posted
Most people in our city don't know Amtrak stops here and wouldn't ride it even if they did considering the part of town where the depot is. There's a group that would like to move the depot to the downtown area, which is being revitalized. The track goes through downtown. Is there any hope for that given Amtrak's financial condition? How could such a move be paid for assuming Amtrak wouldn't object?
Posts: 1 | From: Beaumont, TX, USA | Registered: Jul 2002
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"Mmmmmm, it might help if we knew what city you were talking about."
I'll take a wild guess and say Beaumont, TX. I don't know how to move a depot, but I'm sure it could be done if you got enough support from the community, and enough people to help. I don't think Amtrak would object if there's a chance of increasing ridership. But I don't know if they'd be willing to help pay for it. Anyone have any ideas about this?
Posts: 553 | From: Flagstaff, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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From what I have seen most of the successful station revitalization programs have been spearheaded by city governments, not Amtrak.
In Salt Lake City, the city moved the station to get it out of the way of the Olympics, which had the opposite effect from what you are trying to do. But it illustrates that a station can indeed be moved.
Get your planning and transportation departments together in the same room with the folks at Amtrak and I'll bet you could work something out.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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Yes, local government is the key. Also, you have to take into account local operating restrictions, such as busy grade crossings, junctions, signalling, etc.
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Not sure if you meant "move the depot (building)" or change the location where the trains stop, and create a new building.
Some places have elected to create new buildings instead. Even though there is some costs involved it might be easier than moving an old structure.
New buildings are also easier to have comply with current laws (parking spaces, access for the disabled, etc). Are there any suitable sites in downtown Beaumont where a station could be built, or is there an existing building that could be used?
MP
Posts: 874 | From: South Bay (LA County), Calif, USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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