America 2050 ranks Tampa-Orlando HSR High

[Ocklawaha]

Here's a map y'all might not have seen.

We are already a solid choice for a link in Southeast HSR, but we as usual are asleep at the throttle. Ray LaHood US Secretary of Transportation recently stated that he "wanted" to establish a new Amtrak route between Jacksonville and Atlanta. To my knowledge, this is a FIRST for any SEC DOT. Valdosta's mayor-manager-development authority have offered to lead the charge in GA.  This information is based on my proposal and discussions with various cities along the old Royal Palm Route PRIOR to the SEC DOT coming out and making this public statement.

I fully expect Amtrak to move toward a test/inspection train between Jax and Atl probably over at least 2 of the possible 4 routes. For Jacksonville, the Norfolk Southern Route holds what I believe is the most promise. A direct connection between our port and military and Valdosta's manufacturing and military would be a great match and for once even a conventional train would be faster then the interstate. The NS route cuts across the southern end of the Okefenokee Swamp and the Freeway goes via Lake City.

Bottom line, we COULD build as much momentum as the FEC project has gained under Dr. Delaney's leadership. About 6-8 months ago, I talked to Mike Blaylock at JTA about this. We need JTA, or COJ, or CofC, or JEDC, or DVI, or Visit Jacksonville to host a workshop meeting with officials and press from every city on the potential route. I presented to them that the "JRTC," (PROPERLY CALLED The Jacksonville Union Terminal) rail side is woefully inadequate, horribly planned, and takes no notice of our supposed "commuter rail."  Three lousy tracks will not allow us to do either commuter rail, or anchor ANY rail line as a hub. The immediate response from JTA?

CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP!

Well, I'm still waiting for that response...  What say you my friends? Rebel to Rebel shall we storm the ramparts? Imagine what bringing back the Ponce De Leon AND Royal Palm would do for downtown since we are the point where the rail line from Atlanta - Miami, crosses the rail line from New York - Tampa, and intersects the rail line to California.

OCKLAWAHA

[dougskiles]

Perhaps it just makes too much sense?  I see more potential for Jacksonville with the connection to Atlanta & the Carolinas than a connection to Orlando.  But - once we are connected to Atlanta, the rest of the state would need come through Jacksonville, because they would also want the connection to Atlanta.

Well, I'm still waiting for that response...  What say you my friends? Rebel to Rebel shall we storm the ramparts? Imagine what bringing back the Ponce De Leon AND Royal Palm would do for downtown since we are the point where the rail line from Atlanta - Miami, crosses the rail line from New York - Tampa, and intersects the rail line to California.

Give me some armour Ock and I am ready to storm!

[yapp1850]

state of georgia talking going  this way  atlanta,macon,savannah,jacksonville and  south carolina  is mad because it will not go to charleston and just think of the connection  if miami,tampa,orlando,jacksonvill,atlanta were all connected by high speed rail.

[tufsu1]

In comparison the Southeast HSR wants to include Jacksonville even if it is long term. The Florida HSR thinks Jacksonville can take a flying leap.  So the comparison adds up to me as SEHSR interesting Florida HSR why should I care.

my understanding is Florida HSR vision includes Orlando-Jax. as Phase 3....I will be learning more at a forum in a few weeks

[JeffreyS]

Look forward to what you can share.