Promoting passenger trains as a transportation alternative in Florida since 1983. We are citizens who advocate for Amtrak, commuter rail, intercity rail and transit for Florida's future.
Residents of Tampa and Hillsborough County can learn more about the issues surrounding the upcoming local referendum on transit and transportation by reading the following excellent article by the Tampa Tribune's Ted Jackovics:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/01/041355/both-sides-of-hillsborough-transit-tax-issue-see-e/
FCRP encourages its members who are Hillsborough County residents to vote YES on this referendum on Election Day.
--Jackson McQuigg
Welcome news in Tampa.
And although it won't benefit either the station or its existing rail passengers directly, the press conference took place at Tampa Union Station!
http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/tampa-wins-12-million-federal-grant-to-plan-transit-oriented-development/1129614
Good news for Florida Auto Train Passengers:
http://www.examiner.com/train-travel-in-national/amtrak-opens-new-sanford-auto-train-station
Yesterday, President Obama announced a new initiative for rebuilding America's infrastructure, including the creation of an "infrastructure bank" which would support all modes, including rail.
More information on this exciting news can be found on the President's website:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/10/11/president-infrastructure-investment-work-needs-be-done-there-are-workers-who-are-rea
As this article from Channel 10 in the Tampa Bay area suggests, the outlook for high speed rail in Florida might be changed dramatically but what happens on Election Day in November.
Other rail projects could also be in jeopardy, depending on the outcome.
As the Tampa Bay Business Journal reports, there are "must-see" exhibits in the Tampa area right now.
Siemens high speed rail equipment is on display at the Museum of Science & Industry near the University of South Florida.
And a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center in Downtown Tampa entitled, "From The Orange Blossom Special to High Speed Rail: Train Travel In Tampa Bay" opens this weekend.
The New Republic Magazine raises a good question: Why are Republican candidates making support for passenger rail a "red vs. blue" issue this November election cycle?
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/78154/republicans-oppose-hi-speed-rail-funding-stimulus
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/as-tampa-preps-for-rail-st-petersburgs-mayor-grouses-about-getting-left/1122368
This article from the New York Times chronicles a rising anti-passenger rail sentiment now making itself known on the campaign trail as the November elections approach.
One of the politicians cited in the article? Republican Florida Gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott.
Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers, P.O. Box 30154, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420 www.fcrprail.org