TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay region is pushing hard to try and get the Brightline Railway to make its way between Orlando and Tampa.
But two deadly accidents at the same intersection this past week in the Melbourne area have got people talking about safety concerns once again.
“Obviously, it’s top of mind for everyone that’s involved,” said Santiago Corrada, president of Visit Tampa Bay.
Corrada has no doubt the high-speed rail will be a tremendous asset for the Tampa Bay region but is sensitive to the growing number of deadly incidents involving Brightline trains.
“You want to have a system that people will want to take," he said. "It’s all about ridership. So, of course, making those connections is ultimately important, but again, making sure that those riders are safe is paramount."
Three deaths in Melbourne last week bring the total to at least 108 since the high-speed rail began operations in July 2017.
According to the Associated Press, that’s the worst death rate among the nation’s more than 800 railroads.
Still, none of Brightline’s previous fatalities have been the rail line's fault, and many have unfortunately been suicides.
“I have talked to them about the safety of their trains, and they are very very cognizant of that,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Castor was part of a group that recently rode the high-speed rail from Miami to Orlando, touting the benefits of expanding service to Tampa.
She says she’s satisfied with Brightline’s response and safety efforts.
"I think the way that they're looking at it is, again, there's always room for improvement," Castor said. "We [can] better educate the community of what steps can we take to make our lines safe physically."
State lawmakers are also looking at SB 1226, which would set aside 44 feet of right of way along Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa. As part of the bill, the Florida Department of Transportation would cover the cost of building the rail but seek reimbursement from leasing the corridor to Brightline.
Safety officials would have plenty of time to work out any concerns. A Brightline spokesperson says it would take three years to build a Tampa extension after funding, design and expansion plans are finalized.
“I think it’s a win-win for everyone," Corrada said. “I’m sure Brightline is going to be focused on the safety concerns that have popped up over the last several weeks.”