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From: lucas@a.psy.cmu.edu (pete lucas)
Newsgroups: net.railroad
Subject: news on the PHILA-PGH high-speed line
Message-ID: <1578@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 14-Jan-86 16:58:00 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.1578
Posted: Tue Jan 14 16:58:00 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 20-Jan-86 04:27:33 EST
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From the Pittsburgh Press, Jan 8, 1986:

A state commission promoting high-speed passenger train service between
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia has determined that the best site for a terminal
would be opposite Station Square on the South Side.

The High Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Commission, which is conducting a $3
million feasibility study on the futuristic system, unveiled its plan today
during a meeting for public officials at the county courthouse.

It was one of a series of nine statewide meetings that began yesterday in
Harrisburg and will continue in other towns where "bullet train" stations are
planned -- Greensburg, Johnstown, State College, Altoona, Paoli, Lancaster,
and Philadelphia.

Commission members showed sketches of how the Station Square facility would
look, along with drawings for the former Penn Central Station, where
right-of-way restrictions make it less feasible, according to consultants.

A three-level station would be built at the base of Mount Washington, along
West Carson Street and across from Commerce Court at Station Square.

The street level would contain passenger drop-off and pick-up areas; an
intercity bus terminal; a possible underground people-mover, connecting with
Port Authority Transit's light rail system; and access to the Monongahelia
Incline.

The second floor would contain airport-style ticketing and baggaging
facilities, a passenger lounge, and a pedestrian walkway over West Carson
Street to the Station Square complex.

The third level would consist of a four-track boarding platform that would be
wedged against Mount Washington.

The tentative station sites and designs represent the second phase of the
commission's feasibility study.  Phase three involves a legislative package,
an economic development survey, and a financing plan for a system that could
cost as much as $10 billion to build.

The high-speed trains would travel between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in 2.5
hours or less.  The commission envisions that trains will be in operation by
1995.