TAMPA, Fla. — The Central Florida MPO Alliance and the Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance held a joint meeting in Bartow. The two boards voted on a resolution to support the expansion of passenger rails in the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa. The goal is to increase Amtrak service and bring Brightline to Tampa.

What You Need To Know

  • The Central Florida MPO Alliance and the Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance held a joint meeting in Bartow,voting on a resolution to support the expansion of passenger rail in the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa

  • According to the Friends of Tampa Union Station, nearly 100,000 passengers boarded trains out of Tampa last year

  • This year, a $50 million funding request to expand Brightline was omitted from the budget

  • The state does plan to preserve the right of way within the I-4 corridor for rail expansion

On Friday, it was another busy day at Tampa’s Amtrak station. Ife Davis-Bailey is among the passengers boarding the train to Miami, one of many destinations she’s enjoyed.

“All over the place — Miami, Jacksonville, New York, South Carolina — everywhere,” she said, As she avoids long-distance travelling on the Interstate. “(Because) that I-4 is crazy.”

Davis-Bailey is one of many passengers in Tampa Bay who have turned to trains for transportation. Advocates say the addition of Brightline would help meet the demand.

“I’m excited about that. I hope they do expand it more,” she said.

According to the Friends of Tampa Union Station, nearly 100,000 passengers boarded trains out of Tampa last year.

Right Track Public Affairs President Bob O’Malley attended the joint meeting in Bartow.

“Florida’s population is growing,” said O’Malley. “The number of people that visit Florida every year is growing, and traffic congestion on I-4 continues to get worse every year. So the resolution recognizes that there’s a need for different ways for people to move between Orlando and Tampa.”

O’Malley says new passengers are boarding every day. Maria and Joseph Ciacco are first-time train riders headed to Miami for a cruise.

“It allows us to save money on parking,” said Maria. “The idea of having Brightline in Tampa is amazing. I cannot wait until that is put into motion, so you can travel to Orlando from Tampa on a fast train.”

This year, a $50 million funding request to expand Brightline was omitted from the budget. However, the state does plan to preserve the right of way within the I-4 corridor for rail expansion.