Passenger Trains > Jefferson City MO: Amtrak station = tents and porta-pottys

In Missouri's capital city, Amtrak riders wait under tents while train
station is inspected

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
by Kurt Erickson
October 9, 2019

JEFFERSON CITY — Riders hitting the rails in Missouri’s capital city
might find the new waiting area at the Jefferson City Amtrak station
a bit rustic.
 
Rather than the regular waiting area inside a historic building near
Missouri’s Capitol, passengers are being directed to wait under two
open-air canopies, where a handful of lawn chairs, office chairs and
a bench provide space for a few people to rest.
 
As for bathrooms, two portable toilets are situated nearby.
 
While the set-up may not be troublesome on a crisp autumn day, it
remains unclear what might happen when the weather turns nasty and a
train is running late.
 
“I can’t speculate about that,” said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.
“Our hope is the situation is temporary.”
 
The closure of the waiting room came late last week after state and
city officials shuttered the building for fear it posed a safety
hazard.

Details:

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/in-missouri-s-capital-city-amtrak-riders-wait-under-tents/article_f6b5915c-cc4b-506a-81f9-67acda7ab9b2.html

 

Gee, they could at least spring for one of those small tents that people rent for outside weddings and receptions.  At least they have sides on them with some clear plastic windows.  Just a little bit of wind with some rain and those people are going to be cold and wet by the time Amtrak arrives.

John

---

The station building is owned by the state.

Kicking the public out for an unspecified safety concern is certainly more safe than pushing everyone outside into the elements next to a busy railroad track.

Posted from Android

Some people are under the delusion that we're living in the 21st Century with indoor plumbing and electricity.

I've ridden the rails in several third world countries. Never seen this. 

Never understood why Amtrak vacated the Mo.Pac. station in Jeff City. (probably a "cost cutter" decision).

It is still in existence, and only a short distance from these tents.  If it is structurally sound, then Amtrak should try and get the money to fix it up.

Story is a bit inaccurate as there are 2 round trip trains on this Amtrak line---2 eastbound and 2 westbound stops every day.

Marty Harrison
Knob Noster, MO

Sounds like they're inspecting for asbestos. In which case, yeah, until they get the all clear no one can go in unless they're wearing a Tyvek Suit and a resperator.
But asbestos inspections shouldn't take too long either unless they find something.