If you’re waiting at a train station you may be surprised to see your train
“back in.” That’s right. To save money on its short runs, instead of turning an
engine around, Amtrak keeps the engine at one end of the train no matter which
way it’s headed. Sometimes it could be pulling the train and sometime it could
be pushing. The ride is the same but there is the consideration of safety. Rail
officials deny this but it is clearly demonstrated in several accidents
involving Metrolink commuter trains that it is much safer for passengers if the
engine is always in front. On more than one occasion passengers were killed
when the Metrolink train hit something at a crossing. The impact simply smashed
in the leading passenger car. That would not have happened with the engine. So,
if you’re looking for the safest place on a train, pick the car nearest the
engine, normally the “business class car.”
Stations And Parking
In the heyday of train travel the stations were magnificent. Even small
towns boasted of their nice looking train stations. Today of course there are
still a few that preserve that image, namely Grand Central Station in New
York and Union Station in Los
Angeles. But small towns are “dicey.” One station that
comes to mind is in Beaumont, Texas.
When you arrive you literally have to step over the broken glass from the
station’s shattered windows. It is a disgrace. In the past the railroads owned
many of the stations and they were well maintained. And cities were proud to
showcase their train stations as well. Today it is not a priority so, depending
on where you’re traveling, don’t get your hopes up. Parking is another issue.
It is best to call ahead to see if there is adequate long-term parking. If
you’re driving to the station and want to leave your car for a few days, you
want to be sure that there is adequate parking. Otherwise, you’ll still be
sitting in your car while the train is heading on its way. Also, check ahead to
find out about parking fees. Some stations don’t charge at all and some charge
the same as an airport would. If you’re gone for a week this could add up.
You'd might be better served by being dropped off by a friend, or taking a cab
or shuttle.