Saying the House version wouldn't pass the Senate, Majority Leader Dan Webster won a Senate transportation spending panel's OK for a revamped commuter rail project in the Orlando area today. The  panel voted 4-1 on the change, with Sen. Mike Fasano saying no.

The state now can simply buy 61.5 miles of rail line for up to $450-million from CSX, and not do $300-million in freight-related projects that angered some lawmakers and others in downtown Lakeland (where freight trains would increase).

Another sweetner is counties with rail -- including South Florida ones -- can add a $2 rental car fee by referendum. And Webster upped the insurance coverage limits, increasing caps on attorneys' fees, saying it becomes "richer." The crucial "no fault" liability standard -- Fasano's bugaboo -- remains, as in the House. (more)

And in a separate decision, the panel added a mandate that the state
break out fuel and retail deals on turnpike routes, instead of
combining the services. That favors an ally of House Speaker Marco Rubio, who wants similar language in the House.

Both bills (HB 1399/SB 1978) are now ready for floor votes and more negotiating over their differences. But  even then, CSX and
transportation department officials say they have lots to review before
the Webster plan goes ahead, because a 2007 contract must be redone.