Momentum is building for the Sunshine Corridor, a proposed expansion of SunRail that would connect Orlando International Airport to the International Drive areas and beyond as both the City of Orlando and Seminole County have committed funding toward a crucial feasibility study. The City of Orlando recently approved a $500,000 contribution, matching a pledge made by Seminole County last month. The funds will go toward a $6 million project, development and environmental study required before federal and state funding can be secured for the Sunshine Corridor project.

“Certainly our traffic problems are only going to get worse if we don’t embrace transit,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said before the city council’s unanimous vote to approve the funding.

The Florida Department of Transportation has pledged $2 million toward the study, contingent on local governments and private stakeholders contributing the remaining $4 million.

The PD&E study will assess ridership projections, maintenance, operational costs, environmental impacts and more. Officials say demonstrating regional investment is key to securing federal funds for construction. With commitments now coming in from local governments, supporters of the Sunshine Corridor hope momentum will continue to build toward bringing expanded rail service to Central Florida.

“Seminole kicks in $500K to advance SunRail toward OIA, Universal” (Orlando Sentinel, Jan. 29, 2025)

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/29/seminole-kicks-in-500k-to-advance-sunrail-toward-oia-universal

“Orlando kicks in $500,000 toward SunRail expansion to airport, Universal and Disney” (Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 10, 2025)

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/02/10/orlando-kicks-in-500k-toward-sunrail-expansion-to-airport-universal-disney