[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Maggi07

Yep, we are. This particular part of the budget is not up for debate.

In other news, this is very interesting:

Florida getting another shot at high-speed rail?

It's the little train that could!!! Never give up!!! I am not being sarcastic here, I hope and pray Florida does get this again in the end. We need this so bad for our economy.

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by Sheltie166

You're going to put a train running down the middle of I-4? What if there's a wreck and you need to get an ambulance and/or fire trucks over there? That makes it an even stupider idea.

Actually a somewhat silly argument. In many a city large and mid-sized around the world, train tracks and streetcar lines in the median of a boulevard are unremarkable parts of the landscape and cause no obstruction to emergency services.

[UB50]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Actually a somewhat silly argument. In many a city large and mid-sized around the world, train tracks and streetcar lines in the median of a boulevard are unremarkable parts of the landscape and cause no obstruction to emergency services.

Most commuter trains don't have that many cars.

On the other hand, fixing up the Port of Miami is going to require more freight trains and a better train network in S. Florida. Freight trains typically have about 100 cars and move at a very slow pace through cities. That ought to be fun!

[Pookie]

Gov. Scott did the right thing. He is saving the taxpayers money.

For all you folks who want your high speed rail to Disney...YOU pay for it.

[Kevin from Tampa]

Originally Posted by tilli

Because it's a crappy Amtrack train instead of a high speed rail, perhaps? Apples and oranges, and you know it.

That crappy Amtrak line takes only 40 minutes longer to run than the HSR would have done.

Why not buy some Amtrak trains, run them every two hours, and see if it succeeds? That would be a MUCH less expensive way to do this than spending almost 3 billion dollars.

[bbronston]

Originally Posted by Kevin from Tampa

That crappy Amtrak line takes only 40 minutes longer to run than the HSR would have done.

Why not buy some Amtrak trains, run them every two hours, and see if it succeeds? That would be a MUCH less expensive way to do this than spending almost 3 billion dollars.

Interesting point. If people want rail transport it shouldn't matter if the trip takes a little longer or the train isn't as 'cool'. After all, no one seems to be arguing for rail because it is cheaper or more convenient than driving (it's not) and, for those who think it is the answer to the environmental issue, they should be just as willing to jump on an Amtrak as a HSR, right? Speed should not be the issue for them. I think you are right--see if it gets the ridership first, see if it relieves the traffic, then when the economy supports the expense, consider the HSR line.

[tomno00]

Originally Posted by Kevin from Tampa

That crappy Amtrak line takes only 40 minutes longer to run than the HSR would have done.

Why not buy some Amtrak trains, run them every two hours, and see if it succeeds? That would be a MUCH less expensive way to do this than spending almost 3 billion dollars.

40 minutes is a long time. The amtrak train takes nearly 2 hours. That is not convenient, as it doesn't even beat driving time between the two cities. Moreover, I doubt the amtrak makes stops along the way to pick up passengers in the suburban areas.

[Kevin from Tampa]

Originally Posted by tomno00

40 minutes is a long time. The amtrak train takes nearly 2 hours. That is not convenient, as it doesn't even beat driving time between the two cities. Moreover, I doubt the amtrak makes stops along the way to pick up passengers in the suburban areas.

It doesn't stop on the way, no, but the HSR was supposed to have taken about an hour, and the Amtrak line takes and 1:40.

40 minutes is not that much more, and it doesn't require spending billions of dollars.

As I said, but some more Amtrak trains, run them every two hours, and if they wildly succeed, then re-consider HSR.

If the HSR should succeed, shouldn't this come close at least?