A conceptual rendering of the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center after redevelopment into a transit oriented neighborhood. Courtesy: JTA What will that take? An FDOT study from January 2023 confirmed that additional passenger rail along the FEC to Jacksonville represents a challenge because North Florida is a smaller region than Miami or Orlando. That means much like Brightline’s Tampa expansion, it will take partnership and creativity. Although the Florida Department of Transportation is the primary recipient of the Corridor ID selection, local leadership will be critical in getting rail service to the finish line. Much like the city’s successful bid for a Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, advocacy is necessary to demonstrate the value of the FEC corridor to a potential initial operator, most likely Brightline. Such a move would be exactly the kind of catalyzing development Jaxsons have long hoped to see in LaVilla and Downtown. Even before the trains are rolling, the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Transportation Authority can start preparing for passenger trains and transit-oriented development at station sites. The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization can begin studying the needs for rail service for federal grants, including infrastructure like double track and the Moultrie Speedway. Originally constructed in 1925 as the Moultrie Cutoff, the 29-mile FEC line eliminated 20 miles of previous track with a nearly straight line between St. Augustine and Bunnell. With few existing grade crossings, steps could be taken sooner rather than later to remove them and upgrade the line, enabling faster passenger train speeds and safer travel for riders and drivers alike. Making decisions like this now will be key to delivering passenger rail service.
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