![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5074-1024x576.jpg)
“You are NOT the father!”, Maury would say. Oh, this is a STATION entry, not Maury. Right. Well, welcome to the Stewart B. McKinney Stamford Gateway Intermodal Transportation Center. Or, the Stamford Transportation Center. Let’s see what the….
*checks notes*
SECOND MOST-USED METRO-NORTH STATION?! Yeah. Let’s see what this sucker has to offer. This is gonna be a big one. So, buckle down, and let’s get this show on the road!
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5075-1024x576.jpg)
So, pulling into Stamford on the Acela, first thing I notice is the style of architecture and the new platform (from what I understand is to be for New Canaan dinks so they don’t occupy a through track). And, I’ll have to admit, I dig this kind of architecture. Platforms are concrete, modern, and have adequate lighting and shelters. However, there were no benches. This wasn’t a big deal, as there was a waiting room above the tracks. I’ll add, this was also pretty cool, and I dig the cross-braces in the windows. Speaking of the concourse, there’s Amtrak and Metro-North information desks, a convenience store, and yes, a Dunkin. Meanwhile, the northern exit will bring you out to the street with another convenience store, and the southern one to a parking garage. On the outside is another garage under construction, and a sign reading “Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center”. Who was he? It turns out, he was a Republican representative from the ’80s, who died of AIDS and was bisexual. Yeah, bisexual Republicans. Don’t see that one every day.
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5076-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5194-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5195-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5199-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5200-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5202-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5201-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5203-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5204-1024x576.jpg)
Once on street level, you can go down further into an underground passageway, and you’ll find MTA police, a CTtransit vending machine (turned off, free fares!), a shuttered Subway, and a Greyhound office. Don’t tell Miles!
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5196-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5078-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5079-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5198-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5197-1024x576.jpg)
Now lastly, there’s the bus terminal. This has got to be among the sorriest-looking bus terminals I’ve seen. It’s like Cos Cob in that it’s under I-95, but it’s worsened by the fact it’s in the middle of a city. Yeah…… But, the berths are labelled clearly! So, props to CTtransit on that. You can also walk to track 4 on foot without entering the station’s concourses too, neat! As a downside, the elevator down here smells like urine. At least, the one I took did.
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5081-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5082-1024x576.jpg)
The good: It’s a beautiful piece of architecture! It really is, I legitimately dig the style of the station in general. It’s also got pretty much everything a passenger might need or want. Furthermore, you’ve got multiple ways to access the platforms, all the Stamford-area bus routes, and a crazy amount of Metro-North trains! Plus, it’s in the heart of the city as well.
The bad: …I genuinely cannot think of much. I was annoyed by the fact there was construction, but whatever.
Nearby points of interest: The city of Stamford and the bus routes, and the New Canaan line can take you to its namesake town! You’ve also got various local-owned shops, restaurants, breweries, etc., and a mall nearby. AND THERE’S A DINER?! HOLY FUCKING SHIT!
Transit connections:
Amtrak (Northeast Regional, Acela, Vermonter)
CTrail (Shore Line East, temporarily suspended)
Metro-North (New Haven, New Canaan)
CTtransit (311, 312, 313, 321, 324, 326, 327, 328, 331, 333, 334, 335, 336, 341, 342, 344, 345, 351, I-BUS)
Greyhound
Overall, it’s a great station. Easily among the best I’ve seen even. It’s in a decent location, has good service for both Metro-North and CTtransit, and every Amtrak train stops here as well. As such, I think it’s worthy of a special score I reserve for a handful of stations.
Rating: 10/10
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5077-768x1024.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5243-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5244-1024x576.jpg)
![](http://codsnook.hopto.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5245-1024x576.jpg)