High Speed Rail Needs High Class Stations

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin argues that America's foray into high speed rail should also focus on the rail stations and user experience in addition to the speed.

1 minute read

February 2, 2010, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"[I]f a new order is to replace the old one, much more needs to be done than speeding up the trains. The entire passenger experience has to be thought through, from curb side to the train shed. If you doubt that, take a look at the mess in Union Station, the likely hub of Midwest high-speed rail."

Looking specifically at Chicago's Union Station, Kamin calls the station a "civic embarrassment" and suggests that architects have a huge role in making this and other hub stations attractive and usable.

Friday, January 29, 2010 in Chicago Tribune

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