Jaunted

Transportation

Gonna Make It On Time

March 9, 2006 at 11:30 AM | 0 Comments

Sometimes a train station is more than a train station. Mention the former Penn Station to New Yorkers of a certain age and they'll get all riled up. At least as angry as they'll get when you discuss Amtrak. (Hint: they're both travesties).

Nonetheless, train stations are even more important in countries with functioning rail systems, like Germany. At the moment, a kerfuffle is developing over the nearly completed Main Station in Berlin. It's set to open in May in time for the World Cup. After all, no one appreciates glass and steel architecture more than an English soccer hooligan.

The 1.9 million square foot structure will serve 1,300 trains and 300,000 people daily. Not everyone is pleased, however. The lead architect  felt his design wasn't honored and is suing. Locals grumble that the station is located in a boring part of Berlin, simialr to the soulless Potsdamer Platz. There also concern over the fate of Berlin's Zoo station, though Bono hasn't spoken up yet.

We think that as long as they have a Cinnabon in there, it'll be fine. Everybody loves Cinnabon.

[Image via eeloy/Flickr]

Related Stories:
·   Just a Rail Hub? [NY Times]
·   Rail Palace Nears Completion [Deutsche Welle]