Amtrak Standard Stations Program

Interior and exterior of former Dearborn station building, constructed in 1978 and closed in 2014

The Amtrak Standard Stations Program was an effort by Amtrak to create a standardized station design. The railroad launched the effort in 1978 to reduce costs, speed construction, and improve its corporate image. These stations became colloquially known as "Amshacks," a portmanteau of "Amtrak" and "shack," due to their small size and shape.