Investors Leave All Aboard Florida Hanging
All Aboard Florida has made a lot of noise about a name change and colorful trains. Yet even as Brightline was being promoted, AAF’s $1.75 billion bond offering was being scrapped.
Investors Saw Too Much Risk
No matter what the market conditions, investors couldn’t swallow the risk. As Dan Heckman of U.S. Bank Wealth Management said, “This is a very high-risk project.” (Bloomberg Business 4/26/15) So without the bond money, how will All Aboard Florida move forward?
Just Like Florida Residents
Along Florida’s east coast, residents are worried about another risk, safety. They fear 32 trains roaring through their communities will endanger lives. The total of 340 at grade crossings on the Miami-Orlando route creates 10,880 potential train interfaces with cars and pedestrians daily.
Stop the Money, Stop the Train
For months All Aboard Florida has been trying to convince the public that their project is inevitable. But, without the billions expected from the bonds All Aboard Florida cannot build the engines, cars and railroad system they need.
Color Won’t Change Anything
With a new name, “Brightline,” and slick pictures of new equipment, AAF wants us to believe everything is shiny and bright. Don’t be fooled. This railroad is just as risky no matter the color.
Spread the Word
Media stories make AAF seem like a done deal. This has to stop. Help us spread the word. Send an email or letter to your local TV and newspaper outlets asking to tell this story. Go to citizensagainstthetrain.com (sponsored by The Guardians of Martin County) and choose one of the pre-written letters. Let’s put AAF where they belong.