Will the train in Phase 2 be in the median of I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike?

 Recognizing the cost, time and disruption required to purchase right of way not currently owned by the state, there is a strong preference to remain on the currently owned highway corridors as much as possible.  The high speed trains can run either along the side or within the median of the highway corridor. The exact alignment has not been determined at this time and will be studied as part of the PD&E for the Orlando-Miami segment.

How much will it cost to build the HSR system, and who will pay for it?

As these systems connect cities over larger distances, they require significant investments to build.  Phase I of the Florida system from Tampa to Orlando is estimated to cost approximately $2.6 billion and be built in five years.  The majority of this expenditure will occur after the construction hits stride in 2011.  The first year budget should be approximately $100-$200 million.  The cost/mile for construction will be in the $30 million range. 

The Tampa-Orlando project has won a federal grant of $1.25 billion without requirement of a state match.  The balance of the cost of this project ($1.35 billion) could be achieved through other federal resources but will require a 20 percent match by the state of Florida (this is using the funding in the Florida Rail Act that was passed in December 2009).  Unless another specific program like ARRA is passed by Congress, future expansions of the system also are anticipated to require a 20 percent state match for construction.

The ridership risk for the system is anticipated to be addressed in the public private partnership agreement the state will enter with a private entity to operate and maintain the system.  While current financial markets make it unrealistic for the private sector to fully assume this risk, favorable ridership risk-sharing models with incentives will likely be used in the terms of the partnership agreement.

The cost of operating the HSR system is approximately $164,000/day, while initial revenues are anticipated at $170,000/day.  These conservative estimates demonstrate an immediate positive return on investment.  Given the very modest relative investment the state will have to make to construct the system, the return on investment will be a perpetual positive funding stream.

The Tampa-Orlando segment of the project will initially operate with five train sets, with more added when the system is expanded to Miami.

FDOT will be entering into a public private partnership for the Florida HSR system.  Investment by individuals is not anticipated at this time other than through investments made in the company that is selected, assuming they are publicly traded.  There is not currently a plan to sell memorial bricks or other such fundraising mechanisms but that could be considered as we move forward.

Will Florida receive more federal funding for HSR?

The federal government is already committing to invest $1.25 billion into Phase 1 of the HSR system.  This was the largest single project award granted out of the first $8 billion available for HSR through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Vision for High Speed Rail in America program.  There is a strong desire to have this project be the model to launch true HSR in this country, as it can be built sooner than any other.  That is important, as it positions Florida very strongly for additional federal investment with the next round of funding that is available.  The Federal Railroad Administration has provided strong indication Florida is in a very good position to receive additional funding to assist with the total cost anticipated at $2.7 billion.  The next round of funding will have an 80 percent federal/20 percent state split.

Will Florida companies work of Florida HSR?

The HSR system will be built by local construction forces supplemented with technical experts from other countries who will teach and train them.

Will foreign companies be involved in Florida’s HSR program?

HSR is a truly international endeavor that will bring investment from foreign companies into our state.  Every aspect of the development of this program will invite foreign participation, beginning with the planning and engineering of the system itself, and following through to implementation.  The Federal Railroad Administration anticipates foreign involvement and investment in this program based on where worldwide expertise exists.  There are already commitments across the country for manufacturing facilities by foreign HSR train manufacturers, and we expect similar interest in the Florida program.

The Florida Rail Enterprise will enter into a public private partnership with an entity to perform long term operations and maintenance of the HSR system and perhaps to assist with financing its startup.  Given there is no true HSR system running in the United States, it is largely anticipated other countries will provide expertise and may lead teams competing to be the private provider.  The countries with this type of expertise include Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and China, among others.

What is the procurement process and schedule for building the HSR system?

The Florida Rail Enterprise will have procurements for the implementation of the system.  The exact process and contracting mechanisms will be developed in the next few months and be made known to industry with plenty of advance notice to allow proper preparation and competition.  Entities interested in participating in the program must get pre-qualified with the Florida Department of Transportation if they are not already.  For information on becoming a pre-qualified vendor, click here.

Florida was selected for a grant because of its success in executing public private partnership agreements on major infrastructure projects such as the $1 billion-plus (each) Port of Miami and I-595 projects.  The FRE will likely use a similar selection process for HSR, with a combination of qualifications, technical and pricing components weighted in the selection.  The selected partner will have an opportunity to share in profits on the system.  Given the intense review and selection process FDOT will conduct of the potential partners, there is little risk of future liability to the state.

More detailed schedule information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.  Click here to go to the Contracting and Job Opportunities section of this site for more information. 

What type of HSR technology will be used on the Florida corridors?

The Federal Railroad Administration application that was recently accepted assumed the use of a steel wheel, steel rail electric system with an overhead catenary wire.  All the existing inter-city passenger HSR systems in Europe and the Orient are this technology.

Why isn’t Florida HSR using Maglev?

 There are no commercially available inter-city HSR systems using this technology.  The Federal Railroad Administration and Florida Department of Transportation will want to maximize competition and have a proven-in-service technology for this first implementation of a HSR Express system (speeds greater than 150 mph).

How long will it take to get from Tampa to Orlando on the HSR?

The HSR system brings Tampa and Orlando figuratively closer together with a non-stop trip of under an hour, making it possible to commute for work.  Lakeland/Polk County is even closer and clearly enhances commuting opportunities from that region. 

How fast will the train travel, and what is the train schedule?

Another reason Florida was selected for a large grant is that it offers the most affordable implementation of a new HSR Express system (speed over 150 mph) in the United States.  The maximum speed in Tampa-Orlando corridor is estimated at 168 mph, and up to 200 mph when the system is expanded to Miami.  The trip time to Tampa will be just under an hour with stops and approximately 48-50 minutes non-stop.  The service will be approximately hourly between the cities and more frequently (15-30 minutes) between Orlando airport and the area attractions. 

How much will it cost to ride HSR system from Tampa to Orlando?

The one-way fares for the system will be in the $30 range for Tampa to Orlando and $15 for Orlando to the attraction areas ($2010). 

What are the days and hours of operation for Florida HSR?

Trains will operate for approximately 16-18 hours a day, and perhaps longer dependent on demand or special events. Service will be provided 365 days a year. When not in service, the system will experience daily maintenance.

How many people are expected to ride Florida’s HSR system?

More than 5,400 riders per day are anticipated in the initial service between Tampa and Orlando.  The ridership numbers provided above do not include any captive Disney riders who are currently being transported by Disney buses between the airport and the hotels.  An agreement could be negotiated with Disney that could result in millions additional riders on the HSR system.

Where will people park to ride the train, and how much will parking cost?

Parking will be available at each station, with rates set in collaboration with the station owners and the private partners.  Orlando airport already has ample parking facilities that can be used to access the system.

Will HSR connect to other transit modes?

FDOT has plans to connect to other transit systems at all stations.  In Tampa, initial connections will be with bus transit, and the HSR station will co-locate with a potential light rail system.  In Lakeland/Polk County, the initial transit connection will also be by bus.  In Orlando, plans are in place to connect to the existing Lynx transit system and the planned light rail system at the International Drive intermodal station and at the airport.  In addition, planning will take place to address a connection in the second phase of the Sunrail system to HSR.

Taxi and bus service also will be available at every station.  The system routes will be available online, at the stations and in the trains and other major access points. 

When will right of way acquisition begin on Phase 1 (Tampa-Orlando)?

The Florida Department of Transportation has been visionary in planning for this rail system.  Years ago the master plan for Interstate 4 was developed with future widening to be done to the outside, purposely preserving the median for a rail/transit corridor.  The preservation of that median is a key advantage that allows us to proceed quickly to construction with the HSR system, as the FDOT owns all this right of way.  In total, more than 92 percent of the needed right of way is available.  The remaining right of way to be acquired is primarily at the ends of the alignment in both Orlando and Tampa.  Florida statutes allow construction to begin while remaining parcels are going through an acquisition process so long as no work is done in those parcels yet to be acquired.

FDOT is accelerating the acquisition process for the remaining 8-10 percent of the right of way that is not already state-owned.  The timing of this will allow acquisitions to be complete in advance of when they will be needed for construction and still have a start of service in 2015.

What types of jobs will be available, and what qualifications are required?

Florida’s acceptance of this federal grant guarantees the creation of thousands of jobs to build the system, and the first round of funding, almost half of the total needed, does not require a single state dollar.

The Phase 1 (Tampa-Orlando) construction is anticipated to result in approximately 5,000 jobs during the four year construction period.  The operations and maintenance of the system will employ annually 600-1,000 Floridians in perpetuity. Examples of types of jobs will include conductors, ticket takers, catering, marketing and trained technicians to perform maintenance.  The level of education and qualifications will range from high school to technical/community college schools and also include higher education for more technical and managerial roles. The total number of jobs at each station will depend on the associated development that may occur with additional businesses that will benefit from being close to or at the station.  Note these are just the direct jobs.  Indirect jobs, such as local businesses that benefit from spending along the corridor by those employed during construction, also are anticipated.  

Will one station serve as the hub for Florida HSR?

Orlando International Airport will likely serve as the state’s hub station for HSR, as it offers a central location for connections to Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville in the future.

What will the stations and trains look like?

A critical feature of the HSR systems is they must be attractive and inviting in every respect.  To that end, we anticipate architecturally pleasing and iconic stations that will offer wonderful photo opportunities.  Landscaping also will be attractive and included as part of the station construction.  The trains themselves will be very sleek and “cool”, with a symbolic nose that will be used to distinguish this system from others around the world.  We are likely to see toy manufacturers produce reproductions of these trains.

HSR stations and other project components such as barrier walls offer opportunities to add a Florida flavor including artwork and other creative additions to the system.  Once the system is further along in development, visual simulations and models will be created to provide a vision of our own unique HSR system and to add to the excitement.

What types of amenities will be on the trains and at the stations?

HSR trains will offer on-board amenities including food and drink, as well as wireless connections and cell phone service to conduct business. Food service will be available both on the train and at the stations.  Train passes will be sold with incentives for frequent users, with some type of electronic access to allow immediate access to the train. Students and the elderly will likely have discounted fares. All trains will have restrooms as will the stations.  Approximately 200-250 people will ride each train.

Locker storage at train stations for short and long term will likely be offered at the stations. Information booths and welcome areas may be built at each station.

Although not determined yet, stations in other countries offer all types of amenities and services with really no limitation on the type of businesses and services that can be based there.  This again will be determined by the station operators within the terms of the agreement with the FRE.

Will the HSR system meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The Florida HSR system and all ancillary facilities will be fully accessible and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Will there be advertising opportunities on the trains?

The private entity that will operate the HSR system will rely on several sources of income, including advertising.  Exactly where and how advertising will occur has not yet been established and will be part of the agreement with the FRE.  Partnerships between the train operator and long haul airlines are very likely to be formed, as well as with theme park and other destination owners and will include a HSR ticket.  The HSR system itself can serve as part of the image of traveling to Florida in the future for overseas and national advertisements. These and other promotional activities will be determined by the operator of the system. HSR will be for the exclusive use of passengers and perhaps small package mail.

What types of safety features will be on the trains?

The access and egress from the trains to the platforms will be level for all individuals.  The train doors will not close if someone is in the doorway. 

Riders will be seated, although they may stand to walk through the trains.  There are no seat belts required because of the precision and smoothness of the ride.  Boarding and alighting will occur to one side of the train onto the platform.

The maintenance of the tracks and most of the system occurs from special train cars.  There is limited requirement for personnel on or near the tracks, and if this is required, they will be highly trained in safety procedures before they are allowed access.

Dangers of flooding along the route are small, and the HSR system lies on a ballasted or structured surface that will elevate it from the groundwater further. The system will be electric and well be equipped to absorb lightning strikes.  The HSR system can operate in all weather conditions, and is not subject to major weather delays like airlines are.

Insurance limits and risks have not yet been determined for the system.  The HSR will operate on dedicated tracks that are barrier protected with intrusion detection systems that will make the possibility of accidents virtually non-existent.  No other types of trains will operate on these dedicated tracks. 

Maintenance on these systems occurs daily, including the advance riding of an empty train to test the track.  Regular inspections will be made on a very frequent and conservative basis.

The HSR systems do not stop on demand by passengers, although a mechanism will exist for passengers to notify of emergencies and cause immediate response by conductors including stoppage if necessary.

Florida has virtually no risk of earthquakes, so it is not necessary to equip the HSR system for earthquakes.  Proper safeguards will be put in place on the tracks for very early detection of potential sinkholes.

All trains will be equipped with CPR and fire extinguishing equipment.

Will there be security on the trains and at the stations?

The HSR system security standards have not yet been developed, however, they are likely to include some common features from systems in existence in other places.  One major component is intrusion detection into the HSR right-of-way.  The HSR system will be fully barrier protected both along the corridor and from overhead structures to prevent intrusion of any kind.  The stations will have security as well, although not nearly as onerous or lengthy as at airports. Video surveillance will likely be provided both on trains and in stations.

Will there be long lines to board the trains?

Station stops will likely be less than two minutes, and have doors at each train car– no queuing is required as there is with airplanes.

Will the high speed rail system be impacted by the expansion of the Panama Canal?

There is no relevance to the Panama Canal as this is passenger rail not freight rail.

Will pets be allowed on the train?

This will be determined at a later date.  The system will certainly be in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will at a minimum allow assistance pets.

Will Florida HSR coordinate with local schools?

There is not currently a program for schools to allow students and teachers to understand the benefits of HSR.  Once the HSR system advances further, this is clearly an opportunity that will be pursued.  Other partnerships with academia are likely with the local community colleges and universities along the corridor to train the work force required for the system.

Will HSR be used for evacuations?

HSR can serve Homeland Security purposes, which is to evacuate in case of weather related (hurricanes) or other emergencies.

What will the Florida high speed rail system be called?

The Florida HSR system has not yet been named.  There may be a contest for naming, or potential naming rights may be sold.

How can I receive more information on Florida HSR?

The project Web site describes all aspects of the project, and this site is updated regularly: www.floridahighspeedrail.org  The site will be revamped in the near future to offer communications through Twitter, Facebook and other currently popular mediums.

Who do I contact for more information about Florida HSR?

The main contacts for questions and information on the system are Nazih Haddad, chief operating officer of the Florida Rail Enterprise and Dick Kane, communications director at FDOT.  An expanded communications organization will evolve as required for the project to keep up with program progress and demand.