by justalurker66
mtuandrew wrote:We've diverged for a while about Amtrak SOB (listening, Mayor Pete?) but it does bring up a good point: it’s rare at best that Amtrak offers a seamless commuter connection that goes between lines.I can't remember if boot-a-judge (or is it boot edge edge?) is part of the push to move the South Shore station to the area near South Bend's Union Station. Not a bad idea when one looks at the ballpark and urban renewal but certainly an area that is more like downtown Gary (which also has a ballpark and raised tracks) than the nearly deserted area around the South Bend station. Being right on the main streets and close to the main Transpo hub will help. Being in an area of the city usually overrun by homeless won't help.
That would be the one negative I would say about Elkhart ... while at that station I have been approached by people wanting money. Usually with some story that doesn't check out (wanting gas for a car that isn't present). But Elkhart's finest are happy to patrol the station and move such people along. I have also been offered marijuana (not for sale, just being friendly). I still have no problem leaving my car there.
And with same day connections allowed in Chicago I would be able to leave my car at the Elkhart station two nights less than if I were forced to have a 24hr plus layover in each direction.