May 6, 2009 12:06 am US/Eastern
Tri-Rail May Be In Danger Of Shutdown
BROWARD COUNTY (CBS4) ―
The new state budget makes no provisions to keep the Tri-Rail commuter train system afloat, making some local leaders worried that the system may shut down altogether.
The Tri-Rail commuter railroad, which moves passengers between Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is struggling financially, but the $65 million 2010 state budget doesn't include extra money to help keep the system afloat, according to Broward County Commissioner Joseph Eggelletion Jr, who is also the chairperson for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.
Eggelltion says the transportation authority is faced with two scenarios at this time: In one case the Tri-Rail system will be able to operate for 18 months as of October 5th, as long as all of the counties fund the system. This would mean only 30 trains per day, and no weekend or holiday service. The other scenarios would mean Tri-Rail can only operate for nine to 12 months with the same reduced schedule if any of the three counties decide to not give any money to the SFRTA/Tri-Rail.
In both scenarios a total shutdown of the system is likely.
An SFRTA Governing Board meeting will be held May 22, 2009 to discuss the budget.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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