Free Republic

ORLANDO, Fla. - One state lawmaker isn’t ruling out the possibility of an investigation, while thousands of customers wait for tolls to start posting to their SunPass accounts.SunPass conducted a major upgrade earlier this month, and since June 1st, many drivers haven’t seen any charges yet. Officials had promised to post those toll charges gradually, so as not to overwhelm the system.This delay is already causing concern for some drivers—like Mark Hammonds, who we caught in between trips that often take him on the turnpike. “You’re at risk of not being reimbursed if you don’t file them timely,” he said. The state...

In the year 2042, something potentially significant to Central Florida motorists could happen. The Central Florida Expressway Authority, which operates 109 miles of toll roads in Orange County, will have paid off its $4.3 billion in bonds. But when the roads are paid for, what happens to the tolls? Many drivers would love to see them disappear. "That would be a big break for a lot of people," said Steven Dewdney, an Orlando resident. But because Central Florida has growing transportation needs and will need to build more roads and support commuter rail, removing tolls are unlikely, experts say. The...

The SunRail commuter train finished its first year of operation $27.2 million in the red, bringing in $7.2 million while spending $34.4 million. The shortfall was covered by taxpayers through the state Department of Transportation, which oversees the system running from DeBary in Volusia County through downtown Orlando to south Orange County. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, chairman of the SunRail board, called the performance "good for a first year." He predicted SunRail's losses would fall in coming years because the train would carry more passengers and advertising income would increase.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood turned loose $77 million in federal tax dollars to help build the much-contested SunRail commuter train during a sun-baked ceremony Monday near one of the system's future depots. LaHood signed a fake document before a crowd of more than 300 people. But the stroke of the pen that counted occurred in an air-conditioned tent a few moments later. That opened the way for the first 31 miles of the $1.2 billion train to be up and running by May 2014. "When you get your act together, unbelievable things can happen. … And look what's happening:...

In a nod to tea party power, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos reversed course on a majority of state senators and his own voting record Friday by saying he supports Gov. Rick Scott's decision to refuse $2.4 billion in federal high-speed rail money. "Florida is leading by example in keeping its fiscal house in order. We must demand the same from Washington," Haridopolos, who voted for high-speed rail in December 2009, said in a letter. [snip] Haridopolos' new stance was widely interpreted in the state Capitol as an election-season play for votes in his bid for U.S. Senate — a...

TALLAHASSEE - The SunRail commuter train derailed on the Senate floor Thursday, likely ending Central Florida's five-year quest for the $1.2 billion project. Despite lobbying that continued almost unabated throughout the day, an amendment that would have approved a $200 million insurance policy for SunRail was defeated by a 23-17 vote. A second amendment was pulled without a vote. SunRail proponents could try to bring up the measure again today — the last day of the regular session — but its chances of success are low because it would take 27 votes to do so. "It'll take some maneuvering to...