Details of WDW's High Speed Rail Station

[mousermerf]

And one more note - departures on the full TPA-MCO route are to be roughly hourly from each end point. You only need 2 trains to pull that off - they will have 5 to start the system (more added when Miami comes online). So 3 other trains can be shuttling to the WDW station and returning to MCO (side note, LKL-TPA is projected to be a high-use route as well).

For every 1 round trip MCO-TPA, there should be a minimum 4 round trips MCO-WDW. That's a 2 hour period. Train A starts at MCO going to TPA and back, Train B starts at TPA going to MCO and back, train C shuttling MCO-WDW 4 times in 2 hours.

That's 6 arrivals at WDW in 2 hours from MCO, and 2 arrivals at WDW from TPA as well.

Still only using 3 trains out of 5, and WDW is getting service every 20 minutes in each direction on the MCO-WDW route - and there's still lots of extra time padded in above the 2min load and unload.

Put all 5 trains in service, 3 dedicated to the full TPA-MCO route, 2 dedicated to MCO-WDW, and have WDW station offering service either direction every 11 minutes.

 

[Oglet]

2 minute stops? Really? They're dreaming. You can do that on a rapid transit system, but on what is in essense a commuter/intercity system? Especially one catering to tourists? Not a chance.

I supposed they have to say such fantasies in order to get the buy in...

We struggle for 2 minute stops just on the monorail system so IMHO its wishful thinking.

 

[mousermerf]

We struggle for 2 minute stops just on the monorail system so IMHO its wishful thinking.

The Universe of Energy loads 500 people including 6 manually operated wheelchair ramps in 3 mins 30 seconds - and unlike trains which can be slightly delayed with no ill effect, Energy has to meet that goal or is forced to shutdown due to show timing. It accomplishes it more then 99% of the time.

 

[wdwpins]

"unlike trains which can be slightly delayed with no ill effect..."

Exactly.

Check out this other excellent youtube video of the various forms of TGVs on the north line between Paris and Lille. Who says socialist countries can't be innovative?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tip394JGqNE

Would you ride a TGV from, say, Philadelphia to Orlando in about 5 hours instead of taking a plane? (1.5 hours to check in and board, 2 hours to fly, 30 minutes to deplane and get luggage)

 

[nytimez]

If you have to drive to the Tampa or Lakeland station, park, walk to the station, and wait for the train (because, presumably, most people will want to arrive 10-15 minutes early just to make sure they're not rushing) why wouldn't you just drive to Disney (or Orlando)?

I really don't see this thing happening, or happening in any practical way.

 

[skiingfast]

How long does it take for 150 people to load a plane through single door? Anyone? 15 minutes when everyone is waiting outside. So take a train with 6 doors and people move in two different directions in the car. Is it really unrealistic that a train car can load in 2 minutes?

Also consider that about 50 people are going on a single car. Next time you are at WDW time how fast the bus loads and consider what it would be like if it wasn't all through the front of the bus and didn't involve any steps.

 

[Zuzu03]

Bring on the train! I think it would be great - I've been waiting years for high speed rail to come to and spread throughout the United States. We love it when we travel in Europe! Now if I could only have a TGV from Central Vermont right to Orlando!

 

[phorsenuf]

I suppose the only time a train could be beneficial to us in Tampa would be during the food and wine fest.

 

[mousermerf]

If you have to drive to the Tampa or Lakeland station, park, walk to the station, and wait for the train (because, presumably, most people will want to arrive 10-15 minutes early just to make sure they're not rushing) why wouldn't you just drive to Disney (or Orlando)?

I really don't see this thing happening, or happening in any practical way.

Anyone who lives here knows that the 1.5 drive on I-4 can become a 4+ hour parking lot experience if there's an accident. No one likes to drive I-4.

 

[phorsenuf]

Anyone who lives here knows that the 1.5 drive on I-4 can become a 4+ hour parking lot experience if there's an accident. No one likes to drive I-4.

But that's not an everyday occurrence. I wouldn't spend $60 RT PP just because there might be an accident.
I have no issues driving I-4. I find it to be a very easy drive.

 

[nytimez]

But that's not an everyday occurrence. I wouldn't spend $60 RT PP just because there might be an accident.
I have no issues driving I-4. I find it to be a very easy drive.

Exactly.

I've been caught in bad traffic making the drive, but 9 times out of 10 -- or more -- I make the drive with no issues. Especially since you don't have to drive through the worst parts of I-4 in Orlando to get the WDW. I don't see myself ever taking the train, and I really don't know anyone who would at either end of the ride.

 

[mousermerf]

Exactly.

I've been caught in bad traffic making the drive, but 9 times out of 10 -- or more -- I make the drive with no issues. Especially since you don't have to drive through the worst parts of I-4 in Orlando to get the WDW. I don't see myself ever taking the train, and I really don't know anyone who would at either end of the ride.

And yet there are literally thousands of people on both ends who want it to happen - strange how that works eh?

 

[phorsenuf]

And yet there are literally thousands of people on both ends who want it to happen - strange how that works eh?

I would consider taking it if it wasn't so ridiculously priced.

 

[nytimez]

And yet there are literally thousands of people on both ends who want it to happen - strange how that works eh?

"Wanting it to happen" and "seeing it work" are two different things. Not at all strange how that works, eh?

 

[mousermerf]

I would consider taking it if it wasn't so ridiculously priced.

The $15 MCO-WDW is inline with exactly what Disney pays Mears to operate Magical Express per person. That Disney would switch to the rail from the buses seems a no-brainer.

The $30 TPA-MCO is a single use ticket, they already anticipate major discounts for commuters or anyone who rides it multiple times. Same as other rail systems, or even the current toll-system in Florida.

Yes, we gouge the non-locals. Welcome to Florida and the reason we don't pay state taxes.

 

[AnOtHeRdIsNeYfReAk]

Never. Think of all the stroller folding, and possible ECV movement.

MG

It depends on how it is handled. I take the train from upstate NY to NYC very frequently. It also has the standard 2 minute stops. All the doors open when the train stops (there are about 12 doors). I've had a 2 year old with a stroller, a 4 year old, a 9 year old, a diaper bag, a cooler, and myself and had no problems. Also I take it down to grab the airport shuttle so I've travelled with kids and luggage as well. The conductors will help if they see you struggle and if the doors are obstructed the train will not move.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Public transportation is--well--public transportation. If it's there and you want to use it--great!

For some, those taking this train might free up some highway space for cars--which would be a good thing.

 

[mousermerf]

I'm just baffled why people are so against it or think it wont happen. The HSR project for Florida is 50% funded by federal grants already, it is the top candidate for any further federal funds, and the 20% state fund match needed for federal fund completion is already met - unlike any of the other applicants.

If any HSR is going to get built, this one will be built. The entire system and grants would need to be pulled for TPA-MCO to be shut down. And the grants can't be re-routed to other projects, it must be used for HSR - so what will FL do with the money if it somehow can't get the remainder of the needed grants?

The next grant approval session is soonish and both CA and FL are top competitors for funds - but FL's very practical approach has kept it ahead of CA since the starts. CA has snazzy images of high-end famous architect designer rail stations but no idea where the route will actually go nor the environmental studies they need to get anything built. That's why FL was chosen to be the "face" of HSR in America and not CA. Their plan is entirely feasible, has ridership studies to support it, has the right of way taken care of, and has done all the environmental impact studies.

Not to mention people worrying about the "cost" to keep it running - the contract stipulates that the winner of the operational contract is responsible for the profits or losses from the service without aid from the state.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The HSR project for Florida is 50% funded by federal grants already, it is the top candidate for any further federal funds, and the 20% state fund match needed for federal fund completion is already met - unlike any of the other applicants.

It's 100% funded by the tax payer, and quite frankly, many tax payers think it's a waste.

MG

 

[nytimez]

It's 100% funded by the tax payer, and quite frankly, many tax payers think it's a waste.

MG