Tri-Rail sill at top in ridership growth.
In the third quarter of 2008, our own Tri-Rail commuter system grew at the second highest rate in the US. That's pretty impressive given that we love our cars here in Florida. The third quarter saw high gas prices and I'm wondering if the growth is going to hold...now that gas is at a 5 year low. Talk about a roller coaster ride.
I've always thought that Florida needs to start thinking about better mass transit. The Tri-Rail is a great place to start...but the route just goes north-south. What happens when you get off the train? You have to jump on a bus...and people in Florida generally don't like using the bus system as much as a rail system. Buses have trouble holding to a schedule...they are not a direct route...so time isn't really saved. I think the light-rail system is a great idea...but needs to be built in phases. The first phase should go through downtown Ft. Lauderdale and connect to the Airport and a Tri-Rail station. It should also end at Ft. Lauderdale Beach. It would be used by tourists and residents. The second phase should connect the western cities with the airport and tri-rail.
This is the perfect time to plan something out...since the growth has slowed in the area. Florida will start to bring new residents in again once the economy picks up...trust me. It would be smart to be prepared for the next wave.
You have just described San Francisco Bay Area BART System ... we need a Miami to Palm Beach BART
Reply to this