[Not_liking_FL]

IIRC, the one and only reason he gave when he cancelled HSR was a report published by the Reason Foundation. He ignored all the other studies and chose to listen to a libertarian think tank. It was nothing more than a **** you to President Obama, and the citizens of Florida.

[EngGirl]

I call him Dick, not Rick...

[Crane's Rooster]

I read up extensively on this issue and it appeared to really be a political move. Even Republicans were encouraging him to take the money but he was fresh off a tea party win and needed to play the part. Just about every study showed the train carried little risk because of the volume of riders between OIA and Disney. Even if the majority of riders made just that short trip it would have covered the operating costs. The next biggest backers of the train were TB tourists industry who had hoped this would encourage people to spend some time at Clearwater, St. Pete, Tampa and the beaches. The whole issue of "it only benefits tourists" is somewhat of a weak argument considering how much tourism means to our local economies. Atlanta Hartsfield airport is one of the busiest airports in the world because it's Delta's regional hub but you'll never hear people in Atlanta saying they shouldn't spend money on airport infrastructure that only benefits travelers. My point is, even if it was mostly tourist on the train, by definition they need to buy and use our services and resources while they are here. They might be visiting from elsewhere but they're leaving their money here. Why we didn't capitalize on that seemed like a pretty political move to me. Last time I checked the local business, hotels, restaurants, etc are all private industry who stood to gain the most from this project.

[jambo101]

Whats needed but will never be.

http://watchdog.wpengine.netdna-cdn....t-plan-map.jpg

Comes from this article=
http://watchdog.org/147880/light-rail-boondoggle/

[AES328]

Originally Posted by Vannort54

Why did Scott turn down money from Obama for light rail from Tampa to Orlando and now wants taxpayers to pay for it.

Because the cost overruns and cost of maintenance would have fallen on the shoulders of Floridians. And let's face it - it was a stupid idea.

Gulf beach tourism has been hitting record numbers lately. Remind me why people think it would be a good idea to promote more tourism. We have plenty. And it'll only grow thanks to the dreaded "polar vortex" ravaging northern states during winter.

If it were stimulus money for a local transit system; you know, one designed to move working locals around, it would have merited a closer inspection of the numbers. As it stood, we don't really need a rail from Orlando to the Gulf to move tourists around.

One of the very few things Scott has done that I 100% agree with.

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by AES328

Because the cost overruns and cost of maintenance would have fallen on the shoulders of Floridians. And let's face it - it was a stupid idea.

Gulf beach tourism has been hitting record numbers lately. Remind me why people think it would be a good idea to promote more tourism. We have plenty. And it'll only grow thanks to the dreaded "polar vortex" ravaging northern states during winter.

If it were stimulus money for a local transit system; you know, one designed to move working locals around, it would have merited a closer inspection of the numbers. As it stood, we don't really need a rail from Orlando to the Gulf to move tourists around.

One of the very few things Scott has done that I 100% agree with.

The HSR between Orlando and Tampa was just the beginning. There were plans to extend it to Miami and then North to join with other future HSR systems. This was more than just tourism, it was to be part of regional and then national HSR. Too bad he gave all that money to other states.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by jaybird45

I believe Scott turned it down because the state was still responsible for the operating and maintenance costs for a system that was expected to carry few passengers except from the Orlando Airport to the tourist spots in and around Disney.

The state was not responsible for that and Scott turned it down to placate the Tea Party. Several bidding companies/countries offered to cover those expenses and any additional project overruns and this is well documented. However, the same year, Scott agreed to buy rail from CSX so that they could relocate from Orlando's Taft yard and expand operations in Winter Haven, thus making the way for Sunrail at Florida's expense.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by Not_liking_FL

The HSR between Orlando and Tampa was just the beginning. There were plans to extend it to Miami and then North to join with other future HSR systems. This was more than just tourism, it was to be part of regional and then national HSR. Too bad he gave all that money to other states.

Thank you.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by franniejacks

I'm pretty new here and not sure of all the issues/politics with this light rail plan. But, isn't there already an Amtrak train that runs between Tampa and Orlando. If so, can that service be enhanced without having to re-invent the wheel???

Eh, it could but what people have to keep in mind is that CSX rerouted their traffic from the Orlando area through Plant City/Lakeland enroute to the ILC in Winter Haven. That in itself would take major $$$ from the state and I don't think they're willing to do that again.

Is it possible, YES! Is it probable, NO!

[AES328]

Originally Posted by Not_liking_FL

The HSR between Orlando and Tampa was just the beginning. There were plans to extend it to Miami and then North to join with other future HSR systems. This was more than just tourism, it was to be part of regional and then national HSR. Too bad he gave all that money to other states.

Florida doesn't need light rail between cities. Yet.

It needs local light rail in its major cities, serving the local populace.