High Speed Rail

[Kellygirl]

I am curious if you have an opinion on the high speed rail project. My husband and I had a 'heated' conversation last night on if Govenor Scott has the ability to shut down the project without further discussion and if the project is a good idea in the first place. Any thoughts?

[graciegirl]

Hi Kellygirl.

This is PROBABLY gonna end up in Political with predictable results and predictable responses.

Kinda like being around the people you know so well that instead of telling a joke, you just call out...NUMBER 105 and everyone laughs.

[Avista]

I am curious if you have an opinion on the high speed rail project. My husband and I had a 'heated' conversation last night on if Govenor Scott has the ability to shut down the project without further discussion and if the project is a good idea in the first place. Any thoughts?

Since citizens voted FOR the high speed rail I wouldn't think Gov Scott would be able to stop it on his own. BUT, we'll see what the Florida Supreme Court says.

[OpusX1]

On the surface it is a good idea. The questions I have are how would it be utilizied, how much will a ticket cost. If a ticket cost say $35 each way from Tampa to Orlando I do not see a family of 4 or 5 using it as it would cost $280-$350 round trip for a $50 or $60 trip by car.If the ticket cost is say $5-$10 and that covers the operating cost than it is a much better bet. No passangers mean we have to come up with the operating costs, I wonder where that money will come from? What would the cost be to add 2 or 4 more lanes to I 4? We are a nation of auto drivers and with the exception of the east coast most passenger rail is a failure and a drain on taxes.

[Bogie Shooter]

On the surface it is a good idea. The questions I have are how would it be utilizied, how much will a ticket cost. If a ticket cost say $35 each way from Tampa to Orlando I do not see a family of 4 or 5 using it as it would cost $280-$350 round trip for a $50 or $60 trip by car.If the ticket cost is say $5-$10 and that covers the operating cost than it is a much better bet. No passangers mean we have to come up with the operating costs, I wonder where that money will come from? What would the cost be to add 2 or 4 more lanes to I 4? We are a nation of auto drivers and with the exception of the east coast most passenger rail is a failure and a drain on taxes.

Have you ever driven on I4 between Orlando and Tampa? Add more lanes to accomplish what?

[zcaveman]

On the surface it is a good idea. The questions I have are how would it be utilizied, how much will a ticket cost. If a ticket cost say $35 each way from Tampa to Orlando I do not see a family of 4 or 5 using it as it would cost $280-$350 round trip for a $50 or $60 trip by car.If the ticket cost is say $5-$10 and that covers the operating cost than it is a much better bet. No passangers mean we have to come up with the operating costs, I wonder where that money will come from? What would the cost be to add 2 or 4 more lanes to I 4? We are a nation of auto drivers and with the exception of the east coast most passenger rail is a failure and a drain on taxes.

Other items to consider:

Where are you going to get the train and will there be free or metered parking?

When you get to the other end, where is it going to let you off and will there be cabs or busses to get you to your final destination (and back to the train).?

Will there be enough trains going back and forth so you do not have to wait forever for a train?

Who is going to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the trains and tracks? I certainly don't want to be tapped for any of the funds since I will never take these trains.

I am sure there are more. This is not like NYC where you go from the burbs to the city and switch trains to get to your destination. There are not hundreds of cabs waiting at the station to pick you up and drop you off at your destination.

[jerseyvillager]

The Gov is doing the right thing. It would have cost more than predicted to build and it would cost all of us big dollars to operate it. But most importantly, who was going to use it?

[Francie]

If there was money to be made on this folly, the private sector would jump in to do it! Like most public transporation...they lose money, are not managed properly and wind up with bloated overhead and regulations. The government has to stop wasting our money!!

[Avista]

On the surface it is a good idea. The questions I have are how would it be utilizied, how much will a ticket cost. If a ticket cost say $35 each way from Tampa to Orlando I do not see a family of 4 or 5 using it as it would cost $280-$350 round trip for a $50 or $60 trip by car.If the ticket cost is say $5-$10 and that covers the operating cost than it is a much better bet. No passangers mean we have to come up with the operating costs, I wonder where that money will come from? What would the cost be to add 2 or 4 more lanes to I 4? We are a nation of auto drivers and with the exception of the east coast most passenger rail is a failure and a drain on taxes.

This was all hashed out when the citizens voted for the high speed train. It was on the ballot.

[Maryland Girl]

I am curious if you have an opinion on the high speed rail project. My husband and I had a 'heated' conversation last night on if Govenor Scott has the ability to shut down the project without further discussion and if the project is a good idea in the first place. Any thoughts?

I don't know anything about the high speed rail project in FL. so I don't have a position one way or the other. However, Gov. Scott was on television recently and he was asked about the project and why he was refusing the funds for it. He gave two reasons and then the discussion went elsewhere. He said that the Feds refused to pay for any cost overruns and there were sure to be many and, in the event sometime in the future the train was no longer used, FL was obligated to repay the 2+ billion dollars. He said the taxpayers could not afford this at this time. He was really promoting tourism-said FL was the most frequented tourist destination in the WORLD with millions coming each year (can't remember the exact number but it was large) and he wanted more people to visit. :wave:

[graciegirl]

Have you ever driven on I4 between Orlando and Tampa? Add more lanes to accomplish what?

I have Bogie, a couple of years ago, but I don't remember anything much unusual about it. Is it bumper to bumper nowadays or just ordinary traffic?

[raynan]

I agree with Maryland Girl about not having a position either way but I'm from Massachusetts and I would hate FL to find themselves in the same predicament that MA got themselves into with "The Big Dig". What a fiasco and they will be paying for that for years to come.

[skip0358]

I can't see a project of this size coming in on budget. If there are additional funds needed guess who pays. The people living here through higher taxes. Nobody wants that. I think thegov. Scott is doing the right thing. Protecting the people of Florida. I'd like to see him and all the other Politicans take a closer look at the Panama Canal issue with regards to our ports and the jobs it may create. That may very well be money worth spending. Not a rail service and coming from the north the MTA was always broke and forever raising fares.Probably the same would happen with this rail service.JMO

[cybermuda]

It will be interesting to see if people's opinions change should gas prices continue to climb.

The construction of such a project takes a long time, so needs to be started before people recognise that they really need it. And a period of high unemployment is the best time to do so.

There is a distinction between normal rail, which is designed to replace car journeys, and high speed rail, which is designed to replace flying.

[Mikeod]

I see that mayors of several cities along the proposed route have come up with a plan using a private company that will guarantee that no taxpayer money will be needed to complete the construction. First, where do they think the feds money comes from? Trees? Second, even if they are successful in construction without additional taxpayer money, where will operating funds come from when ridership doesn't meet overblown expectations? Yup, taxpayers. As someone above posted, what happens when you arrive in Tampa, or Orlando? How do you get to your final destination? Areas where rail is successful have extensive public transportation to get travelers from the station to their destination. Areas that don't have to subsidize rail service with taxpayer funds.

[Tbugs]

I, personally, do not see a need for a high speed train between Tampa and Orlando.

You would still need some form of public transportation once you got to either place. The depot would probably be downtown.

People look at a huge figure for "free government money" being offered for the project. Look at future costs that it will cost you as a Florida taxpayer. Look at the mess it will cause in construction. It is not going to be completed in a snap of the fingers but will take time and real construction on the highway.

No thank you!!! It really hurts me to say that I think Rick Scott has the right idea.

[Hawkwind]

There is a distinction between normal rail, which is designed to replace car journeys, and high speed rail, which is designed to replace flying.

How many flights are there today between Orlando and Tampa? What is the amount of passengers and size of planes used on that route?

[skyguy79]

I, personally, do not see a need for a high speed train between Tampa and Orlando.

You would still need some form of public transportation once you got to either place. The depot would probably be downtown.

People look at a huge figure for "free government money" being offered for the project. Look at future costs that it will cost you as a Florida taxpayer. Look at the mess it will cause in construction. It is not going to be completed in a snap of the fingers but will take time and real construction on the highway.

No thank you!!! It really hurts me to say that I think Rick Scott has the right idea.Although I am pro-Amtrak, pro-rail, I would have to agree with you. When it takes just an hour and a half to get from Orlando to Tampa by car, just how much time can it save by using high speed rail... and especially when compared to regular speed commuter rail? Are the benefits really worth the cost of developing a high speed system? I'll let others be the judge of that!
http://www.cappersmall.com/smiley/moneyeyes.gif

[cybermuda]

How many flights are there today between Orlando and Tampa? What is the amount of passengers and size of planes used on that route?

High Speed Rail is only of real benefit on longer journeys, so the Orlando-Tampa route would have to form part of a longer stretch to be of value.

If there was also HSR between Miami and Orlando, and between Tampa and other places (Atlanta?, Dallas?) then it would be more useful.


I am surprised that there is currently no HSR between Miami and Orlando, as there are numerous planes each day flying that route. Although the flight time is only 30 minutes or so, the total time spent doing that journey is several hours, and would be quicker by HSR even with a couple of stops en route.

[billethkid]

poitical bragging point and gain for special interests, it needs a national plan.
Some of us remember when there were no interstates. Well that is where we are on HS rail. You want a real HS rail system, that brings convenience, new jobs and reduced dependence on imported oil....it has to be a national plan with each state doing it's piece. Then some day 5-10-15-20 years down the road we would have something of value that in fact accomplishes it's objectives.
Unfortunately America just does not have the leadership any more to think, commit, act and follow through to accomplishment as we di so very well in the past.

It is not a partisan issue. It is a political issue supported by the entrenched business as usual in Washington...regardless who is in office.

btk

[inholmdel]

We don't need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[graciegirl]

I live in The Villages. I can't see any reason to go to Tampa. Just a big ole ocean and a sandy beach. NOW I can see all those folks wanting to come HERE.

Don't need no ticket to ride.
Gracie

[katezbox]

Although I am pro-Amtrak, pro-rail, I would have to agree with you. When it takes just an hour and a half to get from Orlando to Tampa by car, just how much time can it save by using high speed rail... and especially when compared to regular speed commuter rail? Are the benefits really worth the cost of developing a high speed system? I'll let others be the judge of that!
http://www.cappersmall.com/smiley/moneyeyes.gif

Well said. I am not a fan of the governor - but I think he is right on this one. Just got back from Dallas, where a monorail to connect the nearby suburbs sits unfinished. And who from Connecticut can forget "Tommy's Trolley"?

This is basically another bridge to nowhere - and I applaud the governor for turning it down....

[graciegirl]

Well said. I am not a fan of the governor - but I think he is right on this one. Just got back from Dallas, where a monorail to connect the nearby suburbs sits unfinished. And who from Connecticut can forget "Tommy's Trolley"?

This is basically another bridge to nowhere - and I applaud the governor for turning it down....

I agree with every word of your post Kate. I am not sure about the governors past, but I do like that he is successful in business. We will wait and see.

[JUREK]

Since citizens voted FOR the high speed rail I wouldn't think Gov Scott would be able to stop it on his own. BUT, we'll see what the Florida Supreme Court says.

I'm not trying to pick a fight but I thought for some reason the people voted against the high speed train. Personally I'm against it. All we need is another boondoggle.

[The Great Fumar]

Maybe Tallahassee to leesburg to Orlando to Miami, At least this offers something but tampa to Orlando ?? Absurd......besides were broke , remember ?????

fumar...... :censored:

[Boomer]

Geez. I think I need new reading glasses. I thought this thread was titled "High Speed Bail." -- thought maybe TOTV had a new advertiser.

Boomer

[katezbox]

Geez. I think I need new reading glasses. I thought this thread was titled "High Speed Bail." -- thought maybe TOTV had a new advertiser.

Boomer

Boomer - my moderate friend -

I may need high speed bail - as I have made quasi-political comments on this and the TSA thread.

Mr. Tony (sir) - please forgive me....

Kate

[Boomer]

Boomer - my moderate friend -

I may need high speed bail - as I have made quasi-political comments on this and the TSA thread.

Mr. Tony (sir) - please forgive me....

Kate


Not to worry, Kate. I'll cover your bail. One moderate for another.

A confession: Sometimes I so much want to jump into those threads with you. But if I did, we could end up going beyond quasi. So I guess it's a good thing I do not go there because then we could both need bail -- or a cake with a hacksaw inside........

Oh my! There we would be. Sent to jail. There we would be. In that cell.

We would have to wear the most unattractive bright orange outfits and no jewelry allowed.

Our computers would be revoked. And maybe even our library cards.

We would have to pass the time singing prison songs like "Jailhouse Rock" and “Folsom Prison.”

And hoping Martha Stewart would hear about us and bake us a cake.

Oh Kate, I must, I must, I must stay out of trouble. I must stay out of those threads. I cannot even let myself THINK about going in there……

I hear the train a comin’
It’s rollin’ round the bend,
I ain’t seen the sunshine,
Since I don’t know when...........

Boomer

[katezbox]

Boomer - I do believe you have saved me from myself....

[Pturner]

poitical bragging point and gain for special interests, it needs a national plan.
Some of us remember when there were no interstates. Well that is where we are on HS rail. You want a real HS rail system, that brings convenience, new jobs and reduced dependence on imported oil....it has to be a national plan with each state doing it's piece. Then some day 5-10-15-20 years down the road we would have something of value that in fact accomplishes it's objectives.
Unfortunately America just does not have the leadership any more to think, commit, act and follow through to accomplishment as we di so very well in the past.

It is not a partisan issue. It is a political issue supported by the entrenched business as usual in Washington...regardless who is in office.

btk

I agree. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Problem is, there is no larger plan for the thousand(s) mile journey. Cross-country high-speed rail with supporting infrastructure would be of great long-term value, as was our cross-country interstate system. It would indeed promote convenience, create jobs, increase travel and tourism throughout the country and facilitate (upward) mobility.

It also ain't gonna happen. Europe can accomplish HS rail throughout the continent. We cannot accomplish it just within just the United States. We lack the will, the vision and the political leadership. At this point, we lack the financial wherewithal. It's sad to ponder the great USA falling behind.

[katezbox]

I agree. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Problem is, there is no larger plan for the thousand(s) mile journey. Cross-country high-speed rail with supporting infrastructure would be of great long-term value, as was our cross-country interstate system. It would indeed promote convenience, create jobs, increase travel and tourism throughout the country and facilitate (upward) mobility.

It also ain't gonna happen. Europe can accomplish HS rail throughout the continent. We cannot accomplish it just within just the United States. We lack the will, the vision and the political leadership. At this point, we lack the financial wherewithal. It's sad to ponder the great USA falling behind.

Well said PT