In Central Florida, rail confusion reigns

A poll taken last month by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association suggests central Florida residents may be confused by recent decisions to advance, or terminate, passenger rail projects in the Sunshine State.Florida Gov. Rick Scott early this year rejected nearly $1.2 billion in federal funds for phase 1 of a high speed rail route linking Orlando and Tampa. But early this month the governor approved state participation in advancing the 61-mile SunRail commuter rail project serving Orlando.

The realtor association’s poll of 400 respondents found 36% correctly identified the SunRail project. But 45% considered SunRail a light rail transit (LRT) project, which had been considered previously. Another 17% could not identify any specific project.

On one level, SunRail was supported strongly by 34% of those responding, with another 18% “somewhat” supportive; 30% strongly opposed it while 11% opposed it to some degree.

But when respondents were told that the federal government was contributing to SunRail’s capital construction, and that it might create a significant number of jobs, 64% of those surveyed voiced support, though 33% remained opposed.