Supporting new public transit options should be a high
priority for the Florida Legislature. The Florida Public Interest Research Group
(Florida PIRG) and other members of the national federation of state PIRG’s have
been working for more and better public transit systems nationwide by
encouraging support for new projects by the public and lawmakers.
Transportation problems are at the heart of many issues
that Floridians care most about. Worsening dependency on expensive oil, an
overheating planet, and aging bridges and roads are all front-page
transportation issues that face our state. Public transportation provides
solutions to many of these problems.
More public transit would give people an alternative to
sitting in their cars and help streamline the traffic flow on the roads. Because
transit is a more fuel efficient way to get around and reduces congestion for
other drivers, it would also save consumers billions of dollars at the gas pump
while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependency on foreign oil.
Light rail, clean bus systems, and other public transit
should play a greater part in America’s transportation future. This
is why Florida PIRG endorses the proposed Central Florida Commuter Rail plan.
We acknowledge that lawmakers should create more
transparency in the future process through which the Florida Department of
Transportation and private companies come to agreements. This is an issue that
should and can be resolved as part of moving forward on this important commuter
rail project.
The debate over whether the state and taxpayers should
assume liability for accidents that may occur on CSX’s lines is incorrectly
being painted as a problem with only two solutions. Opponents have suggested a
false choice between giving up all accountability for these lines and stopping
the project altogether. Lawmakers must find a solution that allows this project
to move forward. The stakes are simply too high to let this opportunity fall
through our hands. It makes sense that CSX would be relieved of some liability
from operation of faster passenger trains allowed to use their rails, but they
should be held liable for accidents resulting from blatant negligence on their
part. It is imperative that the legislature find a balanced solution due to the
importance of this project.
Efficient public transportation systems reduce the
number of cars on the road and increase our options for getting around and
reduce our dependency on foreign oil while curbing global warming pollution.
Florida PIRG supports the Central Florida Commuter Rail and urges lawmakers to
find a solution that is fair and reasonable to taxpayers and the industry alike.
Brad Ashwell
Florida PIRG, Advocate
