SunRail

A viable statewide passenger rail system is a worthy goal; however, the SunRail will cost the taxpayers of Florida dearly over the next three to four decades. Lofty goals and unrealistic funding of legislation is bad public policy in Washington and Tallahassee.

The Florida Department of Transportation is a state agency that is consumed with road-building. Now the agency has rail enterprises on its plate and an extra $60 in its budget.

Tri-Rail is the commuter line that serves Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade. Tri-Rail has an annual operating deficit of $15 million, which is off-set by state tax dollars. Gasoline taxes are also a subsidy source for Tri-Rail. Keep in mind that the density of the population in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade is one of the highest in the state and thus, everyone should question the overall financial feasibility of the SunRail; which should be called the Theme Park Rail.

The redirection of $60 million in documentary stamp taxes is nothing more than taking money from the left pocket, putting it in the right pocket, and then exclaiming that you’ve found new money. One word: Disgusting.

There are three winners as a result of the SunRail legislation, CSX, theme parks, and the State Legislators who have, are, and will continue to stuff their campaign coffers (and with some, the back pockets of family, friends, neighbors, and relatives besides their own).

While we wish the endeavor the best and hope for financial independence through ridership usage, we strongly recommend that you not hold your breath, despite the fact that this cannonball run is coming directly from the special interest colon of toxic ohhs and ahs.

Think About It