Now lets see CDTA owns the station are they trying to hurt Amtrak here? Oddly the Megabus does not use the Bus Docks that were built into the station in 2002
Megabus limits itself to curbside pick-up and discharge of passengers. The local transit authority may not have any control over what occurs on public roadways.
Trying to hurt antrak? By offering competition? Its time for Amtrak to improve the empire service. Bring back snack bar cars on all the alb-nyc trains or on at least selected trains other than thru trains. Perhaps parlor service, which is very popular on connecting Azela trains.
Beside it was built to be a intermodal station with county buses and commuter rail service to Saratoga.
Can someone explain to me in non-trolling words of one syllable or less just what the hell the Capital District transit agency would have to do with Megabus?
And no, it's not surprising that the Brits aren't paying to use the slots in an actual bus station. I think they use that 'around-the-corner' dodge many places they go. It is certainly the case here in Memphis, where the actual 'stop' is literally around the corner from protected and sheltered loading platforms easily capable of accommodating any size intercity coach without inconveniencing local riders.
I do agree with Willison that there are a great many ways that Empire Service could add value to the 'train alternative' at comparatlvely low cost, although I don't think 'competition with Megabus' is really a key driver for the changes.
CDTA owns the Train Station on Albany.
In simple terms cdta owns the alb/ren station, making Amtrak a tennet, along with the post office, a snack bar and retail store. I am not sure how mega bus would hurt Amtrak.
How much would Megabus have to pay to use the bus docks? How much does Megabus pay to stop at a street corner? How much more would Megabus have to charge its passengers if it used the bus docks?
Johnny
If I remember correctly the cdta buses do not use the bus docks but pull up in a drop off lane. Don't know where the mega buses stop prior to using the cdta/ Amtrak station. Or where they are stopping at the station, kinda doubt they use the dock.
The Syracuse NY station is a true intermodal station, the station is shared by Amtrak, local buses and intercity buses. This doesn't seem to hurt Amtrak , might even help.
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