QuoteMy Word: Light rail could be the answer
By Terry Gancarz | Special to the Sentinel
June 2, 2009
If commuter rail is not to become a reality, I would like to suggest an alternative with the capability to move even more people. The answer is to build a light-rail system along the Interstate-4 corridor through Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties.
How: Create an Orlando- Orange County Transportation Authority. Expand the mission of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority to include mass-transit projects such as light rail. Should light rail expand to include Orlando International Airport, International Drive and the new medical city, placing light rail under the umbrella of the Orlando-Orange County Transportation Authority will promote coordination with future road-building projects.
Funding: Use the $2 billion that would go to building the Wekiva Parkway as seed money. Obtain the $615 million that would have gone to the commuter-rail project as well as additional stimulus dollars available from the federal government.
The number of vehicles that would be siphoned off I-4 by light rail would preclude the necessity for building toll roads or an additional lane on I-4 at this time. As the light-rail system is built and user fares are collected, funding would become available to build the Wekiva Parkway, thus completing the beltway around Orlando.
Why the I-4 corridor: I-4 is the transportation spine of Central Florida with an existing network of feeder roads. This route connects to the attractions and will allow greater flexibility to expand to other targeted areas. Light-rail systems generally are elevated and wouldn't disrupt local traffic and emergency services as could a CSX-based commuter rail. Additional trips could run during times of higher usage, such as rush hour and events at the new venues.
A precedent: We already have light rail at the Orlando airport that moves thousands of passengers between the terminal and the gates.
There has never been a better time to pursue a modern mass-transit system. We have witnessed the leadership of state Sen. Lee Constantine, U.S. Reps. John Mica and Suzanne Kosmas, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, Gov. Charlie Crist and President Barack Obama to pursue alternatives to private vehicles. A light-rail system is a natural fit with the proposed high-speed rail we hope will come to Florida.
Consider the Hi-Speedline, a light-rail system running from towns in South Jersey to Philadelphia. It averages 36,800 passengers daily. We have the needed population densities in Central Florida to support light rail along I-4.
Sun Light Rail in Central Florida â€" everybody get on board.
Terry Gancarz lives in Apopka.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword-light-rail-060209060209jun02,0,900235.story
Although I'm glad people are starting to talk about improving mass transit, this editorial really highlights the lack of transportation knowledge in the general public.
Actually I stand corrected... the comments really show the need for transit education.
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/orlando-sentinel/T7OQPBE6A5HK4QUQT