Amtrak could return to North Florida

Floridians and visitors to the state could have another opportunity to "ride the rails" if all goes well. With increased fuel costs this could alleviate an expensive problem with traveling in or out of the area and provide an affordable travel option.

Amtrak Silver Star crossing St. Mary's River     Photo courtesy of www.trainweb.com

Amtrak could be required to restore passenger rail service across north Florida under provisions of Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act that has been passed by the House and sent to the Senate. Amtrak's Sunset Limited train only runs between Los Angeles and New Orleans, but prior to 2005 it went all the way to Jacksonville, with connections to other Florida cities.

The North Florida corridor has not been served by Amtrak since the close of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service after Hurricane Katrina.

"I often hear from constituents about the possibility of restoring this important service to North Florida," said U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd. "This legislation will get the ball rolling on ways to restore this service that will most benefit the people of North Florida and help to make train travel an affordable option in our region."

The $14.9 billion Amtrak reauthorization the House passed Wednesday requires Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress that will include a projected timeline for restoring service between New Orleans and Sanford, as well as the associated costs for reinstating this service.

Prior to its closing in 2005, Sunset Limited’s North Florida stops included Crestview, Chipley, Tallahassee, Madison, Lake City, and Jacksonville.