Rail Tour Trained on Stations’ Key Role

In an effort to highlight the role train stations play in helping local economies, “The Great American Station Whistlestop Tour” rolled into Irvine on Thursday.

“Oftentimes, we focus on just the train service, and the station facilities are neglected,” MetroLink spokesman Peter Hidalgo said. “[The tour] heightens awareness of outstanding train stations.”

Another goal of the tour is to encourage train stations--from Sacramento to San Diego--to spruce up, renovate and bring in businesses and passengers.

“Irvine has a progressive and forward-thinking attitude,” Hidalgo said. “It’s spent millions of dollars to renovate what used to be a small turn-of-the-century depot and turned it into one of the major transportation hubs in Orange County.”

Hidalgo said that of Southern California’s 45 train stations, only depots in Irvine and Los Angeles were recognized by the Great American Station Foundation.

The Irvine station has seen a 58% growth in passenger travel in the past year. It is considered a model and a magnet for economic growth, foundation officials said.

In addition, Hidalgo cited plans to expand the station by about 10 acres and bring in such businesses as dry cleaners, child-care centers, restaurants and banks.

Students, residents and rail enthusiasts toured the six-car Amtrak train that carried an exhibit with pictures and histories of stations all over the country.

The tour began in Sacramento Aug. 13 and comes to the end of the line today in San Diego.