Amtrak and station ownership

[MikeF90]

As a California boy I can't quite fathom why cash starved Amtrak hasn't made more progress toward divesting itself of non-ROW properties like station buildings. We've read about the endless debacles like (IIRC) Lancaster, PA where Amtrak can't find its project management a** with both hands.

I understand that, in the short term, the NEC may be an exception. Amtrak will get a 'happy ending' by selling (or leasing?) air rights to locations in large NE cities; presumably the proceeds can be reinvested in needed capital infrastructure upgrades.

However, what is this new 'executive' doing with stations outside the NEC? According to this article "In her new role, [Rina] Cutler will advance master plans for Amtrak's largest stations across the United States, according to a statement issued by Nutter's office."

I can't think of any major stations in this state owned by Amtrak, except possibly for a few concrete slabs or rural Amshacks. Usually the local city has gained ownership with Amtrak as a tenant.

Sounds like some p..p..p..pork needs to be cut out of her job description. Any insight, anyone?

[Dragoman]

MikeF90

As a California boy I can't quite fathom why cash starved Amtrak hasn't made more progress toward divesting itself of non-ROW properties like station buildings.

But Mike, who would buy the station buildings, and for what purposes?  A sale/leaseback transaction may generate quick cash, but long-term you lose the asset.

LA Union Station is now owned by Metro.  Oakland's beautiful old SP 16th St Station has been struggling to find a purpose since the 1989 earthquake caused its closure.

I'm no expert, but I'm not sure that this is the time for Amtrak to get rid of any assets, especially those it makes use of (like stations).  Make better use of them, perhaps, but not "divesting".

[MikeF90]

Dragoman

LA Union Station is now owned by Metro. Oakland's beautiful old SP 16th St Station has been struggling to find a purpose since the 1989 earthquake caused its closure.

Good examples of contrasting situation. LAUS is almost filled with bill paying tenants; IIRC even the old Harvey House finally is going to be used.

OTOH Oakland is just a very inconvenient location, and the immediate neighborhood has not been 'gentrified' yet. Too bad a local historical society doesn't have the scratch to take it over and refurbish it.

In the balance a local owner (private or public) will provide better oversight than Amtrak ever can. As the corporate-speak goes, non-ROW real estate management is not now or bound to be an Amtrak 'core competency'.

[Paul of Covington]

   Mike, the article about Ms. Cutler says she would be in charge of planning, etc. for the largest stations.  I don't know how many or what percentage that includes, but I assume they would be those with enough business to employ full-time ticket agents, baggage handlers, etc.   Whether this justifies a full time coordinator, I don't know.

   Your idea sounds good, though, for many small towns where only a couple of trains stop daily.   It's pretty much what the bus lines have been doing, with small grocery stores or news stands contracted to act as agents in small towns.   This kind of arrangement might work out for train stations that are situated in towns with other commercial activity in the area.   Once the building is sold or leased, the owner can use the space for retail, restaurant, or whatever else works, and could even expand or rebuild.   For towns where the station location is undesirable, move it.   If there is a business reasonably close to the track in another part of town, or if local businessmen want to build and make arrangements with Amtrak, then move the station.   Of course, I'm sure the latter would need approval and cooperation from the host RR.

[MikeF90]

Paul of Covington

Mike, the article about Ms. Cutler says she would be in charge of planning, etc. for the largest stations.

I'm waiting for someone to show me an Amtrak owned station / platform in California, even on the Coast Starlight route. All of the stations I'm familiar with on the busy Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor routes are owned by local authorities. The older depots in good enough shape were 'let go' by the host RR with an encroachment easement permitting them to stay if used for passenger service. Newer facilities may be a joint effort between the city and a commuter agency like Metrolink.

Some smaller cities even get way ahead of themselves. Dixon is building the infrastructure even though the CCJPA prefers Vacaville as the next station, and the existing Davis station is close by. Not on an Amtrak route, but tiny Cloverdale built a depot with the hope that service will come; SMART commuter trains may get there eventually.

[blue streak 1]

Air rights need to be thought thru very carefully.  Unintended consequences can come into play.  If expansion might be needed in say 20 years don't paint a station into a corner that prevents addition platforms and tracks to be expanded.  Thinking especially PHL and WASH.

 

[Wizlish]

 dele

[Deggesty]

I trust that Amtrak receives good income from the tenants in its Chicago station.

 

[Sunnyland]

Kirkwood, MO station is owned by the City of Kirkwood and is staffed entirely by volunteers who do an awesome job.  The man in charge put out the word they were needed and he had many people sign up. When Amtrak handed over the keys to the station, they were ready.  There are 4 trains daily, 2 MO River Runners going to KC and 2 returning.  Many of the volunteers spend the day there, bringing knitting or magazines to pass the time.  They are very efficient in getting people off and on the trains.  They have been doing this for about 12 years now and Amtrak did give them a Train Town award. It's a beautiful station built by MoPac and glad they were able to save it.  I have never been out there and not seen people with cameras or tripods taking pictures, great place to railfan with many UP freights passing by too.  Kudos to Kirkwood, MO and it's many wonderful volunteers.