Tampa Bay Business Journal: Brightline high-speed rail opponents want to know where candidates stand on the issue

By: Janelle Irwin, Tampa Bay Business Journal

A group is asking candidates for several local, state and federal seats to take a survey about the proposed Brightline high-speed rail project that, if completed, would connect Miami, Tampa and Orlando. Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida is sending the survey to 76 candidates.

The Brightline route is celebrated by most in the Tampa Bay region as a revival of high-speed rail aspirations along the Interstate 4 corridor. The route provides a huge economic opportunity for the region by making Orlando readily accessible to the business community and by possibly combining tourism economies.

The plan has drawn opposition along the Treasure Coast from people who worry the train will create safety issues resulting from rail crossings and bridges and impact other local travel by disrupting traffic on roads.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Brightline announced last week that the company submitted an unsolicited bid to lease land in the median of I-4 for its high-speed rail. That prompted the Florida Department of Transportation to open a request for proposal for other interested companies before proceeding with plans. It’s the first in many steps toward Brightline furthering its operation within the Tampa Bay region…