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From the pipedream perspective I like it, but it seems to be too grande a vision to be feasible within the foreseeable future. If they *really* think they can do it: great; I'm all for it. But I'm dubious.

Some thoughts & things I'd be interested in...

- Greater detail on transfer points, particularly in how this would align with the Metrorail station as well as the future streetcar line (and, presumably, a station).

- Is there any provision for potential expansions to the WMATA system, including how to fit in any cross rail alignments as well as passenger flows & transfer points?

- Confirmation that access to/from the platforms will be provided at each concourse (and potentially at additional points) and whether passengers will be permitted to wait on the widened platforms; or, if not, how resources will permit for storage & control of passenger flows at each access' waiting area.

- Whether the parking area is truly necessary in an increasingly urban area or if it would be a better fit to concentrate P&R facilities at other nearby stations along Amtrak's lines (such as New Carrollton). From the placement of the garages it appears that these would be obscenely expensive in an already prohibitively expensive plan.

- How will the below-grade concourse fare with noise & pollutant emissions? [in writing this I've since been made aware that most engines operate under electric power in Union Station; emissions shouldn't be an issue]

- Are this many platforms needed? Other cities with considerably more rail traffic appear to get by with considerably fewer platforms. Unless the examples I'm thinking of in other cities aren't considered to be operating adequately... though from the user perspective they sure seemed to, at least.

- Clarification on how high-speed lines will approach the station and access the proposed lower level.

by Bossi on Jul 25, 2012 2:44 pm • link • report