A good start. How about levelling that pit of a hotel across the tracks (on the list of 10 dirtiest in the US at TripAdvisor.com), convert to a reasonably-priced parking lot, and have a pedestrian crossing on the new bridge. I Amtrak daily ride out of Parkesburg. I use that instead of Lancaster b/c of parking.

I had the same thought about the Days Inn (or whatever it's called this week), but I'd take it one step further. Build a paking garage on that site, with adequate parking for daily commuters (who would pay monthly and be assured a parking space 24/7, as in the other LPA garages) and occassional Amtak users (who would pay a daily rate). Also, move the Capital Trailways bus service over to the hotel site, and get the bus traffic away from front of the train station. Regardless of any other improvements made at the Amtrak station or the surrounding area, it will not meet the needs of the users until the parking issue is addressed. (Don't even get me started on the slipshod parking operation that currently exists at the station - it is a disgrace, and I refused to give them one penny.)

I hope the bridge lasts three more years. I shudder every time I see a truck cross that bridge.As for the roach motel, a parking lot or garage would be a Godsend. With adequate parking I wouldn't be surprised if ridership increased. Especially if the convention center takes off as hoped.

Great idea. How to pay for it?

Thats why whenever I have to take a train to Philly or New York, I just have my parents go and drop me off. Much easier than trying to find parking.