FDOT Proposing $118 Million For Amtrak/FEC Project

Jaxson · December 30, 2010, 02:01:35 PM

What is up with the collective silence from our city's elected leaders (mayor, city council)? It seems as if they are not the least bit involved this issue.

JeffreyS · December 30, 2010, 02:14:30 PM

They are not and if the Mayor put his foot in the ground and said "I want Amtrak downtown" it would happen.

yapp1850 · December 30, 2010, 02:40:02 PM

how far is the jacksonville station from downtown

finehoe · December 30, 2010, 02:55:31 PM

http://www.unionstationdc.com/

jcjohnpaint · December 30, 2010, 03:00:40 PM

I agree that if the 'mayor and council' both now and in the future does not mention a rail station (downtown) and new convention center- the down town will have no future regardless of the new parks and infrastructure improvements. The downtown does need a reason to go there first. Any I too find the present Amtrak station a disgrace.

YellowBluffRoad · December 30, 2010, 03:03:17 PM

Quote from: yapp1850 on December 30, 2010, 02:40:02 PM
how far is the jacksonville station from downtown

It's 5-6 miles from the current station to City Hall, about 7 miles to the Landing. But, it's not an easy 5-7 miles from a transportation perspective. If you don't have a car parked at the station, you basically either have to catch a cab, or walk a full mile to catch the nearest bus to downtown. The JTA web site directs one to walk to 3520 Edgewood to pick up W.S. 12 line, which is then a 30 minute bus ride to get to Fosyth & Laura, with 70 minute intervals between buses.

tufsu1 · December 30, 2010, 03:14:06 PM

Quote from: JeffreyS on December 30, 2010, 02:14:30 PM
They are not and if the Mayor put his foot in the ground and said "I want Amtrak downtown" it would happen.

While I agree they could do much more, it isn't true to say they've done nothing...

Mayor Peyton has recently been talking about converting the Prime Osborn back to its original purpose as a transportation hub with Amtrak returning.

Also, JTA and the TPO (w/ the Mayor and City Council members on its Board) both passed resolutions supporting the Amtrak on FEC concept.

dougskiles · December 30, 2010, 03:15:52 PM

Rail is coming back to downtown and it will be in the minds of the new mayor and city council. I can say that confidently because we are going to make so much noise that they will have no other choice. And it won't be just us making the noise. People everywhere are ready for a change.

fsujax · December 30, 2010, 03:25:42 PM

I think more is being done than many on this site lead you to believe. 2011 might be a good year!

CS Foltz · December 30, 2010, 04:03:25 PM

Well with a lame duck Mayor and 1/4 of the Council, they can't help themselves much less the tax paying public! Heaven forbid that the City would take it upon themselves to do what is not only right but moving in a positive direction for all! Rail in and out of Jacksonville should be a factor that no one seems to consider! Talk of this has been going on for atleast 3 years, yes I know much longer for sure, and what do we have.......other than some more consulting studies that tell us what we all ready know! Is it just me or has government at any level disconnected from the people who voted them into office?

duvaldude08 · December 30, 2010, 04:09:10 PM

Quote from: fsujax on December 30, 2010, 03:25:42 PM
I think more is being done than many on this site lead you to believe. 2011 might be a good year!

I was thinking the same thing. I think there is alot of stuff in the works that we are unaware of. And with voting good leadership in next year, this city may actually begin to turn around.

spuwho · December 30, 2010, 04:29:33 PM

Hey Ock,

How would a Amtrak train running a through route from NY to Tampa make a stop at JT?

Would it have to make a back out move to get aligned to the right track to go south on CSX?

It appears there is no way to get back to CSX from FEC once you leave JT unless you back the train up.

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/rail/Publications/Maps/FloridaRailMap2006.JPG

JeffreyS · December 30, 2010, 04:41:43 PM

Quote from: fsujax on December 30, 2010, 03:25:42 PM
I think more is being done than many on this site lead you to believe. 2011 might be a good year!

I know you are correct but I do not think we should back off one bit. If anything make the drum beat louder.

Jaxson · December 30, 2010, 05:47:30 PM

Quote from: finehoe on December 30, 2010, 02:55:31 PM
http://www.unionstationdc.com/

I love that station! It also reminds me of how horrid our station is. I pray that fsujax is right about good things coming up in 2011 for Amtrak and railfans. This has been a long time coming!

thelakelander · December 30, 2010, 06:33:50 PM

Here are a few images of DC's Union Station, Philly's 30th Street Station and Kansas City's Union Station from archived MJ photo tours.

Union Station

30th Street Station

Kansas City Union Station

Amtrak is the only rail service using this once popular downtown station. KC's BRT line has a stop just outside the building. The rest of the complex is now home to KC's version of our MOSH and several other attractions.

Why not Jacksonville? In this particular case, our grand building is still standing. Return it to its natural use.