Amtraking Through Fresno: The Good and Not So Good

I am a big user of public transportation, both FAX and Amtrak. I use FAX to get to work, and I use Amtrak to visit my relatives in the Tahoe area, and my daughter/son-in-law in Santa Barbara. I have previously commented on my good experience with FAX. Now, a few comments on Amtrak.

First, the good news: Amtrak is a good ride and Fresno's recently restored historic Santa Fe Depot is such a welcome improvement over the sorry cubby hole that for years served as the beginning or end of my train journey. Fresno passengers now have something that they can be very proud of. As I leave Fresno or arrive Fresno on Amtrak I often overhear passengers commenting on the lovely train station. A big tip of the hat to Congressman Costa, former Mayor Alan Autry, the previous City Council (full disclosure: I was on that Council), the City of Fresno's Public Works Department, and to the Cal Trans Rail Division that operates Amtrak in California.

I have noticed a significant increase in Amtrak ridership, particularly the last couple of years. More and more people have discovered the convenience and reasonable cost of getting around California by using the Amtrak train and Amtrak connecting bus system. For example, I can catch the 9:10 am train to Sacramento, change to Amtrak bus and arrive in the Tahoe area at 3:55 pm. Going south I catch the 9:55 am train to Bakersfield, change to the Amtrak bus and arrive in Santa Barbara at 3:35 pm. While Amtrak is not the same as my personal automobile, it is just about as fast and it leaves me free to read, review papers (am am a college instructor), or just nod off.

While they are not major, there are a few improvements that would make the Amtrak passenger experience in Fresno more satisfying. One would be to install attractive planters and flowers/plants on the east side of the Amtrak Depot where passengers both embark and disembark from the train. Instead of the sea of brick and concrete, wouldn't a Europe-type train station look attractive? The other issue is the graffiti liberally displayed on fences alongside the tracks in central Fresno. Obviously none of the business owners are paying attention to the eyesore. I can assure you, however, that passengers do. I am sure that the owners would be more than willing to paint over the graffiti if politely reminded by the City of Fresno's Grafitti Team.

Kudos to the City of Fresno and to the Cal Trans Amtrak division for providing the City of Fresno with such excellent public transportation and for refurbishing the old Santa Fe Depot. We have a lot to be proud of.

Coming Soon. . .

1). City taxpayers guarantee another business loan?
2). Fresno's parks have come a long way.

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