Is CUS overcrowded because of Amtrak or because of Metra? (Third option, because of poor passenger routing.)
Assuming one targets the Metra terminals for Amtrak trains what changes? CoNO and the CN-IC trains going to Millennium Station? Something else going to LaSalle?
Once one has decentralized the terminal stations (noting that terminal means "the train ends here" not adding one more stop before the terminal station) where does one maintain the trains? Back at CUS? Deadhead equipment adding to Chicago's congestion by running back out from a terminal to run over to CUS and then reverse the process so a train is available for the outbound run? More engineer and conductor time to get the train to and from the station from the yard over railroads not controlled by Amtrak. Once one has decentralized the terminal stations one has to add staff at each terminal (a loss of efficiency). Unless one wants the terminals in a major city to be QuickTix and no baggage at a commuter platform.
It seems that the desire to decentralize is a railfan dream - a nightmare for operations - but a dream for a fan who wants the train to terminate 30 minutes earlier so they can compare the run speed to something done 50-80 years ago. Never mind that the terminus is a half hour from the city center - you cut 30 minutes off the train running time. Which is great if one is not going to the city center - even better if one is going somewhere close to the new terminus - but not a solution for all travelers.
Assuming one targets the Metra terminals for Amtrak trains what changes? CoNO and the CN-IC trains going to Millennium Station? Something else going to LaSalle?
Once one has decentralized the terminal stations (noting that terminal means "the train ends here" not adding one more stop before the terminal station) where does one maintain the trains? Back at CUS? Deadhead equipment adding to Chicago's congestion by running back out from a terminal to run over to CUS and then reverse the process so a train is available for the outbound run? More engineer and conductor time to get the train to and from the station from the yard over railroads not controlled by Amtrak. Once one has decentralized the terminal stations one has to add staff at each terminal (a loss of efficiency). Unless one wants the terminals in a major city to be QuickTix and no baggage at a commuter platform.
It seems that the desire to decentralize is a railfan dream - a nightmare for operations - but a dream for a fan who wants the train to terminate 30 minutes earlier so they can compare the run speed to something done 50-80 years ago. Never mind that the terminus is a half hour from the city center - you cut 30 minutes off the train running time. Which is great if one is not going to the city center - even better if one is going somewhere close to the new terminus - but not a solution for all travelers.