Frequently Asked Questions

Amtrak serves 529 stations in 46 states. Some communities are served by large, multi-track, intermodal stations with multiple departures from a variety of transportation providers, while other communities are served via more modest facilities that may consist of a platform and simple shelter.

Of the 483 Amtrak-served stations that are required to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, Amtrak owns only a small percentage of the station structures, platforms and parking facilities. In many cases, they are owned by host railroads, private parties, commuter railroads or transit agencies.

The key to any successful project has and will always be the partnership developed between the city, the state Department of Transportation and Amtrak. Remain focused, patient and persistent. These traits, along with developed partnerships, are valuable assets for any project. Your Amtrak team can suggest site visits to other successful and similar projects and will provide standard plans and photos of other projects.

First, advise Amtrak about your potential project. Our working relationship with the railroads can prove beneficial. Under the enabling legislation that created Amtrak, we retain the right to remain in the depot at a level of utility no less than what we have at that time any agreement between the community and the railroad is executed. Amtrak must agree with any sale, lease or changes to the depot.

You should contact the owner of the depot. Most railroad stations are still owned by a freight railroad such as BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. Railroads are usually willing to work with a community. Our experience is that the railroad may sell, donate or lease the depot to the community. Cost will depend on the property in question and the railroad involved.

Contact your state Department of Transportation (DOT). In most states there is a rail section within the DOT that deals with Amtrak and the host railroads. They may assist with funding and/or show you how to obtain additional funding. For example, there may be Federal Transit Administration or DOT funding for intermodal facilities where multiple modes of transportation are housed within the same building.

Amtrak will provide a team of experts who can inform you as to what Amtrak will need in the renovated depot. Requirements differ by staffing levels (staffed/unstaffed), size of station and ridership level. For example, unstaffed stations would include a platform and either a canopy, waiting room or both. Higher volume stations may need a Quik Trak machine and/or a crew sign-up room with a small locker room. All stations need Americans with Disabilities Act compliant signage and parking.

A full building assessment is a good idea for any rehabilitation project. We suggest that a detailed building assessment including structure, exterior, site, civil, parking, roof, HVAC, electrical, fire protection, security, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, and general code evaluations.

Yes, an architect experienced in train station renovations would be an asset as such projects are inherently unique. Teamed with Amtrak and other project partners, the architect will develop a scope of work, a detailed basis of design, construction documents, a project schedule timeline and an estimate from which funding sources and amounts can be determined. You or your architect will be provided with Amtrak approved standards and shown how to apply these standards to your project.

Under the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), access to the station and all major interior elements (i.e., ticket counter, restrooms) of that station and access to the train must be ADA compliant.

An ADA compliant platform is one of the most important pieces of a station renovation project. Amtrak will work with your design team as your renovation plans are being developed.

All platforms need to be accessible to people with disabilities. The height of the platform is the subject of ongoing rulemaking. If there are two platforms, there must be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant access between platforms. Amtrak will assist with defining the best possible length and height of the platform(s). Platform costs will vary depending on the construction method and the materials used. Costs can range from $200 to $300 per lineal foot for most platforms. The type of ADA compliant tactile edge chosen by the community will also impact this cost. Again, Amtrak can assist in this process.

The Federal Railway Administration (FRA) may require that a platform be long enough to hold the longest train serving your station in one single stop. Each Amtrak car is 85 feet in length. Amtrak will work with your design team to determine the required length and for resolution of platform height issues. We will coordinate the review of plans, when required, with the FRA or other Department of Transportation agency.

When plans have been completed and approved by Amtrak, your next step will be to send them to the Federal Railway Administration in Washington, DC for final approval.

The time frame of your project is dependent on many factors including the real estate negotiation process, plan approval and the funding process. A project can take one to two years before the first shovel hits the ground. Larger projects may take several years. Patience and perseverance are keys to a successful project.

Yes, the railroad will expect that the city has proper liability insurance in place. Your contractor will be required to have railroad protective insurance and other insurance policies required by that railroad.

The city or its contractor is required by law to have railroad flagman protection anytime anyone is working within 25 feet of the track. This cost will vary by operating railroad and is paid for by the project. Costs average around $600 per day per flagman. Only one flagman is required unless there are difficult site conditions.

For the good of the project, it is best that the railroad perform track surfacing and repairs prior to the installation of a platform(s). Though rare, some railroads will expect that these improvements be charged to the project.

In some cases, railroads will allow pedestrian crossings between platforms. Such crossings must be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and will be installed by the railroad and charged to the project. Costs are minimal and depend on the particular railroad.

Some railroads will require tunnels or overhead bridging. These items must be ADA compliant and will add to the overall cost of the project. Sturtevant, WI, for example, installed an overhead bridge with elevator towers in their new station project.