Politicians mull raiding Tolls Roads to possibly support SunRail (Orlando: 2015, construction)

[WithDisp]

Something I have in the past brought up and discussed as a great fear of the bleeding transit agency was just this, the fact that politicians and public transit enthusiasts look at the realities of increasing taxes of some form to pay for SunRail.

Can money from toll roads help SunRail and Lynx? - Orlando Sentinel

For me, SunRail does not serve enough people to justify any additional funding.
They should raise the rates of the rail 100% to be in a reasonable operating condition before going after private drivers funds.

I actually think SunRail could be more committed to it's cause by keeping rates low (maybe a 25-50% increase) and just starting to charge for daily parking at stations. This encouraging ride sharing, biking, walking, etc.

I am taking the time today to let all politicians involved know that soliciting such funding from any source other than a general flat tax will come with some immense criticism and public awareness on this issue.

If the Central Florida Expressway Authority has surpluses. They should increase the discount given to their riders, not subsidize the SunRail. SunRail creates more congestion than it removes. CFEA customers have no reason to be blindly robbed to pay for someone else's mistake.

In New York City it costs $16 to cross a bridge. $13 of that goes right into paying for public transit. Such measures would hobble Orlando.

[Crane's Rooster]

The easiest and most cost effective changes they can make to Sunrail are changing the schedule and improving the final destination transportation options. These changes alone would spike ridership significantly especially if it could be done by Fall when the weather becomes more bearable and holiday shopping may encourage more people to use it.

[froglipz]

Illinois raided funds all the time and now are paying the price!

[annerk]

Raiding toll roads is a stupid idea, considering most of us who pay tolls don't have access to SunRail. Charge riders what it takes to operate it or shut it down.

[MrKnight]

I do not see any issue with toll money going to SunRail, I would much rather see it go there than into the pockets of the corrupt Expressway Authority.

[annerk]

Tolls on roads are supposed to be used to pay bonds for the construction of those roads and for ongoing maintenance and enhancements. They aren't supposed to be used for random public transit projects, and ai foresee a class action lawsuit if they are taken to support SunRail which is available to so few.

[MrKnight]

Originally Posted by annerk

Tolls on roads are supposed to be used to pay bonds for the construction of those roads and for ongoing maintenance and enhancements. They aren't supposed to be used for random public transit projects, and ai foresee a class action lawsuit if they are taken to support SunRail which is available to so few.

in a perfect world yes, but this is not a perfect world and the Expressway Authority most certainly is not. Once again, I would rather that money go to SunRail than here:

Best Proof That the Orlando Expressway Authority Was Insanely Corrupt | Local Color

[WithDisp]

Originally Posted by annerk

They aren't supposed to be used for random public transit projects, and ai foresee a class action lawsuit if they are taken to support SunRail which is available to so few.

This happens in almost every metro in the country.
Any surplus taken in from private transit is taxes/used to support public transit.
... in most though, the public transit serves a huge purpose in keeping congestion down and roads less traveled. Also the tolled crossing aren't exclusively privately funded roads.

The legislature needs to be clear in establishing that to not happen.
Surpluses may exist, and I agree with posters they have no business lining the pockets or halls of the expressway authority.

If the money brought in covers construction and then some, a reduction in tolls via ePass discounts should be given back while some money put aside for future rainy days.

It seems clear that at least Mayor Dyer has been pushing forward with projects and events in Orlando trying to goat out an uproar about no weekend service, something I think SunRail would actually benefit from- problematically though, it might shed some light on just how bad M-F numbers are.

Bottom line : Trains are expensive to run, but Orlando riders are not the urban poor commuting from a ghetto exurb to the copious service jobs downtown offers. Most SunRail riders can afford $4 tickets.
Hell, by the justification given by the article, we could charge them $8 and use the rest of the money to keep tolls down.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by WithDisp

Most SunRail riders can afford $4 tickets. Hell, by the justification given by the article, we could charge them $8 and use the rest of the money to keep tolls down.

I agree one probably could since the aura of SunRail seems much more oriented toward a recreational pursuit/fun with the kiddies versus a legitimate commuter rail system. Add it to the list of Orlando area attractions and perhaps contract with Disney for costumed characters to ride along as well.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by MrKnight

I do not see any issue with toll money going to SunRail, I would much rather see it go there than into the pockets of the corrupt Expressway Authority.

I've got a better idea... how about we actually hand the money back to the drivers who actually paid the tolls in the first place via lower rates?