"I think there's a significant group of people that need help," Peterson said in an interview, referring to elderly people who need help boarding or who cannot carry on their luggage. "With our connection to Mayo, I think it is a stop that attracts more people that do need some help, more than other stops".
This whole thing bothers me. I do think the elderly need a means to check baggage. Not all people have smart phones and computers to purchase tickets and check on-time information. Many use Winona en route to the Mayo Clinic. The train, especially in winter, can be a valued travel choice. Also, Winona is the 2nd most highly used station in Minnesota.
Possibly a 2nd Chicago to St Paul train would allow the Winona station to, once again, be staffed?
I see the Grand Forks, ND station is also unstaffed. I am skeptical about the possibility of volunteers staffing the Winona station. I believe there is a station, in Vermont, which does rely on volunteers, but I don't know how well that situation works out.
Anyway, a bad idea, in my opinion.
Richard
Posted by PullmanCo (Member # 1138) on :
Remember Amtrak's subsidy ...
Where does 150K to pay two attendants (full burdened rate) come from?