By Commissioner Karen Seel

Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation last month that promises to drive transportation into the 21st century. The key is to approach the issue on a regional level: not just Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but the entire seven-county metropolitan area that can provide a high-quality network of high-speed rail, commuter rail and improved roads.

By Commissioner Nora Patterson

Florida has spent decades building roads and ignoring the need for a state transportation policy that focuses on rail and offers the potential to tie into bus transportation. That's about to change.

The recent special legislative session committed to a program that establishes passenger rail as a leading option for the future and opens opportunities for Sarasota County to participate in the transformation of public transportation.

By Mayor Frank Hibbard

All of us need to pay attention to what the Florida Legislature is doing in Tallahassee now because its work will shape our lives - and our children's' lives - for generations. The Florida Legislature is convened for a special session this week to address the state's transportation needs.

I believe that in the five days of the session, lawmakers' decisions may have the biggest impact on the way that we
live in and travel in Florida since the Interstate Highway System first came into existence.