Light Rail Could Hinge on Dealing with CSX

Light Rail Deal Rolling Along?

Tampa Bay leaders are working to create light rail lines throughout the region. But to do that, they'll need to deal with the company that owns existing rail corridors - CSX. But at least one area city reports problems dealing with the company.

During Friday's meeting of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, Clearwater Mayor and TBARTA member Frank Hibbard says CSX has been dragging its heels on fixing the it's rail corridor through downtown. Hibbard says CSX also has backtracked on several other plans involving the company's corridors through Clearwater.

"The thing that I would caution this board - and any of the municipalities working with CSX - CSX will do whatever is in CSX's best interest," Hibbard says. "And so if we come to the floor with a good deal for you - you'll be interested. Otherwise, you won't. But I have not found your cooperation to be very good."

CSX spokesman Bob O'Malley told the TBARTA board that the company has to insist on safeguards for sharing rail lines.

"We're willing to partner with the local community to develop a passenger rail system," O'Malley says. "But it's important that that doesn't infringe on the ability to move freight in the region. Not just for us as a private business, but also for the economy of the Tampa Bay region."

O'Malley says a light rail line has to be build at least 50-feet from the existing freight line - or 25 feet with a crash barrier in between - which can be expensive.