Sunday, September 2, 2007

Local Opinion

Letters
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From "Passenger trains would enliven city"

"Why doesn’t the Harrison Square project include a plan to bring passenger trains back to Fort Wayne? The beautifully restored Baker Street Station is perfectly located just across the street from the southern boundary of the project. Reliable, convenient passenger service would help relieve highway congestion, therefore reduce fuel consumption and air pollution, and provide a great option for travelers who choose not to fly.

There was a time when trains passing through Fort Wayne on their way to Chicago or New York made stops in Columbia City, Warsaw, Valparaiso, Van Wert and other regional towns and cities. Imagine being able to board in Fort Wayne a train bound for Indianapolis, Bloomington, Lafayette; Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo in Michigan; Cincinnati, Columbus and points beyond.

Passenger train service would greatly enhance the Harrison Square project. Europe and Japan have done it quite successfully. Why not in the U.S.? Why not in Fort Wayne?"

2 comments:

ChadGramling said...

I wish it were that easy. First, we need to find a rail organization that is willing to operate the service. Then we need someone willing to invest in track upgrades and additions. Then, I am sure there are a tone of legal and traffic hurdles. The problem is - despite how wonderful it would be - there is nobody willing to champion the cause and make it happen. Yesterday I rode a the South Shore from South Bend to Chicago and hopped on the Red Line. It dropped me off right at Wrigley Field. Sure would have been nice if I could have done that from Fort Wayne. I'd probably do it more often if I could get on in the Fort.

Scott Bryson said...

Just as long as Amtrak does not run it.