It has been a number of years since you could walk on the platform at Portland between train departures.

It really got clamped down when a couple of AMTRAK employees were injured. Smoking was stopped for passengers when they started fueling trains and hoses were strung across the platform.

One of these days I expect that a fence will be installed with gates to restrict people from the platform at Salem. I know the platform is restricted at Centralia, Everett, and Olympia. At Salem little kids run on the platform and have no fear of falling off onto the tracks. Teenagers are scuffling and shoving each other in front of the oncoming train.

I know the Salem Rent-a-Cops, AMTRAK police, and UP police well enough that I can hold a quiet conversation with them. When they see someone on the tracks they are yelling at them before they can get close enough to have a quiet conversation with them. "The cop yelled at me." And when they get close enough it is at least a stern lecture.

I have seen a wedding party lined up across the track at Salem. Bride, groom, two sets of parents, brides maids, ring bearer, flower girl, etc.... I don't know how a woman can walk on ballast in high heels. Creosote on her gown. I said something to the photographer and he "KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING." Behind him was a curve that obstructed an oncoming train and Salem has a "NO WHISTLE ZONE."

I have a picture of another bride and groom between the rails having their picture taken.

The platform at Salem is high enough you don't need the step box. Greyhound stops 30 feet away from the track. I have seen people sitting on the platform, feet on the ballast, with their head between their knees smoking a joint.

I have seen photographers standing on the falling off edge taking the "artsy" shot of the incoming train.

I think the closed doors at Portland and Seattle are an attempt by AMTRAK to protect you from yourself.

Salem has a retired fellow that tends to the flowers at the AMTRAK station on his own. I meet him there and while we are talking I will sweep up the cigarette butts that are on the platform. There is a butt collector and smokers don't even attempt to throw the butt in that direction. Fifteen butts a day.............. I don't see why more of the country isn't burning up.

jb