All Aboard Florida Construction Begins!

[fecrails]

After several years of planning, politics, PR campaigns, etc., construction on the All Aboard Florida Miami to Orlando passenger service has started along the FEC right of way! Along with the construction of four passenger stations planned for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, the FEC mainline will be double tracked to accommodate the increased traffic. Welded rail sections are being assembled and dropped along the right of way in preparation for the upgrade. Here's a shot of the new rails ready to go at the Yamato Road crossing in Boca Raton. Photo from the Miami Herald. Stay tuned......

fecTrack.jpg

[imnew]

That's really good news ! Lets hope its a success once completed.

[GSkid]

That's really good news ! Lets hope its a success once completed.

To me... success is when it no longer needs to be subsidized. I don't ever see that happening.

[HankySpanky]

To me... success is when it no longer needs to be subsidized. I don't ever see that happening.

Ditto. This will become Tri-Fail #2.

[fecrails]

That's really good news ! Lets hope its a success once completed.

To me... success is when it no longer needs to be subsidized. I don't ever see that happening.

Perhaps some background info on this project would be helpful before commenting.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=10452

[HankySpanky]

There is no doubt in my mind there will be subsidies in the future. You can bank on it. Firstly guess who is going to have to pay for all the rail crossing upgrades (hint - it ain't AAF). Then, there is already talks in the works of starting a Tri-Fail service on the same tracks. After all, the FEC line will need to be double tracked, and although AAF says they will pay for it, guess what - they will eventually negotiate a cost split with Tri-Fail (subsidized). With all due respect, anyone who actually believes this is going to be self supporting in the long run has got a screw loose. Its just another scam.

[buzz456]

Time will tell who is right.

[fecrails]

For anyone interested in reading a rather comprehensive summary of this very complex and interesting project, including a summary of all of the other passenger and freight services planned in the South Florida region, this link will get you "all aboard" with about a 10 minute read.
BTW, my recommendation for a DTG Florida route? The map illustrating this article of course! The operational(scenarios) and rolling stock possibilities would be nearly limitless.
These are exciting times for South Florida railroads!
Now back to spikin' that new double track; no loose screws tolerated on the FEC!

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/c ... ons--39706