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Support for a private investment deal to connect Tampa to Orlando with high speed rail is growing.

Florida’s Public Interest Research Group, also known as PIRG, is supporting efforts by the state to find investors willing to pump 280 million dollars into the construction of the rail. PIRG’s Transit Issues Associate Patrick Gittard says the private sector showing interest in high speed rail, means there’s a good chance Floridians may soon have more travel options.

“It is a great investment. I know a lot of the more Libertarian, free market people are saying if this is such a great investment why aren’t the private companies getting involved. And now we are seeing that they are getting involved and they see that this is a great investment as well,” said Gittard.

One of PIRG’s main reasons for supporting the project is the price of gas. Prices are expected to reach five dollars a gallon over the next two years. PIRG believes more alternative forms of transportation could ease the pain at the pump.