I think most of the responses in this thread misinterpret what "last mile" means. The term, originally from telecommunications, and now in transportation refers to getting bits or people from their origin to the the hub and from the other hub to their *final* destination. We all can see that it is lucrative and easy to move a high volume of bits and people from hub to hub; getting them to their widely scattered homes, businesses, hotels, points of interest, etc. is far more complicated. (New Haven State St, ferries, and even most of those buses are not really last-mile solutions.)
I think bikes and rideshare are excellent last-mile solutions for a huge swath of passengers. No I'm not advocating Amtrak get into bike rental or ridesharing businesses, rather they should make significant efforts to make sure their stations embrace these transportation options.
Uber pick up spots should be plentiful, right close to the platforms or station exit, with clear signage and easy access for drivers. Really thinking outside the box: Amtrak/Uber should allow a passenger to enter their train number when reserving a ride-- late trains would automatically alert the driver to the new arrival time and let the passenger know the ride will still meet the late train. Amtrak could even cover the cost (within reason) of surcharges or surge charges incurred by the late train. Wishful thinking I know, but such an automation would be welcome to a wide range of passengers, and therefore indirectly increase ridership.
I think bikes and rideshare are excellent last-mile solutions for a huge swath of passengers. No I'm not advocating Amtrak get into bike rental or ridesharing businesses, rather they should make significant efforts to make sure their stations embrace these transportation options.
Uber pick up spots should be plentiful, right close to the platforms or station exit, with clear signage and easy access for drivers. Really thinking outside the box: Amtrak/Uber should allow a passenger to enter their train number when reserving a ride-- late trains would automatically alert the driver to the new arrival time and let the passenger know the ride will still meet the late train. Amtrak could even cover the cost (within reason) of surcharges or surge charges incurred by the late train. Wishful thinking I know, but such an automation would be welcome to a wide range of passengers, and therefore indirectly increase ridership.