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Scott PowersFebruary 22, 2017

A new bill from state Sen. George Gainer would strip Tri-Rail of state funding unless its board rescinds a controversial $511 million contract, and it require state approval of future contracts. The Bay County Republican’s Senate Bill 1118, introduced Tuesday, would force the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to decide between the ten-year, $511 million operations and maintenance contract it […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 16, 2017

Over the last few weeks, South Florida has seen criticism regarding the process used by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) to award a contract to operate and maintain the South Florida Tri-Rail commuter rail system to Herzog Transit Services, Inc. As your elected representative, I made it my personal mission to delve into […]

Scott PowersFebruary 15, 2017

The operators of South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter train are sticking to their guns, defending their process that disqualified five of six bidders for a half-billion dollar contract, and hoping to win back angry state leaders who want to cut their state funding over the matter. “Right now, we’re moving forward. We followed a process, and we […]

Scott PowersJanuary 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott is proposing cutting $156 million in state funding for Tri-Rail development unless the South Florida Regional Transit Authority reverses its decision to award a controversial half-billion contract to a lone qualified bidder. Scott’s proposed 2017 state budget now includes an item calling for “no funding” until the authority withdraws, cancels or otherwise […]

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2017

Blowback erupted from another direction for the South Florida Regional Transit Authority late Friday over its big and controversial Tri-Rail operations contract when Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold questioned the agency’s accountability and threatened to cut off its state money. Boxold sent the transit authority’s Executive Director Jack Stephens a letter late Friday questioning the SFRTA’s […]

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2017

The South Florida Regional Transit Authority voted Friday afternoon to award a long-term management contract worth up to a half-billion dollars amidst concerns that it did so after tossing five of six bids, and powerful state Sen. Jeff Brandes reacted with “deep concern.” The SFRTA Board of Directors voted 6-2 Friday to award an operations […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

On Friday, the South Florida Regional Transit Authority will consider awarding a deal to run the state’s largest public commuter railroad, Tri-Rail — worth up to $511 million — after tossing all competing bids, including some asking far less money. The SFRTA’s board of trustees is being asked Friday to award Tri-Rail’s operations and maintenance contract, […]

Tag: Herzog Transit Services
Image via AP.

George Gainer’s bill would strip Tri-Rail of funding, contracting authority

Frank Artiles: A review of the facts — SFRTA gets it right

Tri-Rail sticking with, defending, controversial $500M, one-bid contract

Rick Scott budget proposing cutting $156 million from Tri-Rail over contract

Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold threatens to pull Tri-Rail’s state money

Tri-Rail awards controversial contract, Brandes lashes out

Tri-Rail’s half-billion dollar, single-proposal deal raises questions