94 replies to this topic

[KendallKid]

I hate to put a dash on the happiness but i have a bone to pick. Not with Orlando forumers,Im happy for them, but with Miami local government. How is it Central Florida got 200 million for a train just by asking and Miami Dade cant get any money for its already built train. CONGRATS TO ORLANDO THOUGH

[prahaboheme]

Did Miami ask for money for its trains? Further, isn't there a tax revenue for Miami mass transit?

[sunshine]

I think this has to do with Mica

[Brickell]

Just for the record, Miami did get 100million from the state last year so they could build their MIC Metrorail connector without having to ask for federal funds.

Orlando is way behind and needs the money. I believe this is a fairly well thought out first step for them too.

The real question should be, why do roads continue to get so much state money at the expense of funding more transit.

[Jahi98]

Congrats to the Orlando metro! It's another example of what can happen when the governments in a region come together for a common cause.

If only their counterparts on the west coast could get it together.

Edited by Jahi98, 07 November 2005 - 09:49 AM.

[depechecureguyorl]

^ Yes, for once...the local politicos in Central Florida actually worked together for the common good of the local populace.

On a side note...does anyone have the blueprint for the recent I-4 expansion announcement? I heard the toll lanes were still going to be added, even though Mica banned them.

[sunshine]

I thought it is written in Constituition that they cant do that.

[prahaboheme]

Does anyone know the annual ridership of Tri-rail?

[Dale]

As I recall, the question with Osceola is their reported insistance that they should own the tracks that pass through their jurisdiction. I do not believe the other three counties have lodged a similar demand. And at the time the story broke, rail proponents were calling it a potential deal-killer. Although Mica was still upbeat.

Haven't heard anything since.

[prahaboheme]

Dale, on Nov 7 2005, 03:46 PM, said:

As I recall, the question with Osceola is their reported insistance that they should own the tracks that pass through their jurisdiction. I do not believe the other three counties have lodged a similar demand. And at the time the story broke, rail proponents were calling it a potential deal-killer. Although Mica was still upbeat.

Haven't heard anything since.

I could have sworn that was Seminole County.

[Brickell]

prahaboheme, on Nov 7 2005, 03:42 PM, said:

Does anyone know the annual ridership of Tri-rail?

2.5 million according to this website
http://www.ustraintr...es/trirail.html

[monsoon]

Broken down into daily ridership

Weekdays 8,500; Saturdays 4,000; Sundays 3,000

[KendallKid]

With all this great transit oriented development does anyone from the bay area feel left behind? Just curious.

[KendallKid]

Mica was on the Colbert Report last night on the Get to know a congressional district.

[Eternalrsx]

So I'm not fully sure of the posting rules for news articles but I have to post this one from Baynews 9 about high speed rail.

Bullet train taking a detour

"The oft-discussed bullet train may be on the fast track to construction again.

Voters repealed an amendment last November that would have funded a rail system in the state. But Bay News 9 has learned the high-speed rail could be coming to the state.

State Senator Jim Sebesta, a long-time supporter of the bullet train, said it could be built without a cent from taxpayers."

I'm glad to see the project is still being pursued. Now if central florida and west central florida can get more local transit options this would be a great mix.

[bobliocatt]

Glad to see this. I've always felt that private investment could fund this entire thing, if only given a chance.

[Jahi98]

I think private investment is definately needed to make it happen. I'm wondering how much it will cost to ride.

[Jerseyman4]

How could Florida with a high density population along its Atlantic & Gulf Coastlines does not have passenger rail service or at least building it as we speak? Highway building should always keep up pace with growing populations but when the density is beyond normal ranges, passenger rail needs to be supplemented over additional travel lanes since it does not always solve the problem. Its not right that all of society must be forced to own and operate a vehicle to get around!

Edited by Jerseyman4, 25 January 2006 - 06:38 PM.

[Eternalrsx]

Jerseyman4, on Jan 25 2006, 07:37 PM, said:

How could Florida with a high density population along its Atlantic & Gulf Coastlines does not have passenger rail service or at least building it as we speak? Highway building should always keep up pace with growing populations but when the density is beyond normal ranges, passenger rail needs to be supplemented over additional travel lanes since it does not always solve the problem. Its not right that all of society must be forced to own and operate a vehicle to get around!

Well seems most florida politicians, Jim Sebesta aside, are stuck in the good old days of florida and refuse to admit that there are other needs in the state. Living in Hillsborough County I'm sickened by the constant attack on public transit. County commissioners continue to attack the local bus system, as well as refuse to support anything additional. They want to see the streetcar to nowhere shut down. While I agree the streetcar in Tampa is pretty futile in it's current state, if the loop that was planned were ever completed it could be a huge success. Even still for all intents and purposes it's still a sucess. Another problem with transit in florida is that no one wants to be taxed for it. They don't mind being taxed daily to see their money build roads that are immediately out of date, but GOD FORBID they're taxed for transit!!! Rail will eventually make it's way into florida. As soon as we can replace our current governor with someone more willing to invest in a much needed rail system then florida will finally be able to call itself a progressive state. As long as we think roads are the answers we're just another po'dunk southern hickville. Oh yeah and being forced to drive a car and then told driving is a 'priviledge' really pisses me off.

[tombarnes]

"How could Florida with a high density population along its Atlantic & Gulf Coastlines does not have passenger rail service or at least building it as we speak?"

There is a ststem called TriRail which goes from Miami to Palm Beach. I have taken it a couple of times. While it's perfectly decent, it isn't especially fast. The Amtrak trains- Silver Meteor and Silver Star do serve Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville. Tallahassee and the panhandle are completely left out of the equation. There was a third train, the Silver Palm, but this was eliminated a year or two ago. I have taken these trains as well. They are generally comfortable, but agonizingly slow. Rapid rail is the answer for Florida's burgeoning population and development. It's sad that it's not being seriously considered by anyone in power there.

Edited by tombarnes, 26 January 2006 - 05:35 PM.