Tri-Rail Workshop Preserving, Protecting and Finding Permanent Funding For South Florida's Essential Commuter Rail  

Contact: Woody Fisher, 954-924-3813

Tri-Rail Workshop: Preserving, Protecting and Finding Permanent Funding

For South Florida’s Essential Commuter Rail

When: Thursday, July 17th 2008

Time: 6:30 - 9 PM

Where: Hollywood City Hall, Commission Chambers, Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, Florida -- July 15 - South Florida's Tri-Rail has become essential to the lives of many commuters. With a recent increase in ridership of 36% for June alone, the area's future has no room for huge cuts in service.

"Although the feared service cuts of less than 50% for weekday service and no weekend service has been postponed a year, we must explore alternatives to ensure this vital part of our economy," said State Rep. Elaine Schwartz (District 99), organizer of the workshop. Schwartz has called together many Tri-Rail "players" to explore long term alternatives. "We're encouraging participation and feedback from individuals and groups in the public and private sector," said Rep. Schwartz. "The more engaged participation we have, the better our chances for developing a plan that everyone can 'climb aboard' in the future."

Former Rep. Eleanor Sobel will moderate a panel discussion. Sobel was Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the transportation organization in Broward County that coordinates public transportation and finds dollars for new local projects. "Real public transportation is one of the challenges we face in order to reduce our dependence on our cars and gas. At the same time, we can save our environment from being blacktopped," said Sobel.

Tentative Speakers and Topics

History and Vision of Tri-Rail and Original Funding Carl Cochran, former Florida State Director of the United Transportation Union

Providing Permanent Funding for Tri-Rail Senator Steve Geller, Sponsor of SB 1512

Feeder Links, Buses, and the Need for Expansion Chris Watson, Director of Broward County Mass Transit

Florida Department of Transportation’s Role and Alternative Funding Jim Wolfe, Florida Department of Transportation District IV Secretary

Analysis of Effect of Different Funding Sources Joe Yesbeck of Carter & Burgess, consultants in engineering, architecture and related services

Structure of Tri-Rail Operations Sidney Birckett, General Manager of Tri-Rail for Veolia Transporation

Business Models for Commuter Rail Funding through Partnerships name t/b/a/ Business Development Dept of Veolia Transportation

United Transportation Union -- Potential Role of Unions at the Table Andy D'Egidio, President of Local 30 of the United Transportation Union

The public is invited to attend.

Source: Office of Representative Elaine J. Schwartz

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