The right track

GRAND Central Station Terminal in New York used to be so grotty, with paint peeling from the ceiling, a few dingy shops, and a few basic services.

Commuters hurried through, with no reason to dally.

All that changed when the station was painstakingly renovated in the mid-90s. When it reopened in 1998 it had lots of upmarket retail outlets to tempt the 700,000 people who pass through daily. They responded with enthusiasm.