eolesen wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2020 3:55 am
Roadgeek Adam wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2020 12:50 pm
It would also help to get upgrades of the stations along the CONO. Outside of Carbondale, which is getting a new upgraded station, much of the stops along it are in pretty lackluster condition. The stops along the Texas Eagle and Lincoln Service got those nice upgrades as part of the state funding. Stops like Mattoon, DuQuoin, Effingham and Centralia could really use it. I realize there are limitations to what they can do, but the differences are striking.
What's the justification?... I get that people want a place to wait in inclement weather, but stations aren't cheap, and typically don't generate revenue. Communities or perhaps the states can certainly invest in these, but I don't know that Amtrak will spend a dime on existing stations.
Of the 4 stations I listed, Mattoon needs it the most, but I feel like just upgraded platforms would go a long way. The new platforms at Carlinville, Dwight, and Pontiac should serve as a good starting point. Mattoon is dangerous enough if you're in a wheelchair. Effingham should just be an extended platform and a better parking lot. The
National Limited no longer goes through Effingham, so there's no reason for the station to be focused at the depot. Centralia is an all-brick platform that could desperately use upgrades.
I should clarify, we don't need to build a full shelter or building, but the 4 stops I listed are really rather low quality in terms of modernization compared to the rest of the state.
I didn't get into teaching for the promotions or the pension plans or so I could get to the golf course by 3:45. I did it because I wanted to help you kids. I'd forgotten that, till today. -- Principal Peter Prickly.