ORLANDO, Fla. — The governing body overseeing Orlando’s SunRail commuter operation has authorized a study of the Sunshine Corridor project, which would bring SunRail to Orlando International Airport and provide the first portion of a Brightline extension to Tampa.
At an April 24 meeting, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission agreed to conduct a project development and environmental analysis, or PD&E, study of the route from the airport to Orlando’s theme park district and the Orange County Convention Center.
The Orlando Sentinel reports the report is expected to take about two years and cost $6 million. A feasibility study addressing potential ridership, operating costs, the route and station locations, it is required before the project, estimated to cost at least $4.4 billion, could pursue state or federal funding.
The Florida Department of Transportation and the parent company for the Universal Studio theme parks have each agreed to provide $2 million toward the study. Three counties, the city of Orlando, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will each contribute $500,000. Volusia County, the last of the counties served by SunRail, has yet to agree to share in the funding.
Universal has previously donated land for a station on the corridor [see “Orlando businesses pledge $125 million …,” Trains News Wire, May 6, 2022]. A special taxation district, including more than 700 acres owned by Universal and Hilton hotels, has also been created to help fund the project [see “Florida officials approve …,” News Wire, Oct. 12, 2023].
