metro area.

Until MAX starts using it next month, city buses are being used to follow the route.

 

[TVRM610]

I personally think that every train station should be modeled after the Seccaucas Jct. Station (I now duck for cover as things will be thrown in my general direction!).

I would never argue that Secaucus Junction is a very nice station. It's actually a very beautiful station, although in today's world perhaps the Pink Italian Marble is still a bit much. But otherwise, again it's a very nice station.

My problem with Secaucus Junction is that it's a wasted station. It basically serves almost no passengers outside of those transferring from one train to another. And since those transferring typically spend less than 15 minutes in the station, and most of those minutes are actually spent on the platforms, no one really "uses" the station. They could have build platforms and canopies, along with stairs, escalators, and elevators and forgotten the entire station and no one would have noticed.

Haha I was quite joking... I like the Secaucus Jct. but no matter what it seems like it is very over ambitious for what it is. The place is like an airport terminal! Escalators here there and everywhere... and what is with that giant statue of a water plant?

What I like about it is a clean, secure, guarded parking lot with affordable fees and a well lit, clean, walkway to a safe, staffed, and clean depot. So in a way, I answered what I want to see most at a station. I want the facility to be clean, staffed, and overall, I want to feel safe.

Oh yea.. and another thing I love about that station... you can go any direction (N-S-E-W), just about any time, by TRAIN! That is what I really wish every station had!

 

[jis]

My problem with Secaucus Junction is that it's a wasted station. It basically serves almost no passengers outside of those transferring from one train to another. And since those transferring typically spend less than 15 minutes in the station, and most of those minutes are actually spent on the platforms, no one really "uses" the station. They could have build platforms and canopies, along with stairs, escalators, and elevators and forgotten the entire station and no one would have noticed.

There is now a relatively good private parking lot adjacent to SEC with easy access to SEC that can be used by any to leave their cars and go into NYC or even go the other way if they so desire. SEC was originally planned in conjunction with an office complex in mind, which is yet to come to fruition (the office complex I mean). NJT is again seriously considering building its own multi-level parking lot, but there is always this issue of how much should be charged to park there and endless sniping by various rail advocacy groups on that subject.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

Let me see. My station would be huge, and built solidly out of stone. It would have enough tracks to never have trackage capacity issues, planning out for fifty years, and would be located so as to comfortably facilitate expansion when needed. It would be laid out similarly to Newark Penn, but on a larger scale. It would connect to every local transit system. It would have an automated garage that would systematically crush any car that comes from an address that could be comfortable reached by a mass transit system connected to the station.

 

[DaveKCMO]

my only criteria for an ideal amtrak station is that it be modeled like an airport: climate controlled (or at least sheltered) boarding, secure waiting areas, city or local control. no more replicas of the past please. IMO that's what's holding passenger rail back in this country (other than lack of funding, of course).

 

[Green Maned Lion]

You know, embracing the homeless population of a station can often improve security more than trying to kick them out. I have never been solicited or harassed in NYP.

 

[Neil_M]

You know, embracing the homeless population of a station can often improve security more than trying to kick them out. I have never been solicited or harassed in NYP.

Perhaps they think you are just some sort of hobo!!

How does keeping homeless people in a station improve security then? Having loads of bodies strewn over the floors doesn't give an impression of security and it hardly likely to encourage people to linger.

 

[Bob Dylan]

my only criteria for an ideal amtrak station is that it be modeled like an airport: climate controlled (or at least sheltered) boarding, secure waiting areas, city or local control. no more replicas of the past please. IMO that's what's holding passenger rail back in this country (other than lack of funding, of course).

To each his own,nothing wron g with new stations with all the modern conviences but we dont need anymore bus stations or airport like train

stations IMHO!We should perserve the past,not tear down our old and special places, theres a reason that all the travel rating orgs pick as

special places those that have unique and historic buildings that are refurbished/modernized and UTILIZED for what they were designed!

Far too many places have grand old stations sitting next to Amshaks that are,if you followed the threads ion stations,Best,Worst and coulda been a contenda,are terrible replacements for the old places in most cases!(New York Penn is the Classic example!!!

 

[Green Maned Lion]

You know, embracing the homeless population of a station can often improve security more than trying to kick them out. I have never been solicited or harassed in NYP.

Perhaps they think you are just some sort of hobo!!

How does keeping homeless people in a station improve security then? Having loads of bodies strewn over the floors doesn't give an impression of security and it hardly likely to encourage people to linger.

Because if you embrace your homeless population, and make your station their "home", they will generally treat it like their home. Meaning cleaning up after themselves- you don't want to leave your **** in your own home, after all. Meaning when you lay down ground rules, such as staying out of the main concourse during rush hour, they are more willing to listen then when you try to keep them out altogether. Meaning when its their home, they tend to protect it, looking for security issues- and reporting them. And meaning when you allow homeless people to stay in your station as a privilege, it makes them behave because they want to have the privilege of staying there. There is no point to acting clean, neat, tidy, and so on when you are going to be thrown out anyway.

I have spent a few nights in Penn Station New York. As far as I know, it is the only station in the Amtrak system that does not even pretend to keep homeless people out. They have a little lighted sign in the main concourse that tells homeless people when they are allowed in the main concourse. So it is the only station in the system that actually allows homeless people. I have been to many stations, and I am going to say: PSNY is the only station I have been to, the only one, where I have never been asked for money.