Does anyone have any particular insight as to why the Tampa route is being explored prior to the Jax route? I know they have expansion LLCs for both the Tampa and Jax routes, but why does the Tampa one seem to be moving forward and the Jax isn't?
I assume that the revenue is higher for the Tampa route, but wouldn't the cost of all that construction outweigh it when compared to the rail upgrades required for Jax route? On the flip side, could the construction costs be the reason to move forward now? Material prices may increase with tariffs, a potential recession, possibility for the state to do something else in the I-4 median before Brightline builds or loss of interest from the Feds?
I'd love to have a high speed rail go from Miami to Atlanta through Jacksonville, with a side spur to Orlando/Tampa.