FEC ponders running South Florida Tri-Rail
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefJacksonville, Fla.-based Florida East Coast Railway reportedly is in talks with the Sunshine State officials hoping FEC will assume management and operations of ver South Florida Tri-Rail regional rail operations.
FEC, among other conditions, would seek to move Tri-Rail operations to its own rights-of-way along the coast. Tri-Rail currently runs over 71 miles of track once owned by CSX Corp., which lies further inland and with stations often outside city and town centers.
Veolia Transportation currently holds the operating contract for Tri-Rail, while Bombardier Transportation provides maintenance under contract.
A Palm Beach Post report said the negotiations talks have been led by the state Department of Transportation, which contributes some $30 million annually to Tri-Rail’s $61 million annual capital and operating subsidies. The state legislature would have to approve any transfer of operation.
The office of Gov. Rick Scott —who the Post said “has ridiculed Tri-Railfor falling short of meeting its operating costs”—could not confirm the report, but Steve MacNamara, Scott’s chief of staff, did say: “The governor is always willing to privatize portions of state government that doesn’t compromise public safety or necessary services.”
FEC, a Class II railroad stretching roughly 350 miles, is owned by New York investment management firm Fortress Investment Group LLC.
