Some Say Baltimore's Penn Station Is Overdue For An Upgrade

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The trains at Penn Station may travel fast but some say renovations there are moving too slow. Amtrak officials are facing tough questions about their plans for the Baltimore station.

Amy Yensi has more.

One Maryland congressman told Amtrak's president much of the building is sitting empty and outdated.

Baltimore's Penn Station served nearly a million passengers last year. It's a major stop along Amtrak's popular northeast corridor between Washington DC and Boston. Even though it's the eighth busiest Amtrak station in the country, some commuters say it could use some sprucing up.

"It should look as good as any other transportation system here in Baltimore," said commuter Darrin Madison.

Amtrak president Joseph Boardman faced tough questions by a Congressional committee Friday about the government-owned rail company's minimal repairs in Baltimore.

"Penn Station is a central gateway into Baltimore and we need that station to be an economic engine," said Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Penn Station is a historic landmark, built more than 100 years ago.

"I think it's a little bit smaller and I think in Europe, we have more shops at train stations where you can buy stuff, like food and clothes," said one German tourist.

Amtrak is in the midst of a complete overhaul project. Other northeast stations, including nearby DC, Philadelphia and Wilmington, are being modernized.

Amtrak has spent $22 million on Penn Station since 2010. Some of that money went to new bathrooms.

"There's a new generator going in, platform lighting and construction upgrades, station wifi upgrades," Boardman said.

"When you come to Baltimore, the first thing you see is the train station, yeah, and maybe it looks a little small and run-down compared to the size of the city that you expect," said commuter Maxime Chevee.

An Amtrak spokesperson said the company is still reviewing proposals but so far, there's no timeline or specific plans for a central artery for travelers and the city.

Any improvements would not just benefit Amtrak travelers. The station also has MARC and light rail service.

Back in 2012, Amtrak considered building a $500 million development on a station parking lot but never broke ground on that proposal.