A great idea to return passenger service to the Florida East Coast Railway

By Michael Turnbell
TRANSPORTATION COLUMNIST
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted February 8, 2009
 
Q: It sounds like a great idea to return passenger service to the Florida East Coast Railway. But why not improve Tri-Rail instead? Also, what would happen to Tri-Rail if passenger trains run on the FEC? — Scott Ference, Davie

A: Tri-Rail wants to improve and expand, but doesn't have the money.

The Tri-Rail tracks and the FEC are connected in West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach and Miami. Passengers could conceivably travel on one rail line, then switch to another.

Given the amount of federal, state and local money that's been pumped into Tri-Rail over the years, I don't see new FEC service replacing Tri-Rail, but rather complimenting it. Picture Tri-Rail, with 18 stations, serving as an express service. The FEC, with up to 60 stations between Jupiter and Miami, could provide a combination of local and express trains.