From: ahk@chinet.com

Stephen Sprunk  wrote:
>>>On 27-Apr-14 14:44, Adam H. Kerman wrote:

>>>>At Chicago Union Station, the baggage platforms are rarely used
>>>>these days, except for oversize baggage. It's annoying as the
>>>>passenger platforms are too narrow for baggage, but Amtrak just
>>>>won't use the station as designed.

>>>Isn't that why Metra, at least, is changing the layout?

>>Metra's not doing shit. There's no money. Chicago Union Station
>>Company is 100% Amtrak subsidiary, although transit grants have been
>>used for certain improvements.

>Fine, it's not Metra's money that is changing the platforms.

Try to pay attention to what I've actually written, rather than continuing
with your assumptions. No one's changing the platforms. It's being discussed.
There's no plan. There's no money.

>>>Amtrak would probably do the same for their platforms if they had
>>>the money to.

>>They don't have specific platforms; commuter trains may be found on
>>any platform during rush hour. Intercity trains tend to use the
>>eastern-most platforms, but there are exceptions.

>IIRC, the platform changes are planned only for the ones that Metra
>normally uses, not the ones Amtrak normally uses.

You don't recall correctly. There's no final decision made. There's no
interim plan. If I had to guess, they may link it to a decision about
adding additional through tracks, which would force the issue of
PRESERVING baggage platforms, as they have ramps to the baggage room on
the lower level, which would be needed for passenger access.

Also, I have absolutely no idea how the hell they'll be able to yank out
any platforms on the Burlington side for construction and neither do they.
Not that there's money. Not that there's a plan.

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