Answered: Your thoughts on a high-speed rail in LAL

All aboard, LAL. With I-4 being...well, ya know how it is...the ease + speed of a train to surpass all the traffic seems like an interesting + popular commuting option, to say the least.

A few weeks ago, we asked you to share your thoughts on this exact subject, and you wowed us by hitting up our inbox + social feeds, with 130+ responses. With Polk County officials meeting with Brightline-Virgin Trains this April to discuss building a stop in the county (when the rail company extends its services to Tampa + Orlando), your feedback couldn’t have been more timely.

Y’all are brilliant + we love you for keeping this topic on our radar | Gif via Giphy

Whether yay or nay – here’s what some of you had to say about a high-speed rail in LAL. 👇

The “Yes’s”

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  • “Just moved to Lakeland and work in Tampa, so I spend lots of time in traffic on I-4. A high-speed train would be fantastic, and I’d definitely use it in lieu of driving.” – Michael L.
  • “Definitely need a high-Speed Rail. Just try driving I-4!!!” – Brian R.
  • “Our family would use high-speed rail between PIE airport and Lakeland, as well as Lakeland to the east coast beaches!” – Cheryl F.
  • “Absolutely. Lakeland is the bedroom for both Tampa and Orlando and should link with other transportation options in both cities. Rail is a great option and opportunity and will help develop future communities along the corridor, whatever is selected.” – Deb R.
  • “After spending 10 days in Europe and using their trains to get around, I definitely believe Lakeland could use a rail system. Not only for use to Tampa/Orlando/Daytona but even in the city. Now is the time to start developing the plan for a Lakeland train system.” – Jay D.
  • “From a “senior’s” perspective: We really would love to have this option and would use it often to get to and from the airports and special events in both Orlando and especially Tampa.” – Kathi B.
  • “Yes, and the sooner the better.” – Peter H.
  • “Yes. Navigating I-4 in either direction is a nightmare. A High-speed rail could open up so many possibilities for us.” – Krista A.
  • “Of course, any solution to the current state of travel between Lkld and our metro neighbors will come with a set of cons. However, considering how many residents travel to and fro every day, and the danger of traveling on I-4, a high-speed rail is a very appealing option!” – Audrey M.
  • “Absolutely.” – Angela H.
  • “Yes.” – Jessica G.
  • “Yes! Driving to either Tampa or Orlando is a nightmare.” – Donna D.
  • “Absolutely. The travel and parking rates for use of Tampa and Orlando airports is unkind to people that utilize both. Also, there are more things within the area of Tampa and Orlando people would take part in if the ease of transportation were in effect - like the train versus driving.” – Dianne S.
  • “Yes. We need to get out of our automobiles and into mass transit. It provides opportunities for commuting to jobs and would ease travel throughout the region.” – Bev H.
  • “I’m so happy about it. It is so dangerous driving on the I-4. Just the fact that we can travel to Tampa, Orlando, Miami and other cities in South Florida without driving is amazing. I hope Virgin Trains or Brightline do it. Let’s get more civilized and smart like other countries around the world.” – Noble H.
  • “I’m all for it!” – Nancy G.
  • “It would be a wonderful idea. I’ve been surprised for 20 years why America lags behind in this way. However, nothing is done unless it makes someone rich. I believe this will. So to whoever is wanting proof of profit, here it is. We’ll all buy it. Now if only basic public education had a way to make rich people richer....” – Anne L.
  • “It’s a no brainer yes, but for the major issues of cost and funding sources.” – Tom L.
  • “Yes!!!! We absolutely need this. Public transportation is lacking in Florida compared to other areas of the U.S. and I-4 is a nightmare.” – Christina G.
  • “I feel a high-speed rail is long overdue. The craziness and deadliness of I-4 makes Lakeland sometimes feel like an island due to the headache of traffic you have to wade (“wait” in heading to Orlando). Did I mention deadliness? Passed 3 wrecks on I-4 just heading to a USF basketball game on a Saturday. Seems like there’s not even a rush hour anymore, it’s all the time now. Thank you :) My family and I would most definitely use high-speed rails.” – Michael M.
  • “Yes, please. I-4 is a daily commuting nightmare.” – Jerm D.
  • “Yes.” – Rose C.
  • “ABSOLUTELY!!! Traveling from the middle of the state to the coast is atrocious.” – Tracy C.
  • “Absolutely! Being able to quickly get between major cities without the need for a personal car would enable more people to frequent businesses in those cities. Europe has enjoyed this easy mode of travel for decades. How can this be so daunting to American ingenuity and financing?!?” – Kevin B.
  • “I would love to see a high-speed rail line installed. I could easily see myself visiting Tampa and Orlando way more often if I could avoid I-4 and if tickets were not crazy expensive.” – Jamie T.
  • “I think this would be a wonderful addition to Lakeland, and the sooner the better! Too much traffic on I-4, it would make getting to Tampa so much easier. Also would love to see it in Orlando as well.” – Roberta A.
  • “Yes. We need high-speed rail.” – Ken H.
  • “Yes! As the climate changes, we need real options for alternate transportation. We are a city worth a lot to Central Florida, not to mention the relief on current traffic problems. That goes without saying. #nomorei4” – Jennifer K.
  • “Yes, we should have gotten one a long time ago when it was voted on.” – Betsy N.
  • “We clearly need a high-speed rail to help alleviate the dangerous mess that is I-4. It should have already been done, but the previous governor nixed it.” – Barbara C.
  • “Yes! It would be great to be able to get to both Tampa and Orlando city centers AND their airports by rail. I hate driving on I-4!” – Deb D.
  • “Yes.” – Don H.
  • “Yes, yes, and yes. I have lived in Florida for a very long time and seen growth. There is so much to explore in your state and having the opportunity to take a rail is SO much more appealing than spending hours on end on the overcrowded arteries of our overgrowing population and traffic-congested interstates.” – Tami J.
  • “Yes, we definitely need another form of transportation to get between Tampa and Orlando. My vote for High-Speed Rail is YES!” – David R.
  • “High-speed rail should be one of the first priorities of our city council and also for the state officials including the governor. Stop talking about it, DO IT!” – Donna C.
  • “YES AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!” – David C.
  • “Yes, and the sooner the better.” – Peter H.
  • “We’ve needed a rail service for years, but it was stopped because of shortsighted government, politics, and a failure to look towards the future. So we’re finally bringing up the rear! Also needed are sidewalks so LAL becomes more livable and walkable.” – Melody S.
  • “The I-4 corridor is the logical site.” – Jenise J.
  • “I’m all for anything that helps I-4 traffic. I avoid traveling to Tampa and Orlando because of the traffic on I-4.” – Wendi W.
  • “Yes!!!!” – Mindy A.
  • “Yes.” – Earl H.
  • “Absolutely, Central Fl needs a rail line. As soon as you get to the edge of town in either direction, traffic is at a standstill. What used to take 45 min to Orlando is now almost 2 hours at times. Stops at both MCO and TPA would be great. I would take the train to the airport every time.” – Joe K.
  • “Yes. The time has come that another form of transportation is added to the I-4 corridor. I moved here 15 years ago and at that time the morning and night rush hours were the delay. Now it is the whole day. Especially to Orlando. Takes me almost 1 1/2 hours to get to MCO. The traffic is only going to increase as more and more areas are being developed in the Central Florida area. Hope our city leaders get a start on this project before it becomes a political nightmare!!” – Pamela K.
  • “Absolutely there should be a high-speed rail stop in Lakeland. And if for some reason high-speed isn’t viable, then a Sunrail-type train at the very least. It’s an environmentally friendly, convenient, safe, and stress-free mode of transportation that a good portion of “developed” countries utilize. It’s past time that we catch up.” – Mark J.
  • “Yes, long overdue.” – Nick N.
  • “It was necessary 10 years ago....” – Marcia B.
  • “Yes, we need a high-speed rail in the Tampa to Orlando corridor as soon as possible.” – Kathy M.
  • “Definitely yes. I-4 is now in a dangerous state.” – Joan H.
  • “It should be a high priority.” – Carol O.
  • “Definitely; with scooter and bicycle carrying capabilities.” – Kim C.
  • “We NEED it!!” – Joan V.
  • “It would definitely benefit Lakeland residents.” – Elaine K.
  • “A high-speed rail connection to Miami would be awesome! Especially if it had a stop at the port.” – Jamie C.
  • “Yes! I want to be able to go to Orlando or Tampa without having to plan around slowdowns and accidents!” – Jordan R.
  • “Yes. Lakeland needs high-speed rail. Connect, connect, connect!” – Stuart R.
  • “Yes!!!!” – Mimi T.
  • “Yes.” – Cheryl S.
  • “It would be a great way to travel to Orlando. I don’t go to Orlando as I hate all of the traffic and construction. I would if I could take the train.” – Beverly B.
  • “Coming from the north it is so unbelievable that we don’t already have any daily rail service between Orlando-Tampa-Beachline with stops in WH & Lakeland. When we moved here in 2000 we were excited to hear of the high-speed rail and then it was voted down. Here we are 20 years later and still no rail. People don’t realize what opportunities rail service brings to everyone and it is needed now more than ever with the I-4 traffic mess and more people moving here.” – Cindy M.
  • “Yes. The traffic situation is ridiculous with no end in sight.” – Pamela S.
  • “Yes, please!” – Caleb B.
  • “Yes, definitely! This ain’t the 1900’s anymore. THIS HAS TO HAPPEN!” – Ed. K.
  • “Yes, it’s way past due for the size of these cities do not have rail service between them.” – Peggy S.
  • “Yes!!!” – Lori P.
  • “It should have been finished and operating by now. Governor Bush killed it 20 years ago. What a shame.” – Larry R.
  • “Great idea.” – Stavisky E.
  • “Yes, we really need one. I-4 is horrible.” – Linda
  • “Our City Leaders have been slow to respond to transportation needs. With the anticipated population growth of Florida, and especially the I-4 corridor, Lakeland, has every opportunity to meet and exceed the needs of our City.” – Cynthia H.
  • “We definitely need a high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando that stops in Lakeland.” – Connie S.
  • “Yes! If I-4 isn’t going to be expanded, this is a must-have.” – William H.
  • “Looking forward to it! We’ve needed it for a long time--along with sidewalks. Hint, hint.” – Joy S.
  • “YES definitely get a high-speed rail. Wherever the station is located make sure there is PLENTY of parking. Forget busing to the station. Many more people will use the rail if they can drive right to it. Headed west it needs to go to downtown Tampa and TPA and perhaps St. Pete and a beach location. East Downtown Orlando, a Disney stop, and the Orlando airport.” – Paul A.
  • “Yes. Especially to/from Tampa.” – James T.
  • “YES! So hard to plan time going to Tampa and Orlando! People drive like crazy, in and out of traffic and way above speed! It would be so much safer!” – Beth S.
  • “Yes.” – Jimmy D.
  • “Yes if Brightline decides it would be a profitable stop.” – C C D.
  • “Absolutely!!! It’s ridiculous that we’re without a high-speed rail in 2020.” – Sandy S.
  • “We really need a high-speed rail in Lakeland. It is so hard to get to Tampa and Orlando with the volume of traffic now. We just don’t go as often as we used to, too much trouble. We used to go to Orlando every weekend...no more.” – Donna H.
  • “Absolutely hope this happens to make Polk more versatile in travel to the Tampa and Orlando areas. Traffic currently is pretty thick and backs up, wasting time when you could be on a train and in the areas it will serve enjoying time off. Also, it would be nice if seniors get a discount.” – Jynni S.
  • “Yes! It would be very beneficial for college students traveling home for breaks or even just for fun.” – Maria B.
  • “Yes.” – Caryn C.
  • “Could have been done years ago. Politics interfered. Too bad.” – Moe D.
  • “Yes, definitely for a high-speed train for commuting to Tampa or Orlando.” – Jessica B.
  • “Yes, most definitely.” – Neal D.
  • “I travel I-4 often and hate the drive. Too many cars going too fast and then, as you get closer to the Disney area, traffic comes to a halt.” – Betty F.
  • “Yes, please.” – Jamie M.
  • “Lakeland is sitting primed to be the rail hub for Tampa - Orlando, and for the expansion of Tampa/ St Petersburg/ Naples and on the other side of Orlando - Jacksonville and Orlando- Miami.” – David L.
  • “Yes, close to downtown or the airport with extra and future parking.” – Clayton S.
  • “Yes. I’d definitely use it to save time and parking costs and to stay off of I-4 getting to Tampa and Orlando airports. Also friends and family have stayed in Lakeland to visit Disney, and more would stay here if it weren’t for the traffic to Disney.” – Gina S.
  • “Yes.” – Joe X.
  • “Yes, we need a high-speed rail! I-4 is terrible!” – Vanessa S.
  • “Yes, yes, yes!” – Michael B.
  • “I think it would be great to decrease traffic on I-4 and quickly connect us to Orlando, preferably with a stop by Disney!” – Melissa W.
  • “Yes.” – Tom N.
  • “Yes, Yes, Yes.” – Pam
  • “Yes, the entire area is in need of a rail system. We travel all over the state and also outside of Florida and the interstate (I-4) is treacherous and unable to handle the current volume.” – Mark W.
  • “The Lakeland/Orlando Rail is a good idea. I think I-4 is the only way to go. It would be more messy and noisy downtown. Thanks for all the hard work you folks do to keep us informed.” – Jann B.
  • “100% yes!” – Kris S.
  • “Yes!” – Greg A.
  • “Yes! As someone who is from Volusia County where SunRail (a heavy rail train) is located, I am a huge proponent. Living in Lakeland, I often go to Poinciana Station and ride all the way to DeBary. I love to support SunRail and will continue to support it when I go and visit family. In regards to high-speed, I think Lakeland should jump aboard. There is so much potential in connecting Lakeland with other surrounding metropolitans. I will continue to support a rail in any form in Florida!” – Zach W.
  • “Yes, we absolutely need this in Lakeland. I-4 is a mess.” – Matthew R.
  • “Continued population growth is overwhelming I-4’s capacity. If a station is located near the airport, high-speed rail would also be a great option for air travelers.” – Glenn M.
  • “Yes!!” – Stephanie M.
  • “Definitely! We’ll become Los Angeles in no time if we do not add the speed train soon. I’d voted for it in the past.” – Maureen B.
  • “We would have one already if our former governor had not turned down the $2B from the fed. Yes, we need a reliable train service between Orlando and Tampa.” – Maureen R.
  • “YES! Climate change demands we act responsibly = fuel consumption reduction. And Orlando traffic? Sheesh!!” – Sheli O.
  • “Definitely.” – Cindy L.
  • “This needs to be a priority along the I-4 corridor. Just imagine all of the traffic and lives saved if this were realized. The benefits of Lakeland are almost unlimited. I believe that there should be a stop at the Lakeland airport as well as the 98 /I-4 stop.” – Donna C.
  • “Yes please, no more driving to Miami. That’s a very smart decision. Our location is one of the best, even if they do it by the I-4.” – Nobel H.
  • “We need less congestion on our streets. We would spend time being able to get places quickly.” – Neal P.
  • “Yes.” – Naddy B.
  • “Yes. Make a stop in Lakeland. I travel back and forth from NYS and the traffic is horrible from TPA and MCO. It would be nice to hop onto the train from either airport and avoid the I-4 traffic.” – Lisa S.
  • “Absolutely!!!!!!!” – Tom L.
  • “Yes, we absolutely need a high-speed rail to Orlando and Tampa. The traffic on I-4 is terrible and only getting worse.” – Donna H.
  • “YES.” – Marie C.
  • “YES!!!!!!!” – Arlene G.
  • “Yes, absolutely we should be a stop on this link to Tampa and Orlando, as well creating ease of access from around Lakeland to the stop(s) and parking.” – Pam S.
  • “There needs to be bus and rail infrastructure at both ends to move traffic when it arrives --- otherwise you’re just creating another traffic tie-up. Neither Tampa, Orlando or Lakeland have a functioning system to move people from one place to other areas.” – Ed M.

The “No’s”

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  • “No.” – BJ
  • “No. The only way this would work is if Lakeland wanted to be a parking lot for a train to Disney. Both Tampa and Orlando are too spread out to make this more than a boondoggle.” – Sandy W.
  • “I don’t think a high-speed rail line is necessary. However, I do think a commuter line linking the east and west coasts of the state would be prudent. The Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa corridor of I-4 is heavily traveled, and I think a commuter line would alleviate some of that traffic, especially if there are more stops than just those 3 cities. Linking to the east coast would also give access to Daytona, and the beaches.” – Deborah S.
  • “Better, more efficient travel is needed for Orlando to benefit Lakeland residents. I-4 is unsafe and too congested in both directions but especially towards Orlando due to Disney and other park attractions.” – Carole N.
  • “It would be nice but the rail is failing in the other areas it serves -- we don’t need another failure that we end up paying for.” – Edward M.
  • “It’s time to think of something. Going to and from Lakeland to Tampa or Orlando is a nightmare, even if you think you’ve picked the right time of day. For me, the issue would be the location for its start point. I live in the south end and if it starts from the north end, it probably wouldn’t be something I would use due to the time and traffic to get to that end of town.” – Kay S’

The “Maybe’s”

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  • “Sounds like an easy way to get around the I-4 bottleneck, but how do you get from the train station to your destination? And what if you have several places you need to go to? Much more convenient to have your own car.” – Tagr
  • “While I believe this should have happened before now, Scott turned down the billion offered by the federal government for this when it would have been much cheaper to build, I think LL is getting ahead of itself. How about building an adequate N-S route or setting up a synchronized traffic control system. Hopscotching through town going from one red light to the next is annoying and dangerous, as so many run the lights out of frustration of sitting at every light. There are times that I can get to Orlando in the time it takes me to go from N. LL to S. LL. I do agree that something needs to be done about our country’s most dangerous highway and not necessarily an HS rail system. Widening and better traffic laws enforcement would be great.” – Stu R.
  • “High-speed rail is fine so long as it is privately funded. No public funds other than necessary infrastructure requirements such as rail enhancements etc. No more public Amtrak, Greyhound, post office, etc.. projects. Those days are done.” – Raymond S.
  • “My concern is transportation after you get to your destination.” – Mary S.

Didn’t see your answer to whether LAL should get a high-speed rail? Let us know here or drop a comment on our Instagram or Facebook posts.

– LALtoday team (Kaylee and Abby)