Orlando Moves Forward with Sunshine Corridor Rail Project to Connect Airport and Theme Parks

Orlando Announces Push for Sunshine Corridor Rail Connection

Orlando, Florida – A much-anticipated transportation project known as the Sunshine Corridor is moving toward the planning phase, with local leaders rallying support to fund a vital $6 million study. This study is necessary to assess the project’s feasibility and to potentially unlock federal funding for its estimated $4.4 billion construction cost.

What is the Sunshine Corridor?

The Sunshine Corridor aims to connect the existing SunRail system to the heavily trafficked Orlando International Airport and extend to popular destinations like Disney Springs. This connection would allow over 60 million annual airport passengers to travel seamlessly between theme parks and the airport, avoiding congestion on local roads.

Why is the Study Important?

Mayor Buddy Dyer emphasized the airport as a critical connection during a recent interview. He believes that many people who typically do not use the SunRail would be inclined to take it specifically for airport access. As of January 1, local governments are responsible for the operations and maintenance of the current 49-mile SunRail route, which has struggled financially.

Funding and Support

So far, the city of Orlando has committed $500,000 towards the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study, with the Florida Department of Transportation contributing $2 million. However, counties such as Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Orange are still evaluating their potential financial contributions to the study. The PD&E study, taking place over two years, will explore track alignments, environmental impacts, and community support.

Challenges and Next Steps

Without this study, the prospect of obtaining federal funding becomes bleak. If federal support is not secured, local governments may be required to independently fund the Sunshine Corridor or consider constructing only portions of it. The financial implications are daunting, as highlighted by Orange County Deputy Director of Public Works, Brett Blackadar. He called the Sunshine Corridor “critical” for easing congestion, particularly with Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe, set to open in May 2024.

Officials from Seminole County and Volusia County have expressed support for the corridor but have not yet made firm funding commitments. Meanwhile, Osceola County leaders have shown hesitance, focusing on the long-term costs associated with maintaining the project.

Potential Private Funding

There is optimism about possible private funding sources. Universal Orlando already contributed by donating land for a SunRail station at the Orange County Convention Center. Partnerships with local chambers of commerce are also forming to support the initiative. The hope is that public-private partnerships may provide essential capital to move the project forward.

Future Developments

Brightline, the intercity rail service that recently reached the airport, is planning an extension to Tampa, which aligns with the Sunshine Corridor proposal. This would enable a seamless connection for passengers traveling from the airport to Disney Springs and beyond.

As the proposed corridor could be constructed in stages, it presents several options based on available funding. Early estimates show that a link from downtown Orlando to the airport could be built for under $400 million and attract about 3.7 million riders in its first year. A more expansive plan that connects the airport with Disney Springs is projected to cost up to $4.4 billion, but could result in an impressive 6.4 million passengers annually.

Conclusion

The Sunshine Corridor initiative encapsulates a significant transition in Central Florida’s approach to public transport. As local governments weigh the costs and benefits, the unification of regional leaders will be vital to propel this project into the next phase. With entry into a new era of leadership at the federal level, municipal leaders remain hopeful about securing essential funding for this transformative initiative.