Promoting passenger trains as a transportation alternative in Florida since 1983.  We are citizens who advocate for Amtrak, commuter rail, intercity rail and transit for Florida's future.

The Silver Rail Blog

  • 13 May 2010 8:38 AM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Tampa leaders and members of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which owns and operates Tampa International Airport, are concerned about the airport's omission from the current high speed rail plans.

    Click here to read an article on this issue by Lakeland Ledger reporter Janet Zink.

    --Jackson McQuigg 

  • 10 May 2010 10:07 AM | Stephen Sayles (Administrator)

    I failed to mention our wonderful Emcee Bob Stewart who did a great job with all the announcements.

    Thanks Bob-- we really appreciate you.

  • 10 May 2010 9:48 AM | Stephen Sayles (Administrator)

    Thank all whom attended our meeting prior to National Train Day and congratulations to the new board members. We will post all names and information very soon however just wanted to say thank you ahead of time.

    Sincerely,
    Stephen Sayles
    President FCRP

  • 10 May 2010 9:35 AM | Stephen Sayles (Administrator)

    I would like to thank everyone who particle in our most successful day yet. We had approximately 1,500 people through Tampa Union Station doors who enjoyed touring the Amtrak Cars, Model RR layouts and wonderful exhibits as well as informational sources.

    The Tampa Tribune ran an article on the event, which can be found here: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/may/08/national-train-day-makes-tampa-whistle-stop

    A special thanks to the following for their exceptional effort.

    • Jackson McQuigg
    • Vickie Toranzo Zacker
    • Jim Langston

    Also wish to thank the board members of Friends of Tampa Union Station
    for their efforts as well.

    Thank you all and look forward to working with everyone again on next years National Train Day.

    Sincerely,
    Stephen Sayles
    President FCRP

  • 04 May 2010 6:06 AM | Stephen Sayles (Administrator)
    FCRP Member Charles Dunn, MD of Coral Gables writes:
     
    "Today I attended a Congressional Hearing in Miami of the House Subcommittee on Railroads chaired by Corrine Brown. Rep Mica and Oberstar were also on committee.
     
    Subject was High Speed Rail Intermodal Connections.
     
    After panel gave their presentations (as you have seen on C Span). Chairman Brown opened meeting for questioning of the witness panel by members of the committee.
     
    First she addressed Drew Galloway Asst VP of Amtrak and said she wanted to make a statement to him, not a question.
     
    She then went on to say (paraphrased): 'I want the SUNSET restored New Orleans Jacksonville Orlando. This train is vital to  transcontinental transportation and a important safety backup for evacuation in a disaster.'
     
    She further said, 'I do not want the train run like Amtrak did before with long layover at @  2AM in New Orleans, or with late trains. I am holding a subcommittee hearing in Jacksonville in a few weeks at which the SUNSET will be a major item of discussion, and look forward to Amtrak appearing. We must get the train back, one way or another.'
     
    After her comments, Galloway was silent.
     
    I could have stood up and cheered, but held myself back. NARP will notify us of date and place of Jax hearing. Stay tuned.
     
    Charlie Dunn"
  • 02 May 2010 7:34 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    As planned, Amtrak and the Florida Department of Transportation ran a test train over the Florida East Coast Railway.

    You can read all about it in this story from the Florida Times-Union.

    Thanks to FCRP member Tim Mack for following this evolving story.

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 01 May 2010 3:36 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Robert J. "Bob" Stewart, Ft. Myers resident and member of the Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers Board of Directors, was elected Chairman of the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) this past week.

    Read more about this exciting news in the news release from NARP, available by clicking here.

    Congratulations, Bob! All of us on the FCRP Board congratulate you and look forward to continuing to work with you!

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 01 May 2010 2:41 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Amtrak ridership is up again, according to this article by Tampa Tribune writer Ted Jackovics.

    This is good news for rail advocates and Amtrak passengers all around.

    --Jackson McQuigg 

  • 29 Apr 2010 10:17 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Amtrak will operate a test train over the Florida East Coast Railway to help generate interest in starting Amtrak service over the line, the St. Augustine Record reports in this article, published today.

    FCRP supports the start up of passenger service over the FEC-- as it has for over 20 years now.

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 25 Apr 2010 4:33 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Interested in FCRP organizational news?

    Be sure to read the minutes of the Coalition's last Board of Directors meeting, held on February 27 in Lakeland. They are now available online by clicking here. 

    During the Board of Directors meeting, the Board discussed a variety of issues, including goals for 2010 and the future of the The Silver Rail Newsletter.

    And in case you missed it, the minutes of FCRP's Fall Members Luncheon and Meeting held in Jacksonville this past November are still available online by clicking here.

    Be sure to attend our Spring Meeting of Members, set for 10:00 AM at Tampa Union Station on National Train Day, Saturday, May 8.

    --Jackson McQuigg

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