Anybody know where this “author” is getting his info from? I can find nothing on the FDOT home page indicating any kind of independent consulting study let alone a study that indicates a surplus.
We should make a deal. Since the city of Tampa thinks this will be a huge money maker we should allow Tampa to keep any surplus generated by high-speed rail ticket sales. Conversely, Tampa alone should be on the hook should a yearly shortfall exist.
Sensible people know that one of the big attractions for these kinds of boondoggle projects are the busy-work union jobs, the construction contracts, the land sales and new business opportunities created by spending billions of dollars extorted from taxpayers.
The people who keep pushing this are those who will profit, prosper or gain something from the spending of billions in government money. The only time the promoters will be seen near the train is to have their photo taken at the ribbon cutting.
Their backers, friends or relatives holding land or purchase options along the right of way.
Union big wigs and union members who will make money from the busy work
Well connected contractors and businesses who hope to gain cotracts and business from politicians in return for healthy financial contributions.