Effingham

joshua Goss

Just a larger Midwestern town. They have some great places to eat and a few decent entertainment options. Visit Babaloos! One of my favorite game stores!

Gerald Taphorn

I have never been treated so badly as I was treated on 2/13/20 at 2 am in the morning. First Union Station was closed from 1am to 5am. I did not know this before I left O'Hare Airport. When I arrived at Union Station a private security officer told me I could not enter because that entrance was closed and that I could use a side door. I went to the side door and was reluctantly let in by another private security person. After inside another person said I could not be in there because they where filming. I said that I would be quiet and stay out of the way. Shortly a Amtrak Police officer walked up and said "What are you doing here?" I said waiting on a train to Effingham, Illinois. Officer said you can't stay here and needed to leave now! I ask where do you suggest I go? He proceeded to tell me of a Dunkin Donut that might be open four blocks away. I left and walked the four blocks (CLOSED) I come back to Union and asked private security officer if I could wait with him until 5 am outside. He said NO! I might get in trouble if I allow you to stay here with me so leave NOW!! I want to point out that it was cold and snowing that night in downtown Chicago! Streets where empty and no place was open to seek shelter. I was forced to stand outside in a snow storm and cold of a Chicago winter. When 5 am did come around I was chilled to the bone and the station was a pigsty. Food and trash where on the floor and benches, it was filthy. My understanding is 1 am to 5am was for cleaning and maintenance. (GREAT JOB!) I understand rules are rules but to put a paying customer out on the street in winter on the dangerous streets if Chicago is inexcusable. The only mistake was coming to early and not knowing the hours of the Station. I'm a law biding citizen, not a trouble maker. All I ask is to be treated with respect as another human being. When I called to complain they hang up on me. I'm only concerned for the next unfortunate customer that might not fare as well as I did. I was one man, alone in a strange city that turn it's back on me. The customer relies on Amtrak to get us safely to our destination. The private security company needs to know that their officers left their posts several times to warm up in their cars. At one point three security officers where in their cars warming up with no one watching the entrances. (GREAT SECURITY!) Signed Gerald R.Taphorn

Justin Tegeler

My hometown.

David Switzer

I love riding Amtrak. Station is smaller than some, but restrooms are big and clean, and there are plenty of seats indoor and out.