As a lifelong VIA rail rider between Toronto and Belleville and train lover, Belleville's new train station is slick. It's accessible, spacious, modern and the granite gray that all the cool designers are using these days. LCD tvs and wifi are also awesome additions.
The old train station was deemed a heritage building in the 1970's. A truly lovely space, indeed Bellevillians and travellers to Quinte needed something bigger. This new train station is barely functional. Crossing the tracks over a newly constructed passenger bridge is a pain. More seats would also be useful.
The reno cost a cool 18 mill with a bit of cash kicked in care of Canada's Economic Action Plan. As slick as this place is, it's hard to believe that it cost 18 million. With the lack of outlets, not even a vending machine for snacks and newly paid parking (awful for a small town, who pays for parking?!). The absolute worst is that train service to Belleville was cut dramatically just a few months before the reno was complete. read more