SunRailRiders scored an exclusive interview with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer about Central Florida’s train service. But one question and answer jumped out as a red flag exposing Dyer’s lack of interest to truly transform SunRail into a world-class service for the masses.
“Reducing the duration of SunRail’s huge service gaps during off-peak hours wouldn’t be that costly, even though Orlando Mayor Dyer couldn’t remember the details during our recent exclusive interview with him,” SunRailRiders posted online today with a video clip.
During the interview, Dyer was asked about expanding SunRail service, which would attract more riders and increase public support. SunRailRiders mentioned the estimated cost of a quarter million dollars to hire enough crew members to reduce the gaps in SunRail service to one hour and bring back a night train service when Dyer cut in.
“I didn’t think it’s just two-hundred fifty thousand dollars,” replied Dyer. “There’s no way that a crew is only two-hundred fifty thousand dollars a year. I can’t believe that number to be right.”
“Let us refresh your memory, Mr. Mayor,” pops up on the SunRailRiders video.
The video cuts to the December 2015 SunRail Commission meeting where SunRail project manager Tawny Olore explained a cost estimate in the range of $250,000-300,000 for the hourly and extended service. Mayor Dyer was front and center at the meeting.
Apparently, Mayor Dyer did not remember the details. Not to mention, Dyer also apparently forgot to bring any charisma or personality to this interview about SunRail, supposedly one of his own pet projects of which he is a self-proclaimed champion. He should be excited to talk about expanding SunRail service hours. He should be excited and enthusiastic to discuss expanding night and weekend SunRail service.
Dyer should not doubt the facts that show improving SunRail simply would not cost that much. SunRail riders need a real champion if this train is going to make it.
