I am a semi-retired Professor (and ESPA-FCRP-NARP member) doing research on the history of passenger railways. I would like to learn more about the proposed AAF rail project. Specifically, can anyone answer the following questions:

1. On what track does Amtrak run? The "Florida Rail Network" map on FCRP website does not  show Amtrak's route. 

2. What will happen to Amtrak service if AAF project is implemented?

3. I was told that a hedge fund owns Florida East Coast Railways (FEC). Does anyone know if this is correct? If so, what is name of the hedge fund?

4. What are the pro's and con's of the AAF plan for passenger service between Orlando and Miami?

Thank you.

jcohen@jjay.cuny.edu

Since posting my questions about AAF project, I have found out answers to 2 of the 4 questions I posted. First, the proposed AAF route is along the east coast of Florida from Miami to Orlando airport; current Amtrak route is on CSX freight tracks that come down center of state to Miami. Second, Fortress Investment Group is the New York-based private equity firm that purchased FEC Industries in 2007 for $3.5 billion and whose newly installed management team came up with the AAF project plan a few years ago. I have not fully answered my other two questions yet about what will happen to Amtrak service if AAF project is implemented; or about the overall pro's and con's of the proposed AAF project. 

I would appreciate any further information about the AAF project that FCRP members could post.