Polk County passenger rail study: Leaders evaluate station options

Local transportation leaders are taking steps to expand high-speed train service west toward Tampa by launching a new station location study in Polk County.Polk County rail studyThe Polk Transportation Planning Organization began the I-4 Passenger Rail Study during the summer to evaluate potential locations for high-speed train stops where passengers can board.Transit leaders are reviewing potential site impacts, opportunities and construction costs, with plans to narrow candidate locations down to three to five stops.Completion of the study by late next year will provide county officials with data-driven options to present to future rail providers.TPO Executive Director Ryan Kordek noted that population growth and traffic congestion make high-speed rail an attractive, reliable public transportation option for area residents."This could be a way Polk County residents could have a reliable, public, high-speed transportation service that could get you to Tampa, Orlando, or possible conne