While they are unfortunately not as common of a great third place in North America as they are in Europe and Asia, railway stations can serve as a fantastic focal point for the surrounding community. One only need spend a few moments in any of United Kingdom’s magnificent railway stations and you would know exactly what I am talking about.

The largest stations are filled with shops, restaurants, pubs, personal and business services, transit connections, hotels, and a variety of other placemaking features. These stations are the nucleus for the surrounding neighborhoods and city business districts. No other railway station has impressed me more than delightful Marlyebone Stationin London, England. It’s certainly not the largest railway station in the United Kingdom, but to me it is definitely the most endearing.

Perhaps the fact that Marlyebone Railway Station hosted many scenes of the movie A Hard Day’s Night may partially have something to do with it. But, in reality, it is the history, regal grace, stylish architecture, ambiance, and hip vibe that endeared this planner to Marlyebone Station. The lasting image of flower stands and its enormous glass arcade roof pervades my memory of this beautiful railway station.

Aside from aforementioned Marlyebone Station, other great third place railway stations that I have visited include:

There are many more across the planet just waiting to welcome locals and visitors alike. Railway stations in smaller cities may not have the size and scale of the mega-city stations, but planned and operated correctly they can be a vibrant part of the surrounding community. One of the best examples I have observed is in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

One of poorest uses of a railway station as a community focal point is Union Station in my hometown of Indianapolis. While much of it has been transformed into a lovely hotel, the railway passenger portion is sadly underutilized and outdated. As a passenger or visitor, trying to find the entrance to the public areas takes some effort. In addition, the public venues have not been well-cared for over the years, let alone updated.

Those cities who capitalize on their railway station assets will benefit over time with improved and enhanced transportation options for citizens and visitors alike. Similarly, surrounding neighborhoods and business areas should see the economic benefits associated with a steady influx of rail, pedestrian, street, and transit traffic associated with the railway station and ancillary uses.

The constant ebb and flow of activity at all hours of the day brings vigor and vibrancy to these railway stations and their environs. This urban planner was tboroughly impressed and very pleasantly surprised by the “third place” aspects of the larger railway stations visited in the United Kingdom. One can only hope that someday, more American railway stations can and will serve such a productive and positive purpose.