News

SunRail Means Jobs, Jobs and More Jobs 

Florida's unemployment rate jumped to 9.4% last month, its highest level in 33 years, as a steady decline in housing starts and the nationwide credit crisis forced an additional 108,568 to seek jobless claims. John Kennedy, Director of Special Projects, for the Florida Chamber Foundation recently wrote an article entitled "Florida's Rising Jobless Toll May Yield Longterm Changes to State Economy."  We think you will find this very interesting; and it makes a strong case for SunRail, because SunRail means jobs, jobs and more jobs.

Published in the Orlando Sentinel

Published this week in the Orlando Sentinel, here is a view of SunRail from Dana Summers, Editorial Cartoonist for the Orlando Sentinel. Mr. Summers has lived in Orlando for the past 26 years. His cartoons are syndicated nationally.

High Speed Rail Authority Supports SunRail

According to yesterday’s News Service of Florida, Members of the High Speed Rail Authority voted 4-1 to show solidarity on rail development in Florida, adopting a resolution in favor of SunRail.  Chairman Lee Chira said it was appropriate for the High Speed Rail Authority to discuss SunRail, since interconnectiivty is the key to our transportation future. For the entire article, go to www.RightTrackFlorida.org.

It’s Time to "Set the Record Straight"

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Chair of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission sent a second letter to the Florida Senate in order to "Set the Record Straight."  According to the letter, Dyer says that "You looked at the ‘big picture’ and voted to support the critical first-step in a future statewide rail network that will one day connect your district's residents to communities across the state – and all the opportunities that come with these sorts of new connections."

In addition, a letter was sent to supporters of SunRail, asking everyone to pick up the phone and contact Florida Senators. Check out both letters at www.RightTrackFlorida.org and help us "Set the Record Straight."

Local Perspective on Ridership Numbers

The Daytona Beach News Journal this week interviewed local citizens who anxiously await the development of SunRail.  "Regardless of its obstacles, public-transit use is up nationally.  And its advocates say lawmakers and residents should consider the big picture: population growth, clogged roadways, rising energy costs and environmental degradation." For longtime I-4 bus commuter Peggi Andrade, SunRail is long past-due. "I think it needs to happen," said Andrade, who lives in Sorrento in Lake County. "I think it's a disgrace that Florida with the population isn't better with public transportation than they are."  To review the entire article, please go to www.RightTrackFlorida.org.

Jacksonville Looks to SunRail

A recent article in Metro Jacksonville compares the advantages other communities are enjoying over their own hometown when it comes to transit projects like Tide Rail in Norfolk, Virginia.  It also states, "properties located within a quarter-mile radius of a light rail station increase in value by up to 25 percent more than other properties, according to studies conducted by the Urban Land Institute."

"A viable mass transit system is one thing that all first class cities have in common. If we don't act soon, our community will have to face the prospects of becoming America's largest city without viable rail-based transit options and the negative impact