This is in response to an article they ran stating Floridians are not supporting HSR or any commuter rail.

February 16, 2010

Wall Street Journal
Alexis Park Building 13
Alexis Park 1301
New York, New York 10036

Dear Sirs,

I am writing to you in regards to your recent article that implies that any High Speed Rail HRS attempted in Florida will not only be foolishly spent but a money pit as well. You refer to the voters and residence that have time after time refuted the notion that rail is not the answer.

First lets note that the voters have been supporters of some sort of commuter rail whether it is conventional or HSR.  Florida has gone from what some say was supposed to be a sleepy little retirement state to one of the fastest growing in the country. Over the years Floridians have become dependent on the highways because quite frankly there was no alternative. These days adding a lane on an interstate to relieve congestion makes as much sense as losing your belt a notch to cure obesity, a temporary fix at best.

Since 1983, the Coalition and its members throughout Florida have encouraged state, local, and federal leaders to retain, improve, and expand rail services throughout the Sunshine State, including Amtrak services and commuter rail programs like Tri-Rail and SunRail.

Today, we see a high speed rail system linking Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville as a key part of a healthy passenger rail system for the Sunshine State.

Cordially yours,

Steve Sayles, President

Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers

Jackson McQuigg, Secretary

Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers