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April 30, 2013
Posted September 23, 2011
Joseph Giulietti, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board of Directors. His term of office begins on October 1, 2011 and continues through October 2014.
Mr. Giulietti joined the SFRTA, then Tri-Rail, as Deputy Executive Director in 1998 and became Executive Director in 2000. Under his leadership, Tri-Rail completed the Double Track Corridor Improvement Program, which enabled the Authority to increase the number of trains operated per day, from 24 to 50. During the first half of 2011, Tri-Rail experienced double-digit ridership growth in every month except January. Tri-Rail currently carries approximately 14,000 passengers a day.
Mr. Giulietti began his railroad career in 1971 as a Brakeman/Assistant Conductor for Penn Central Railroad. In 1978, he assumed his first management post, Road Foreman for Conrail. He joined Metro North Commuter Railroad in 1983, and held a series of increasingly responsible management and senior management positions, culminating with his appointment as Director of Organizational Staffing Review Project in 1993.
He has served APTA in many capacities during his long career, including as Chair of the Commuter and Intercity Rail Committee, Co-Chair of the Procurement Committee, Co-Chair of the Sub-committee on Legislation, Chair of the Commuter Rail CEOs, and as a member of both the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. At APTA’s request, he has testified before Congress as an industry expert on Positive Train Control (PTC).
Mr. Giulietti resides in Coral Springs, FL with his wife, Becky.
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Posted September 7, 2011
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) and Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) today announced the launch of a new regional fare product, the Regional Monthly Pass, effective October 1, 2011. Loaded on an EASY Card, the Regional Monthly Pass will allow for a seamless transfer between Tri-Rail and Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail and Metrobus systems. There are no fares collected on Metromover.
The Regional Monthly Pass will cost $140 and will permit unlimited rides on both systems during a calendar month. Discounted rates are available for those enrolled in employee discount programs, and for those who qualify for discounted rates. The Regional Monthly Pass will be available for purchase on September 26, 2011.
“The implementation of the Tri-Rail/MDT Regional Monthly Pass is the first step toward a seamless, fully integrated transit system for the people of South Florida. I look forward to the day when passengers can travel between all three counties in our region using just one efficient, economical fare medium,” said SFRTA Chair, Commissioner Kristin Jacobs.
Regional Monthly Pass was made possible through the implementation of the EASY Card, which the SFRTA introduced in February 2011 and MDT introduced in October 2009.
“With the new EASY Card automated fare collection system, we now have the technology that gives our patrons an easier way to pay their fare, allowing for seamless travel between the two systems,” said Interim MDT Director Ysela Llort.
Passengers not wishing to purchase a Regional Monthly Pass can pay their transfer fees by loading cash value on their EASY Card. The cost to transfer from Tri-Rail to Metrorail will be $1, to Metrobus will be 50 cents, and to an Express Bus will be 85 cents. Passengers without the Regional Monthly Pass will pay regular fare when traveling on MDT’s system for their return trip. Passengers will continue to receive a discount off their return trip on Tri-Rail. These transfer fees also go into effect on October 1, 2011.
Studies are currently underway to determine how Broward County Transit and Palm Tran Buses can be integrated into the system to allow for a truly seamless regional transportation network.
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Posted August 30, 2011
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has once again won national recognition for its procurement and marketing initiatives. The Procurement Department was notified that it received the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute. The Authority received two first place AdWheel Awards in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) annual competition to recognize excellence in marketing efforts by transit systems across the nation.
“The Procurement and Marketing Departments, along with other departments at the Authority, continue to receive national recognition for their professionalism and the quality of the work. They take great pride in their work and it is gratifying to see that it is rewarded with prestigious honors such as these,” said Joe Giulietti, SFRTA Executive Director.
The achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award is designed to recognize organizational excellence in procurement. The award is achieved by those organizations who receive a high score on a rating of standardized criteria. The program is designed to measure innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity and leadership attributes of the procurement function.
The SFRTA is one of only 21 government agencies in Florida and one of only 26 special districts in the United States to receive the award. This is the fourth time that the SFRTA has received this honor.
Tri-Rail’s “Senior Idol” has become one of the Authority’s signature events and it took first place in APTA’s special event category this year, which honors marketing efforts specifically tailored to promote public awareness about transit. The event draws hundreds of seniors each year to compete for the title of best singer over the age of 65. The final phase of the competition consists of a performance by 12 finalists before a sold-out audience at Fort Lauderdale’s Parker Playhouse.
The second AdWheel Award was in the print media category. The poster created for the “Cleared for Take-off” Campaign took first place. The campaign promoted Tri-Rail as the convenient, economical way to reach South Florida’s three international airports. Both winning entries were created by Bitner Goodman, which has been the Authority’s agency of record for more than a decade.
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Posted June 17, 2011
Palm Beach County Commissioner Steven Abrams Elected Vice Chair
 Commissioner Jacobs was elected to represent District 2 on the Broward County Commission in 1998. One of her top priorities involves being a top advocate for protecting the quality of life of the visitors and residents of Broward County; believing that the welfare of our community is dependent on a healthy environment. While “going green” is a popular practice now, it was several years ago that she championed the NatureScape Broward and Water Matters initiatives.
Her preservation efforts have earned her the James D. Webb Public Service Award from the Everglades Coalition, as well as recognition from the Florida Environmental Resource Agency, the Southeast Society of Environmental Engineers and the Broward County Audubon Society.
She has always been an ardent supporter of mass transit as a means of easing traffic congestion and pollution in Broward County. She spearheaded the Community Bus Transport Network, which connects neighborhoods to Broward County Transit in more than 20 cities. She was instrumental in obtaining Broward cities’ support through the dedication of gas funds to establish this service. In 2005, she presented a successful resolution to the Board of County Commissioners opposing the Florida Department of Transportation’s increase in HOV lane travel restrictions by four hours a day.
Commissioner Abrams has been serving on the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners representing District 4 since 2009 and was elected in 2010 without opposition to a full four-year term. He has a lengthy record of public service. A former Mayor of Boca Raton, he was elected in 2001, re-elected in 2003 without opposition, and again in 2005, this time with the most votes in city history. He was named Mayor Emeritus when he stepped down in 2008 due to term limits.
The Commissioner also served five terms as a City Council member in Boca Raton and was a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. He is a past president of the League of Cities and a founding member of the Florida League of Mayors.
As mayor, Abrams gained national exposure and local respect during the first bioterrorist attack in American history when anthrax was discovered at the AMI building in Boca Raton in 2001. He received the Distinguished Service Medal from the Israel National Police for his leadership during the ordeal.
Commissioner Abrams attended Harvard and received his law degree from George Washington University. Active in the community, he chairs the county’s Value Adjustment Board and the Broadband Committee. He serves as vice chair of the Solid Waste Authority and sits on the boards of the Children’s Services Council, Florida Association of Counties and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
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Posted June 17, 2011
Tri-Rail carried more passengers yesterday, on National Dump the Pump Day 2011, than on any other day in its 22-year history. A record 19,731 trips were logged, breaking the previous record set on the day of the Miami Heat victory parade in 2006, by more than 1,000.
“The overwhelming turnout yesterday is a strong indicator that people are willing to explore new options for getting around the region,” said Bonnie Arnold, Director of Marketing and Customer Service for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates Tri-Rail. “It was especially encouraging to see so many young people on the trains, because the earlier in life that they discover there are alternatives to driving, the more likely they are to use them.”
Dump the Pump Day was created by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) six years ago as a means to encourage people to leave their vehicles at home for a day and use public transportation for their commute instead. As gas prices have climbed, it has become increasingly more successful each year. This year, more than 107 systems from across the country participated in the effort.
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Posted May 09, 2011
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at the Board Meeting of May 13, 2011, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) will hold a Public Hearing at 9:30 A.M. to receive public input on the SFRTA’s intent to eliminate/modify bus service routes. All interested individuals and/or groups are invited to attend this meeting and will have an opportunity to present their views and comments, or by responding in writing to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority at 800 NW 33rd Street, Suite 100, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. The following is a description of the proposed service changes:
Description of Changes:
This following represents the proposed schedule changes:
• Elimination of bus routes DB1, CC1 and SS1
• Service schedule/alignment modification of bus route PB1
Those wishing to review or obtain a copy of any materials pertaining to this public hearing may contact the Customer Service Department at telephone (800) 874-7245; if hearing impaired, telephone (800) 273-7545 (TTY) for assistance. All written comments will be entered into the official records of the public hearing. Persons wishing to address the Board are requested to complete an “Appearance Card” and will be limited to three (3) minutes.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, must at least 48 hours prior to the meeting, provide a written request directed to the Executive Office at 800 NW 33rd Street, Suite 100, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, or telephone (954) 942-7245 for assistance; if hearing impaired, telephone (800) 273-7545 (TTY) for assistance.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Governing Board for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Unless amended, the proposed bus route eliminations/modifications will serve as final for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.
• Proposed SS1 Shuttle Discontinuation
• Proposed CC1 Shuttle Discontinuation
• Proposed DB1 Shuttle Discontinuation
• Proposed PB1 Shuttle Changes
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Posted September 15, 2010
The new parking garage at Tri-Rail's Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach is scheduled to open for use by Tri-Rail passengers on Tuesday, September 21, 2010. The first covered garage on the corridor, the new facility offers 402 parking spaces, considerably more than the 180 spaces that were previously available at the station.
The garage will be accessible 30 minutes before the first train of the day, until 30 minutes after the last train of the day. Cars cannot be parked in the garage for more than 24 consecutive hours. Violators will be towed at their own expense. Airport parking is strictly prohibited.
The three-level, pre-cast structure, provides for improved vehicular circulation, with separate bus, kiss-n-ride, and taxi lanes. It offers improved pedestrian safety and amenities. The garage features motorcycle and bicycle parking, energy efficient elevators, and LED lighting.
Construction of the parking garage was made possible through funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Posted September 15, 2010
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has invited Broward County resident Deanna Droira-Garcia to speak to members of Congress about the importance of funding for public transportation. Ms. Droira-Garcia was the winner of the Florida Public Transportation Association's "Tell Our Story" contest, a statewide initiative supporting APTA's national "Telling Our Story" effort.
Due to a medical condition, Ms. Droira-Garcia was forced to give up driving. An account supervisor with Radio Disney, she had clients throughout the tri-county area. Using Tri-Rail, Broward County Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, and Palm Tran, she was not only able to make and keep appointments, but she became one of Radio Disney's top salespeople in the area.
APTA learned of her story and invited her to speak at a "Telling Our Story" rally in Washington, D.C. on September 22 at 11 a.m. Among the officials expected to attend are Representative Jim Oberstar, chair of the House's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The rally will be held at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Federal Center, SE Train Station.
APTA's year-long "Telling Our Story" effort was created to inform elected officials in Washington about the importance of passing a long-range bill to fund public transportation. In his Labor Day speech in Milwaukee, President Obama spoke about the importance of funding transportation infrastructure, including public transportation and high-speed rail as a means of creating jobs. Studies have shown that for every $1 billion spent on transportation infrastructure, 36,000 jobs are created and supported.
Read Deanna's story in her own words: http://floridatransit.org/entry1.html.
Note: Video footage and photographs will be available immediately following the event.
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Posted July 8, 2010
Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs Elected Vice Chair
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro was elected chair of the South Florida Regional
Transportation Authority Governing Board at the June meeting. At the same meeting, Broward County
Commissioner Kristin Jacobs was elected vice chair of the SFRTA Governing Board. Both terms begin
on
July 1, 2010 and last for one year.
This is Commissioner Barreiro’s fourth time serving as chair of the SFRTA Governing Board. First
elected to serve on the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in 1998, he represents
District 5 and serves constituents in parts of Miami, Miami Beach, Little Havana, Downtown Miami
and South Beach.
Commissioner Barreiro has long been a proponent of public transportation. In 1999, he sponsored a
resolution for the creation of the Golden Passport to provide free transportation for senior citizens
in Miami-Dade County. In 2002, he chaired the Transportation, Infrastructure and Environment
Committee and sponsored resolution for a half-cent sales tax to improve mass transit services as
outlined in the People’s Transportation Plan.
As commissioner, he has served as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, chairman of the
Miami-Dade County General Obligation Bond Committee and the Office of Public Transportation
Management Subcommittee, and as chairman and vice chairman of the Internal Management and Fiscal
Responsibility Committee.
Commissioner Kristin Jacobs was elected to represent District 2 on the Broward County Commission
in 1998. One of her top priorities involves being a top advocate for protecting the quality of life
of the visitors and residents of Broward County; believing that the welfare of our community
is dependent on a healthy environment. While “going green” is a popular practice now, it was
several years ago that she championed the NatureScape Broward and Water Matters initiatives.
Her preservation efforts have earned her the James D. Webb Public Service Award from the Everglades
Coalition, as well as recognition from the Florida Environmental Resource Agency, the Southeast
Society of Environmental Engineers and the Broward County Audubon Society.
She has always been an ardent supporter of mass transit as a means of easing traffic congestion
and pollution in Broward County. She spearheaded the Community Bus Transport Network, which
connects neighborhoods to Broward County Transit in more than 20 cities. She was instrumental
in obtaining Broward cities’ support through the dedication of gas funds to establish this service.
In 2005, she presented a successful resolution to the Board of County Commissioners opposing the
Florida Department of Transportation’s increase in HOV lane travel restrictions by four hours a
day.
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Posted June 28, 2010
Georgiana Rodriguez (center) presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting to SFRTA Executive Director Joseph Giulietti (left), Chair Commissioner Jeff Koons, and
members of the finance department team Ed Woods, Laura Thezine and Joe Khouzami
The Finance Department of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has
won a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government
Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Certificate is awarded
to government units and public employee retirement systems whose comprehensive annual
financial reports (CAFRs) achieve the highest standards in government accounting and
financial reporting.
“The fact that the Accounting Department has won this award every year since 1992 is a
tribute to them for the transparency and accuracy of the records they keep,” said
SFRTA Executive Director Joseph Giulietti. “I am very proud of what they have
accomplished over these many years.”
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Posted June 22, 2010
The SFRTA's award winning procurement team includes Brian Kohlberg (left), Chris Bross, Ben Guida, Debra Lehrhaupt, Paula Accorto, Bobby Becker, Charmaine Davis-Matthei, and Vivian Kelly.
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority received The Award of Excellence in Public Procurement for 2010 from the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc. The Authority is one of only 12 in the entire state to receive the award this year. This is the third year that the SFRTA has achieved this award.
“I am very proud of our Procurement Department for winning this award. It is a testament to them that they have been recognized for upholding the state’s highest standards for purchasing,” said Joseph Giulietti, SFRTA Executive Director.
The award recognizes agencies that meet or exceed benchmarks and best practices in the Procurement Profession and is achieved by those organizations that obtain a high score on a rating of standardized criteria. The program is designed to measure innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and leadership attributes of the procurement function.
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Posted June 7, 2010
36 Locker Spaces Will Soon Be Available At Tri-Rail’s West Palm Beach Station
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority will launch their first-ever Bicycle Locker Program at Tri-Rail’s
West Palm Beach Station, beginning on June 14. There are 18 perforated-sheet, steel lockers that will be available,
designed to accommodate two bicycles per modular unit, with a diagonal divider and separate door entries on either
end (providing 36 individual spaces available for use).
While the Bicycle Locker Program will begin initially at the West Palm Beach Station, the program will be phased in at
all other Tri-Rail stations within the next several months (due to ongoing construction projects, lockers will be
installed at a later date for the Pompano Beach Station, Cypress Creek Station, Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International
Airport Station at Dania Beach Station and Miami Airport Station). Once the project is completed, there will be bicycle
lockers available at all of Tri-Rail’s 18 train stations. The fourth largest bicycle program launched by a public
transportation agency within the United States, the SFRTA/Tri-Rail will be offering approximately 600 lockers for
bicycle and bicycle accessory storage.
Registration fees for one locker will be $37 for six months and $64 for a year. Users may also register for a second
locker for half the price, should they want to store a bicycle at both their origin and destination station. There is
also a refundable $30 security deposit to cover the price of one lock and two keys.
“More and more commuters are turning to bicycles for their commute to and from our train stations,” said SFRTA Executive
Director Joseph Giulietti. “It’s a healthy, economical and environmentally responsible choice, and one that we want to
support however we can.”
Bicycles have become more popular as a means of getting to or from Tri-Rail stations due to the high cost of gas and a
growing concern for the environment. The installation of bicycle lockers at many Tri-Rail stations will provide commuters
with a safe place to store their bicycles and will free up additional space onboard the train for passengers and luggage.
As of Monday, June 14, you will be able to register for a bicycle locker at the West Palm Beach Station
by visiting www.tri-rail.com or by visiting the West Palm Beach Station
Ticket Kiosk. The website will be updated accordingly, as lockers become available at additional stations.
For additional information, please call Customer Service at 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245).
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Posted December 14, 2009
I want to thank everyone who has worked diligently to bring this bill to fruition. Passage of this
legislation would not have been possible without the support of the leadership in the House and the
Senate, especially that of Senate President Jeff Atwater. Our gratitude also goes out to our three
county commissions, our partners around the state, and the SFRTA Governing Board. This bill benefits
the thousands of riders who depend on Tri-Rail, the 320 employees who keep the system running each
and every day, and the people of Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, who are that much closer to making
passenger rail a reality in their communities.
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Posted November 30, 2009
Application Deadline Revised on 1/21/10*
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, in partnership with the Metropolitan Planning
Organization in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, is announcing a call for projects in the
Miami Urbanized Area for Job Access & Reverse Commute and New Freedom program funds for fiscal years
2008 and 2009. These Federal Transit Administration program funds are available for projects that
improve transportation for individuals with low incomes, recipients of welfare and / or persons with
disabilities.
The amount of funds available for fiscal year 2008 includes $3,195,924 for JARC projects and
$1,812,295 for New Freedom projects. The amount of funds available for fiscal year 2009 includes
$3,751,178 for JARC projects and $2,088,998 for New Freedom projects. Funds can be used for capital,
operating and administrative expenses. Eligible applicants include private, non-profit organizations;
state or local governmental authorities and operators of public transportation services, including
private, for-profit operators of public transportation services. The solicitation will be limited to
projects that have been derived from an adopted Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan.
The funds can be used to support up to 80 percent (an 80 / 20 match) for capital projects and not
more than 50 percent (a 50 / 50 match) of project costs for operating assistance.
The application form, as well as details concerning specific eligibility requirements, local- share
requirements and allowable activities, can be found in the Miami Urbanized Area JARC & New Freedom
Application Package, available online the week of December 7, 2009 at
www.sfrta.fl.gov/grants.html.
The application deadline is *Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12 p.m. Applications must be received by
this time to be eligible for consideration. Applications found to be incomplete or received after
12 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010 will not be considered for funding. Completed applications
must be submitted to the SFRTA at 800 NW 33rd Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064.
For additional information, or to request the application in another format, please contact
Natalie Yesbeck at 954-788-7957 or at JARC-NF@sfrta.fl.gov.
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Posted November 24, 2009
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Commissioner Kristin Jacobs to the
Governing Board for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, effective October 6, 2009.
Commissioner Jacobs replaces former commissioner Josephus Eggelletion.
Commissioner Jacobs was elected to represent the people of District 2 on the County Commission in 1998.
During her tenure on the County Commission, she served as Broward County mayor in 2005 and as vice-mayor in 2004.
Her first priority continues to be her work as an outspoken advocate for protecting Broward’s quality of life.
Whether fighting for a common sense approach to growth-management planning, protecting our environment,
securing fair wages for workers, creating attainable housing or creating a public transportation system that
moves people, not cars, it is Broward County’s homes, families and neighborhoods she is working to sustain.
She has always been an ardent supporter of mass transportation as a means to ease traffic congestion in Broward
County. She spearheaded the Community Bus Transportation Network, which connects neighborhoods to Broward County
Mass Transit in more than 20 cities and was instrumental in obtaining support through the dedication of gas tax
funds to establish this service. In 2005, Commissioner Jacobs presented a successful resolution to the Board of
County Commissioners opposing the Florida Department of Transportation’s increase in high-occupancy vehicle
lane travel restrictions by four hours a day.
Commissioner Jacobs believes that the welfare of our community is dependent on a healthy environment. While
“going green” is a popular practice now, it was several years ago that she championed the NatureScape Broward
and Water Matters initiatives. Each volunteer program promotes water conservation, wildlife habitat creation and
pollution prevention through the use of Florida-friendly landscape practices. Her preservation efforts have earned
her the James D. Webb Public Service Award from the Everglades Coalition for her outstanding contribution to the
protection of the Everglades ecosystem. Commissioner Jacobs’ environmental leadership has also been recognized by
the Florida Environmental Resource Agency, the Southeast Society of Environmental Engineers and the Broward County
Audubon Society.
Commissioner Jacobs lives with her husband Stuart and their three children, Rick, Lauren and Mitchell in Pompano Beach.
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Posted October 1, 2009
Phase 2 of the South Florida East Coast Corridor (SFECC) Study is developing a Master Plan of
recommendations for transit service along the 85-mile project corridor. The study is considering
which types of transit will function best, where stations will be located and what kind of station
will best suit each location.
The study is being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, in partnership with
the planning and transit agencies of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Please log
onto www.sfeccstudy.com for dates and times of the
various public meetings being held across all three counties. You can also utilize the contact
information listed below for each county:
- Broward County: Ali Soule at 1-800-330-7444, info@communikatz.com
- Miami-Dade County: Charesse Chester at 305-944-7564, info@cchesterpr.com
- Palm Beach County: Denis Eirikis at 561-798-9633, eirikis@clearlightpr.com
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Posted July 24, 2009
Funds to Be Used In Purchasing New Locomotives
As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration announced on July 24, 2009, that the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority was awarded approximately $13.5 million in stimulus funds, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Categorized under Rail and Fixed Guideway Funds, this grant will allow the SFRTA/Tri-Rail to purchase a minimum of three new locomotives to be fully covered by federal funds.
This news comes on the heels of the FTA’s announcement on July 14, awarding the SFRTA/Tri-Rail $2.5 million in stimulus funds, under Urbanized Area Formula Funds, to be used for the purchase of one locomotive.
The commitment of all of these funds totals $16 million in monies awarded to the SFRTA/Tri-Rail this month as part of the ARRA of 2009.
“This news couldn’t have come at a better time for our passengers who rely on our service for a better quality of life, and who deserve the enhancements that these funds will make possible,” said Commissioner Jeff Koons, Palm Beach County Commission board chairman and SFRTA Governing Board chair. “The SFRTA is once again extremely grateful for the unwavering support of the FTA, and although our fight for dedicated funding is far from over, support like this is always wonderful to receive and beneficial to the entire South Florida region,” said Commissioner Koons.
Aside from locomotives, the procurement of rolling stock, including 10 new cab cars and four new trailer cars, is currently underway; two cab cars are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year. Funding for this procurement is made possible by the FTA, Florida Department of Transportation and Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
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Posted July 13, 2009
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Governing Board elected Palm Beach County
Commissioner Jeff Koons as chair and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro as vice
chair at the June 26, 2009 meeting. The commissioners will each serve a one-year term, beginning
July 1, 2009.
Commissioner John “Jeff” Koons was first elected to the Palm Beach County Board of County
Commissioners in November 2002 and was re-elected to his second term in November 2006, currently serving as board chairman. Known
for his knowledge of transportation issues, Commissioner Koons has focused his efforts on
improving transportation options, including rapid transit bus corridors and establishing a
dedicated funding source for regional transportation projects. He has served as the chair of
the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization from 1993 - 2008. Commissioner Koons served
on the Board of Directors in 1999 for the Regional Transportation Organization, which evolved
into the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Commissioner Koons has served on the
Governing Board of the SFRTA since 2003, serving as chair in 2005 - 2006 and vice chair in
2004 - 2005 and in 2008 - 2009.
Commissioner Koons is a Board appointee to the Children’s Services Council, and as a nature
enthusiast is involved in many greenway projects, including planning and implementation efforts
for the North and South Everglades. Commissioner Koons attended Miami University in Oxford,
Ohio and has resided in West Palm Beach since 1972.
Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro served on the Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority Board of Directors
from 2000 - 2003, and served as chair in 2002 - 2003 and vice chair in 2001 - 2002. Commissioner
Barreiro was named to the SFRTA Governing Board in January 2006, and served as chair in 2006 - 2007
and again in 2007 - 2008, after being re-elected. He was first elected to the Miami-Dade County
Commission, representing District 5, in June 1998. Since then, he has been re-elected for
subsequent terms to represent constituents in portions of Miami and Miami Beach, as well as the
communities of Little Havana, Downtown Miami and South Beach.
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1992, Commissioner Barreiro represented
District 107 until his election to the Miami-Dade County Commission. While serving in the House,
Commissioner Barreiro chaired the Tourism Committee and served on the General Government
Appropriations and Long-Term Care committees. Commissioner Barreiro served as chair of Miami-Dade
County’s General Obligation Bond Committee and the Office of Public Transportation Management
Subcommittee, as well as serving as vice chair of the Internal Management and Fiscal Responsibility
Committee. Commissioner Barreiro served as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in 2007
and 2008. Currently, Commissioner Barreiro serves as the vice chair of the Recreation, Culture
and Tourism Committee, which oversees all matters concerning parks, culture and tourism-related
activities in Miami-Dade County. He also sits on the Airport and Seaport Committee and Health,
Public Safety and Intergovernmental Committee, as well as the State Intergovernmental Affairs
Subcommittee.
Commissioner Barreiro attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida and is the
president of BABJ Investment Corporation located in Miami, Florida.
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Posted July 10, 2009
Funds to Be Used In Purchasing New Equipment
As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration announced on July 9, 2009, that the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority was awarded approximately $2.5 million in stimulus funds, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Categorized under Urbanized Area Formula Funds, this grant will allow for the SFRTA/Tri-Rail to purchase one new locomotive to be fully covered by federal funds.
“The SFRTA is extremely grateful for the unwavering support of the FTA,” said Commissioner Jeff Koons, Palm Beach County Commission board chairman and SFRTA Governing Board chair. “To be able to tell our passengers last month that we were able to secure train service this year at current levels, and then to be able to now announce that we will be purchasing new equipment thanks to the strong show of support from our federal partners, helps me to believe we are on the right track.”
A second grant applied for by the SFRTA in the amount of $13.5 million under Rail and Fixed Guideway Funds, is still pending. If awarded, these stimulus funds would be utilized in purchasing approximately four additional locomotives. Aside from locomotives, the procurement of rolling stock, including 10 new cab cars and four new trailer cars, is currently underway; two cab cars are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year. Funding for this procurement is made possible by the FTA, Florida Department of Transportation and Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
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Posted June 26, 2009
The Governing Board of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority adopted an amended budget for fiscal year 2009 - 2010 this morning which will enable the Agency to maintain Tri-Rail’s current level of service. The budget goes into effect July 1, 2009, the beginning of the SFRTA’s new fiscal year.
The budget that was passed at this morning’s meeting uses the total county contributions to maintain service. The mandated amounts include $1.567 million for operations and $2.6 million in tax contributions. These amounts reflect a $3 million per county reduction over fiscal year 2008-2009 funding levels. The reduction was necessary due to reduced revenues, primarily property taxes, at the county levels. The Florida Department of Transportation has committed to match the counties’ contributions.
Tri-Rail will continue to run the full schedule of 50 weekday trains and 16 trains on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. If the amended budget had not been passed, Tri-Rail service would have been reduced to approximately 30 weekday trains and service on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays would have been eliminated.
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