Why Some People May Not Favor HSR in Florida

[Ocklawaha]

Ock...that's already been figured out....Disney committed to put all of their passengers that currently get from MCO to the park by bus onto the train....

of course, that committment only exists if the Greeneway route is chosen, so there can't be a stop near the Convention Center, Sea World, and Universal!

But of course tufsu1, I have a good friend who is a retired WDW EXEC... He says the best secret in Florida is that Mickey is not a MOUSE! He is a RAT!

So once again we build only to support a damn theme park and the sundry developers trying to cash in on Mickeys coat tails. To hell with Kissimmee, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Auburndale, Lakeland DOWNTOWN, Plant City etc...

M. I. C. K. E. Y.  M. O. U. S. E.

OCKLAWAHA

[lindab]

This just in from FDOT:

Yesterday, the Florida Department of Transportation submitted its track 1b application under the federal High Speed/Intercity Passenger Rail program Seeking $30 million  to initiate Preliminary engineering and environmental review (NEPA) for the Orlando-Miami segment of the Florida high speed rail program.  Following is a link to the Department's web page where the application is posted.   A second link is also provided containing the letters and resolutions received in support of this application.  The Department intends to submit another application on October 2 under track 2 of the program that will cover the design and construction of the Orlando-Tampa project.
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/economicstimulus/rail/Track1b-Application.pdf

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/economicstimulus/rail/Support.pdf

[FayeforCure]

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/economicstimulus/rail/Support.pdf

Excellent support document!!

Some interesting arguments in favor:

Much of the 84 million in tourists is used to traveling by train at home.

Gives large elderly population alternatives that take them off the freeway where they may cause safety issues.

[Ocklawaha]

author=FayeforCure
Gives large elderly population alternatives that take them off the freeway where they may cause safety issues.

We already know the Orlando - Tampa segment as planned is a complete farce, a Federal-State funded theme park ride for Disney, we can only hope they have altered the Orlando - Miami alignment so it actually goes through corridors where people live. The original plan to zip down the Kissimmee River Valley is another land grab for sprawl developers.

Faye? Since Orlando - Tampa, goes nowhere near where any major population base is (between the end points) I can't see how it will help the elderly or any other resident.

OCKLAWAHA

[Doctor_K]

I would also imagine that of any age demographic, 'the elderly' would be least likely to want to ride HSR.  They've worked hard all their lives for their Buick and Cadicllac and Lexus land-yachts. They're not going to be as inclined to hop on the train as others.  Just my opinion.

[FayeforCure]

I would also imagine that of any age demographic, 'the elderly' would be least likely to want to ride HSR.  They've worked hard all their lives for their Buick and Cadicllac and Lexus land-yachts. They're not going to be as inclined to hop on the train as others.  Just my opinion.

Well, if we look at demographic studies of train ridership, you'd see that most train users own a car.

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/05/22/dept-of-demographics-who-rides-transit/

[Doctor_K]

I'm not arguing that point.  I just am of the opinion that 'the elderly' would be car-owning non-train users.

[Dog Walker]

Sorry Dr. K, you should look at who uses the Amtrack Auto Train sometime.  Mostly white heads there.  Those of us above (cough) a certain age would rather not drive long distances especially if it means driving at night.  If I never have to drive I-95 to Miami or I-4 to anywhere it would be wonderful.

[Doctor_K]

Fair enough.  I happily stand corrected.  Thanks for the insight, Dog Walker.  Surprising, but it makes sense.