StLouSteve wrote: ↑Wed Nov 18, 2020 9:35 am
BTW, I also rode the connecting RDC from Buffalo to Toronto on the TH&B. One of my favorite Budd car memories. Customs boarded the train and interviewed folks while en route so it was not a big deal getting across the border. Took the Greyhound the other way and recall having to take luggage into the building and getting hassled quite a bit including searching through our clothes in our suitcases.
StL and Everyone: This reply has two segments adding to the Buffalo-Toronto RDC train discussion
and the Exchange Street Station Renovation topic.
First-In my four Buffalo-Toronto RDC train round trips Canada Customs inspection was at the Fort Erie Station
which was adjacent to the west end of the International Bridge. The inspectors would drive up to meet the train
from the Peace Bridge. On one of my trips I remember watching their vehicles driving up Niagara Boulevard as
the train was nearing the west end of the I Bridge for the FEO stop.
Does anyone know when the Fort Erie Station building was removed?
US Customs performed their inspection at Black Rock on a curved connecting track to the Niagara Branch which
was just to the east of the Squaw Island drawbridge. This track-which looks to have long been removed-was near
Dearborn Street and just north of the I-190 NYS Thruway and NYS-198 intersections. NYS 265 and 266 are nearby.
There is a past discussion about the Buffalo-Toronto service that could be revived with those posts here:
viewtopic.php?f=46&t=48395 "Buffalo-Toronto Trains"
Second-I do agree with RGA about the site of Exchange Street compared with a Larkinville location to add the
Lake Shore Limited to potentially replace the Depew station site. Keeping BUF and BFX is a good move offering
two options for Buffalo area Amtrak riders. Adding options such as second platforms at BFX is not necessary now.
The perennial problem with Central Terminal has always been its location. Even though a BCT revival could mean
future improvements to the surrounding neighborhoods the trouble is that the area has deteriorated enough to
the point that it would discourage at least some ridership. Renovating BCT would have a very high price tag.
It could take a future project - such as a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills - to revitalize the East Side area.
In that case a relocated or added station option could make sense in the future - for now BFX and BUF
are sufficient especially now again with the opening of the new BFX facilities...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS