The opening of the train station has created a number of questions and I thought I would try and answer at least some of them.
The station was renovated using transportation funds - for this reason the lobby and entrance to the train station must be used for transportation-related services. The local bus systems will use this as a transfer station, along with cabs and other types of public transportation.
The first question that continually comes up is the availability of rail passenger service. At this time there will be no rail passenger service. Basically rail passenger service requires very extensive and expensive insurance. The cost of passenger insurance is extremely high and, at least at this time, is prohibitive as the tickets would cost so much people could not afford them. In addition railroad regulations are extremely explicit about their operations and this also makes passenger rail service even more difficult. These regulations are, however, built around safety for passengers as well as the railroad.
With all of that being said, one of our goals would be to work at getting passenger excursion trains into Jamestown and the Jamestown station. We have already had preliminary discussions regarding this and feel it is possible. There are some railroad organizations that are interested in this type of activity and we will be having discussions with them. After their visit for the grand reopening we have been approached to work at developing the excursion business. It would be my personal hope we could see train excursions in the very near future and we will continue to try and organize this type of event.
We have had many questions regarding the use of the wings, and other spaces in the station. These spaces will be available for commercial use, and they will be leased to businesses interested in them. Any business, building facilities, in these available spaces will have to have any alterations approved by government preservation offices. In the case of the east wing and the west wing the ceiling and rafters will have to remain totally visible regardless of what is built on the floor in the open spaces.
The train station is on District Heat provided by the BPU. It has its own air-conditioning unit. All areas are heated and have air conditioning. Electric and water is available to all areas in the station. We have had several people/organizations express interest in the space.
Parking has been a concern by many. In the area of the train station there is considerable parking on the street itself. There are parking areas on both the east and west sides of the station. There is the Main Street ramp located not much more than one block east of the station on Main. In the evening, and at night, there are several area parking lots which allow parking.
The Main Lobby, and other parts of the building, will be available for use for receptions, meetings, parties, weddings, etc. The building is set up so areas can be closed off to the general public while other activities are in progress. I think this covers most of the questions for now - if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to give us a call at any time at 664-2477.