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Would you ride a new Amtrak Florida east coast route (from Jax to Miami on the Florida East Coast RR stopping in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Titusville, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, etc. going south to Miami) if it were finally put into operation? It would stimulate tourism and really hit the places in Florida's east coast that need nearby Amtrak service.
Many of the counties along the proposed route had already (as of 3 years ago) voted money to build new stations and access and parking lots along the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way and the State of Florida had already approved funding for it. 3 test trains were run with politicians and Amtrak reps 2 and 3 years ago. it was about to begin but Congress's budgetary restrictions killed it. Amtrak's national map had it already showing.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I think, Mr. Pojon, both you and others know that I have made my annual snowbird pilgrimage to Florida since 1979, and have used rail or Auto Train every year since '01, as well as numerous other times preceeding that.
I am simply of thought that Amtrak is wise in deploying their existing resources away from the FEC, and should only consider such if they are in a position to increase service.
First, a quick reminder that the FEC route is already served West Palm-Miami on the parallel SAL. Absent an increase, an FEC routing would mean a diversion of service away from Orlando, which like it or not, is the #1 tourist draw in the State. The existing Central Coast 'draws', such as St Augustine, Daytona, and Cape Canaveral are presently served by bus transfers from DeLand and Orlando.
The only location that could generate passengers not served by an AmBus transfer is Vero Beach, but then, who am I to say. That place has always been "Zero Beach" to me - just as glad when my Father decided to move from there!
By contrast, if there is to be future rail travel development, I still think the smart money would route such down the Seaboard, and maybe restore the track that Chessie chose to yank up a few years ago between Wildwood and Auburndale. At least on that line there are prople to both the East and West, and not just sharks to the East as would be the case with the FEC.
But considering that I believe Florida will only have "one a day' just like everywhere else away from the various Corridors, any such discussion is regretably "moot'.
However, in closing, and to provide a direct answer to Mr. Pojon's question, if ever inaugurated would I ride it? of course.
chrisg Member # 2488
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I would ride it if they ever do it!
Chris
George Harris Member # 2077
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: By contrast, if there is to be future rail travel development, I still think the smart money would route such down the Seaboard, and maybe restore the track that Chessie chose to yank up a few years ago between Wildwood and Auburndale. At least on that line there are prople to both the East and West, and not just sharks to the East as would be the case with the FEC.
While I do not have the track charts, just a look at a topo map makes me think that the former SAL between Wildwood and Auburndale that was taken up was pulled because it was facing some high expenses to keep it in service. It appears likely that this segment had some long bridges, which meant undoubtably long wood trestles. Recall that the SAL line to Miami was put in service in the late 20's. When this line was pulled up the line had been in place about 60 years, if I recall correctly, so these bridges would be over ripe for replacement. They had a choice, spend a lot of money to replace bridges, or spend a much smaller amount to slightly upgrade the Tampa line and increase the SAL distance to Miami by about 15 miles. Given that CSX seems to regard extra circuity as almost without cost, considering some of their other line abandonment decisions, this was virtually a no-brainer to them.
If the line is ever put back, it will not likely be at CSX expense unless there are major changes in both traffic and corporate thinking.
I also tend to feel that the East Coast has more traffic potential than you are giving the area credit for.
George
rresor Member # 128
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The coastal area north of West Palm Beach has experienced rapid growth in the last 20 years or so, and I think a passenger train on the FEC route would generate significant additional patronage, especially from Vero Beach, Daytona, and even St. Augustine.
However, I agree with Mr. Norman that this would best be accomplished with a third frequency (since we're down to two now), and not by diverting one of the two existing trains.
The Northwood Connection in West Palm has been designed and is "ready to go". All that's needed is Congress' permission to Amtrak to run the train.
Pojon Member # 3080
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I agree with that! I live along the east coast of Florida (Palatka) and the growth in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Mims, Melbourne, Titusville, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Stuart north of West Palm Beach has been phenomenal---fully deserving of a third train from NY to Miami with passage along the east coast. The FEC route is the way to do it! Tourist areas like St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and Titusville are not adequately served now. The growth around Stuart, Vero Beach and Ft. Pierce is large and especially not adequately served by Amtrak. An east coast train is needed NOW!
notelvis Member # 3071
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In answer to the thread question.....sure I would ride it. It would be a new 'gap' in my personal map of Amtrak routes ridden. (I currently lack just two segments and the entire 'Downeaster' route.....another story though...)
While I would love to see additional frequencies in Florida, I agree with Mr. Norman that running on the FEC would be a bad idea if that leaves Orlando with only one train.
If Amtrak were in a position to add one new service in Florida, I think that the most bang for the buck.....in terms of generating new ridership.....might be a separate section of the Silver Meteor. My proposed connecting train, with through sleeper and some sort of tray meal service, would divert from the main train in Jacksonville, return daylight service to Ocala and Wildwood, serve Tampa and then continue southward to Bradenton, Sarasota, and perhaps even Venice.......lots of untapped potential rail riders on the Gold Coast.
CG96 Member # 1408
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I'm inlcined to add some remarks along the lines of previous posters. It might be better to add additional frequencies along already existing routes before adding a new route segment. having written that, I'd be willing to ride this route. It would also be very good for me if there was a Chicago-Florida service, instead of going via Washington DC, but that is for another thread.
North American Railroader Member # 3398
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Service along the East Coast would be a wonderful addition. Currently, a very limited number of Florida's beaches are actually served by Amtrak. In addition, this would allow riders to travel to the historic district of St. Augustine, to the Kennedy Space Center, and to the other pleasant cities along the coast, such as Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Cocoa-Rockledge. I also agree that it would be a bad move for Amtrak to divert a train from Orlando. I tend to side with Mr. Pressley, that splitting a train in Jacksonville would be the best solution. Half the train could run to Miami, via FEC; and half to Orlando and Tampa (and continuing on to other points south, if possible). Not only would splitting a train in Jacksonville allow for the extra service, it would also be time effective. I highly doubt that it would be any longer than the time it currently takes to doubleback between Orlando and Tampa.
Kairho Member # 1567
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Does Amtrak have enough engines to split a train in Florida? Most of the Star service trains I have seen operate with only one engine.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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They have 'em, Mr. Kairho. There is simply a managment philosophy at Amtrak that no one wants an extra locomotive charged to their Res/Loc. Of course, such thinking ignores that the engines are sitting about stored and not avoiding any capital costs associated therewith.
However, with the Acela withdrawal, Amtrak is presently quite "tight' for electric locomotives.
Pojon Member # 3080
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Let Amtrak lease some locomotives from the FEC RR to facilitate new service on the FEC east coast route along the east coast of Florida. Let the beaches finally be served by closer RR stations.
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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Service down the FEC would be a big winner. That route is faster than the Orlando route ande has many tourist destinations and a decent population. I rode that line about 4 years ago on a pivate train and it was in great shape. I agree with North American Railroader that the Meteor should split in Jax with one section going to Tampa via Orlando. Running the Star to Miami via Tampa is a ridiculous waste of time and adds an extra crew that may as well runa separate section. Somehow the Wildwood line should also still be served but the FEC routing does have more ridership potential than the ex-SAL. By the way, the Sarasota and Venice line is not in great shape and that region is not the Gold Coast...the Gold Coast is southeast Florida.
Pojon Member # 3080
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The FEC route is always in top condition since the FEC runs many freight trains at high speed there especially at night. No problem to start running fast silver service trains there and it would be a faster route to Miami by 2 hours (at least!)
Kairho Member # 1567
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Getting back to the initial question, an east coast Amtrak run would be quite beneficial to everyone. Especially if it were part of a Chicago-Miami line.
Alas, being in Ocala, I would probably never ride it unless some perversion made me to a JAX-MIA-JAX run. Then again, that's not all that remote a possibility...
Pojon Member # 3080
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I dream about the east coast route starting in my lifetime! I do hope it happens before the Republican administration kills ALL public transportation. Greyhound is now falling apart with the killing of many stops in the last two months. We need MORE public transportation alternatives not less!
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