Inter-modal train station on the drawing boards | News

Hi-speed rail might be years away for Rochester but a new inter-modal train station is already on the drawing boards. A new combined train and bus terminal is closer than many people think.

Rochester's relatively new train station replaced the old ornate New York Central station built in 1914.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter says she is close to securing funding to replace this terminal with a new inter-modal station bringing together train and bus passengers.

The idea has been talked about for Rochester for years. Now it appears an intermodal facility is closer than ever.

“Well having it all under one roof would be a convenience just like it is in Syracuse.” Jack Barker is local manager for New York Trailways. About a year ago, Trailways and Greyhound moved from the closed Midtown Plaza to across Central Avenue from the Amtrak station. Together they combine for 21 departures every day out of Rochester. “And having the connection with the train, because the train actually goes to places we don't go and vice versa. There's service we can provide from connecting passengers off Amtrak. It would be very convenient for the traveling public.”

RTS is still planning to build its new downtown bus station closer to Main Street. RTS says the Amtrak station is too far away.

Slaughter said, “We're hoping they will circulate through there and pick up lot of people who want to go somewhere in the city of Rochester. I think a shuttle would work to meet the trains and take people where they want to go.”
     
Paul Brown of Avon said, “It's a great idea from the standpoint of encouraging people to use mass transit, and it's a great idea from the standpoint of cleaning up a hodgepodge of facilities that now exist. Whether it's a great idea from the standpoint of millions of tax dollars is always another question.”

Slaughter says there's no price tag yet for a new intermodal station but she says construction could begin next spring.