AAF will build more stations.. if only Tri-Rail would....

[spuwho]

exMiami reports on negotiations between AAF and Tri Rail on how to service south Florida.

Some hardballs being thrown around it appears.

http://www.exmiami.org/index.php/aboard-florida-wants-south-florida-stations-trains/



All Aboard Florida Wants More South Florida Stations, Trains

Is All Aboard Florida trying to kill the proposed Tri-Rail Coastal Link, and instead run their own commuter rail system? A presentation made at a recent meeting of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority reveals that All Aboard Florida wants the right to build six stations in South Florida, along with 64 trains per day running every 30 minutes (with the possibility of trains running even more frequently). In addition, AAF says they won't allow Tri-Rail to operate before opening a minimum of 18 stations.

The SFRTA says that Tri-Rail service is not feasible under those conditions. They want AAF limited to 32 trains per day, and 3 stations in South Florida. They also want AAF fares to be at least double those of Tri-Rail.

The two sides continue negotiations, as AAF wants a non-compete letter from SFRTA finalized for a $1.6 billion Federal Railroad Rehabilitation Improvement Financing loan. SFRTA will discuss the issue at a meeting tomorrow

[spuwho]

The Tri-Rail Board did meet to discuss the whole AAF relationship. They passed a motion to retain legal counsel for $50k to work with AAF. But it was interesting in that they weren't sure who they were to work with. 

Interesting discussion in light of "who is subsidizing who"?

[thelakelander]

If AAF wants to run their own commuter rail service, why not let them? It's not like Tri-Rail is swimming around in cash.

[spuwho]

If AAF wants to run their own commuter rail service, why not let them? It's not like Tri-Rail is swimming around in cash.

But the Gov has put Tri-Rail on notice that they can't expect their $30 million dollar subsidy from the state anymore, they have to go find their funding regionally. So I think they (TriRail) are saying, how can we go and make agreements with AAF on a capital/fund sharing arrangement to run on FEC ROW when we don't know what we going to get funding wise?

The one board member is saying that they need to push for this to keep Tri-Rail sustainable using the FEC.

However, AAF needs Tri Rail because AAF won't get their FRA loan unless they agree not to compete with each other.

It's an odd set of circumstances to say the least. But it was encouraging to hear the board agree that more highway building in south Florida is not viable for the future.

[tufsu1]

TriRail and SunRail will both have to find local revenue sources in 7 years