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SunRail: Connecting The Greater Orlando Region

Published: January 21, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Florida, known for its warm climate, vibrant tourism industry, and rapid urbanization, has faced increasing challenges related to traffic congestion and urban sprawl.

To address these concerns and enhance public transportation options, the SunRail commuter rail system was introduced. This article provides a detailed examination of SunRail, exploring its history, current operations, impacts, and future prospects.

A vibrant SunRail MP32PH-Q, #109, leads a northbound commuter train at Altamonte Springs, Florida on March 12, 2015. Doug Kroll photo.

Historical Context

Central Florida, particularly the Greater Orlando area, has experienced significant population growth over the past few decades. With this growth came the challenge of traffic congestion, particularly on Interstate 4 (I-4), a critical highway that traverses the region.

The idea of a commuter rail system for Central Florida dates back to the 1990s, when local government officials and transportation planners began exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on car travel and mitigate traffic congestion.

Planning and Development

After years of deliberation and feasibility studies, plans for SunRail began to solidify in the early 2000s. The project was funded through a combination of local, state, and federal sources, reflecting a collaborative effort to improve regional transportation infrastructure.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) played a central role in spearheading the project, with support from various municipal and county governments along the proposed route.

Initially, the projected cost for the system was pegged at $615 million for its construction, along with an additional $432 million earmarked for securing the right of way and tracks. In reality, though, the construction expenses exceeded that initial $615 million estimate. Despite this, CSX retained the rights to operate a limited number of freight trains along the line during the night, with most of their freight traffic redirected westward to the "S" Line.

The anticipated operating costs were projected to be $47 million, while the revenue from rider fares was a mere $2 million, leading to an operational deficit hovering around $45 million, or over $50 per passenger.

The project was a collaborative effort among Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties, alongside the City of Orlando, with funding support from the federal government, the state of Florida, and local partnerships. The federal transit "New Starts" grant covered 50% of the expenses.

The local partners shouldered 25% of the costs, while the State of Florida contributed another 25%, covering expenses such as track improvements, train station construction, and the procurement of locomotives and rail cars.

On December 22, 2010, it was revealed that Florida had established an escrow account containing $173 million. This fund was intended for acquiring tracks that SunRail uses, and enabled the state to formally request an additional $300 million from the federal government to manage the construction expenses.

In its inaugural year of operations, SunRail generated $7.2 million from various sources, including fares, advertising, and fees paid by CSX and Amtrak for running their trains through the corridor. However, SunRail's expenses for that year totaled $34.4 million, leading to a $27.2 million deficit and an average daily ridership of 3,700 passengers.

Route Details

SunRail's initial phase opened on May 1, 2014, covering a 31-mile stretch with 12 stations, running from DeBary in Volusia County to Sand Lake Road in Orange County. The route primarily follows the north-south axis alongside I-4, servicing significant employment centers, residential communities, and key destinations such as the Orlando Health/Amtrak station and Lynx Central Station in downtown Orlando.

The line saw its southern extension open on July 30, 2018, stretching to Poinciana through Kissimmee with four new stations. Fast forward to August 12, 2024, and SunRail expanded north with a new service reaching DeLand.

Infrastructure Components

1. **Stations:** SunRail stations are designed with passenger convenience and accessibility in mind, featuring platforms that are compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, ticket vending machines, comfortable waiting areas, and ample parking facilities for commuters.

2. **Rolling Stock:** The trains operating on the SunRail system are comprised of double-decker passenger cars, which provide both upper and lower-level seating, allowing for increased capacity.

These cars are pulled by MP32PH-Q model locomotives, engines by Motive Power, Inc. between 2013-2017 from former GP40s.

3. **Tracks and Signals:** The tracks used by SunRail are part of a shared railway network; therefore, coordination CSX freight operations is necessary to maintain a smooth flow of services.

Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded signaling systems and track revitalization, making it safer and more efficient for both passengers and freight.

Operations and Ridership

Service Schedule

SunRail operates on weekdays with peak morning and evening services designed to accommodate the schedule of daily commuters traveling to and from work. Efforts have been made to synchronize SunRail's timetable with connecting bus services, enhancing the overall public transportation network.

Ridership Trends

Since its inaugural run, SunRail has experienced fluctuating ridership numbers, impacted by factors such as regional population dynamics, evolving work patterns, and external events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, ridership levels far exceeded expectations, driven by high enthusiasm for a new transit option. However, over time, adjustments to service levels and marketing efforts have been necessary to maintain and grow its user base.  As of 2023 the system carried 1,083,300 travelers annually and 4,600 passengers daily.

SunRail has become an integral part of Central Florida's public transportation landscape, contributing to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and enhanced regional connectivity. While challenges persist, the ongoing commitment to expansion and improvement demonstrates the region's dedication to providing viable alternatives to car-centric travel.

Through continued investment and strategic planning, SunRail is poised to play an even larger role in shaping the future of transportation in Florida. As urbanization trends continue and the importance of sustainable transit options becomes more prominent, systems like SunRail offer a blueprint for effective regional transportation solutions.