(Rochester, N.Y.) – Built in 1978, the Amtrak train station on Central Avenue is a drab, utilitarian structure.
It’s not the most welcoming place, said these Irish exchange students.
“Pretty dull, pretty small terminal,” said Stephen Comiskey.
“Pretty small, could use a bit of color,” said Nigel Mosaid.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said the station has other problems besides aesthetics.
“Ugly, maybe, but if it was totally serviceable - I'm so cheap I would keep it - but it's not serviceable,” she said.
Inter-city buses are forced to operate out of a trailer on the station property. The rail platform is not handicapped accessible. The station also cannot the volume of passengers expected if high speed rail comes to Upstate New York and the rail infrastructure is not equipped for high speed rail.
“You couldn't stop here with high speed rail at this station,” said Slaughter.
The congresswoman said she has been fighting for a new rail station in Rochester for more than 20 years. Her efforts are finally paying off. She has secured $1.5 million for the project, and another $2.5 million earmark is pending approval. In addition, Rochester City Council is voting on applying for a $2.5 million federal grant for planning and design, with the city contributing nearly $500,000.
A planning and design study is expected to cost $4 million. A city spokesman said the city did not have a comment, because it’s too early in the process. Gary Walker said it’s possible the station might be moved from the current location. That would be an expensive proposition, however, as tracks would need to be moved.
This would not be the first study on Rochester’s train station. A
2002 study by Bergmann Associates for Genesee Transportation Council recommended a brand new station be built right next to the current station. Slaughter said the upcoming study would take the 2002 study further, actually preparing designs.
Slaughter would like to see a new rail station under construction next fall.
“There's not anybody involved in the federal government or the state transportation department that doesn't know that the Rochester station is a disgrace,” Slaughter said.
“I'm African. I've been a lot of places. For me a country like America a train station like this is kind of embarrassing to me,” said traveler Teddy Kitenge.
