Here we go again with another potentially deadly funding cut for our regional rail system. Just as it seems like Tri-Rail is hitting it’s stride the state is proposing what might effectively be complete elimination of the service.

Here’s what the Executive Director has to say in his online plea for action:

We are in a battle for dedicated funding in the Florida Legislation. I do not use the term “battle” loosely, because we are truly in a fight for survival. I am calling on you to support us as we need you more than ever!

We are facing reduced funding from the counties and the state legislature!

The counties cannot be faulted for their decision to reduce funding; they are struggling just as we are. As I announced at last Friday’s meeting of the Governing Board, if the counties reduce their funding assistance and the legislature provides no dedicated funding source, we will have no choice but to reduce service to potentially as few as 30 trains a day and suspend service on the weekends and holidays, as of October 5, 2009.

I know these service reductions will create tremendous hardship for those of you who have come to depend on Tri-Rail to get you to work, school, medical appointments or for leisure travel. Your Governor, State Representatives and Senators need to hear about what these hardships will mean to you and your families.

Last year, more than 7,100 of you responded to our request for help. I cannot urge you strongly enough to let your voice be heard again this year. To send a message of support for dedicated funding to your elected officials in Tallahassee, please complete the online petition below. We also recommend that you personally write to your elected officials to let them hear your individual sentiments regarding public transportation and Tri-Rail’s significance to South Florida’s future.

I thank you for your continued support at a time when it is so important.

Joe Giulietti

Executive Director

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

The online petition can be accessed by going to http://www.tri-rail.com/FundOrFail/.

I also strongly encourage you to write to your elected officials! If you don’t know who they are (shame!) you can find out by going to www.myflorida.com and entering your zipcode in the “Find Your Legislator” tool at the bottom righthand corner of the page.