Florida Bullet Train

So What's the Problem? 

Pro Bullet Train Answers

Florida citizen opinion: Supported by the Florida Transportation Association (FTA)

Ask Jeeves?...No Jeb!

This picture was taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com

(Click the picture above to see more cartoons that describe a bit of the problem.)

Brief History

1976 Florida Transit Corridor Study 

• Is mandated by the Florida Legislature. 

• Feasibility for a High Speed Rail (HSR) between Daytona Beach and St. Petersburg 

• Concludes that implementation of this system is feasible if implemented in stages and recommended the joint use of the existing highway corridors 

• Capital cost of an advanced high speed rail system capable of speeds in excess of 150 mile per hour was estimated at $585 million.

1982 Governor Bob Graham Visits Japan 

• Governor is impressed with the operation of the Shinkansin high speed rail system and, upon his return to Florida he authorizes the creation of the Florida High Speed Rail Committee.

1995 FDOT Announces Funding Commitment for HSR

• FDOT funding will be $70 million per year for thirty years to be escalated at 4%

2000 Constitutional Amendment on High Speed Rail Approved by Florida Voters

• In November 2000, Florida voters pass a Constitutional Amendment directing the Florida Legislature to develop and operate a high speed ground transportation system capable in speeds in excess of 120 mph. The Amendment requires that construction begin on or before November 1, 2003.

2001 FDOT Issues Coast to Coast Final Report

2003 Funding Vetoed by Governor Jeb Bush

• In June of 2003, Governor Jeb Bush vetoes funding approved by the Legislature for the High Speed Rail project and for the continuation of activities by the Board. The Authority is able to continue the PD&E Process and Procurement process with funds previously earmarked by the Federal government. 

2004 Constitutional Requirement Is Repealed, but Progress Continues

(Timeline taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com/. To see the more detailed timeline click picture below.)

This picture was taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com

        **Note:  Before reading the con argument put forth by ex-Governor Jeb Bush and the Republican Party, please read over a few frequently asked questions with answers provided by the Florida Transportation Association.  It is interesting to see the arguments contradict each other as the FTA specifically claims that the Florida Taxpayers will not subsidize the bullet train project.   

Con Bullet Train Answers

Jeb's Reasoning: Supported by the Republican Party of Florida

(Picture and Quote taken from http://www.siteselection.com/ssinsider/snapshot/sf041108.htm)

"Since the amendment passed we've developed a more realistic view of what the project will do for the state and, most importantly, what it will do to the state," said Gov. Bush (pictured). "Taxpayers will bear the burden, and it will come at the expense of state priorities."

According to reporters, during the deliberation over whether or not to implement the bullet train, Governor Jeb Bush and his closest advisors stated that the issue with the bullet train was not just about the money.  Their reasoning was also focused on the environment and the uncertain effects a train would have on the everglades.  To read this rationale in more detail, click the link provided below.

http://groups.google.com/group/ba.transportation/browse_thread/thread/f7eb6dff73c1cccb/20e9de7f4582a81a?lnk=st&q=Governor+jeb+Bush+and+the+florida+high+speed+rail&rnum=1&hl=en#20e9de7f4582a81a

Present Day Situation

Bullet Train                      vs.                   Highway

           Approximately $75million                        Approximately $430.5 million

                                 Connects Tampa, Orlando, and Miami                 Expands 30 miles of I-75 between Colonial Blvd.                                                                                                                 in Fort Myers and Golden Gate parkway in Naples.

(The Florida Bullet Train)                                (The News-Press)

Click the links provided above to read the full texts explaining the costs of these projects.

Governor Charlie Crist

This image was take from http://stuckon-stupid.com/images/charliecrist.jpg      

• "Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to consider filling the vacancies on the Florida High Speed Rail Authority that Bush refused to appoint. Toot toot." (Bill Rufty, TheLedger.com)

        Overall, many of the facts and figures concerning this issue stop around the year 2004.  The reason this is the case is because it was put to a halt by Jeb Bush and has remained idle since.  However that could all change with the new policies of the current Governor Charlie Crist in this year 2007.  To read what others say and what you can possibly do to help this project continue reading through the remainder of this page. 

                    

Outsider's Opinions

(Click links to read what others have to say.)       

• Texas Rail Advocates

• Jack Lyne, Site Selection Executive Editor of Interactive Publishing

• ©Associated Press, April 23, 2003

• Times Staff Writers:  This is a good argument for Jeb Bush's reasoning.  Read amendment number six.