Sunshine Corridor
A Proposed Alternative Alignment for Rail in Central Florida
Project Description
The Sunshine Corridor is a proposed passenger rail transportation program. It proposes expanding premium passenger rail transportation to improve mobility, connectivity, and accessibility to major employment centers while stimulating economic development opportunities to support the rapidly growing Central Florida region.
Sunshine Corridor
The Sunshine Corridor Program is focused on linking the Orlando International Airport (MCO), downtown Orlando (via LYNX Central Station), Kissimmee (via the Kissimmee SunRail station), the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), and South International Drive (SID) with an optional extension to Disney Springs (DS). It would accommodate both future commuter rail service and intercity passenger rail. This comprehensive, multi-phase passenger rail program will provide premium transit service connecting the SunRail Central Florida Rail Corridor and the proposed Brightline intercity passenger rail with major activity centers and multimodal facilities within the Orlando region.
Overview Map of the proposed Sunshine Corridor in Central Florida
Tour of the Corridor
Overview of the Sunshine Corridor
The blue buffered area in the middle of the screen indicates the boundaries of the Sunshine Corridor between Orlando International Airport and South International Drive.
Brightline Orlando International Airport (MCO) Station
Brightline's first stop in Orlando connects Southeast Florida to the Orlando International Airport.
Sunshine Corridor Overview
From the airport, the Sunshine Corridor heads west on Taft Vineland Road.
Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Station (Proposed)
The Sunshine Corridor would connect to Interstate 4 (I-4) after a proposed stop at the Orange County Convention Center.
International Drive / Disney Springs Station (Proposed)
The Sunshine Corridor would bring rail service to the International Drive (I-Drive) corridor. Brightline services would continue on from here to Tampa, as shown.
Proposed Transit Alignment
The schematic below provides a general illustration of the proposed rail service operations.
- The green line represents the existing SunRail Commuter service from DeLand to Poinciana.
- The blue line illustrates proposed commuter rail services from Lynx Central Station to Orlando International Airport, and then a segment from the Orlando International Airport to Kissimmee.
- The orange line illustrates the proposed Sunshine Corridor from the Orlando International Airport to the Convention Center, then southeast to South International Drive and Disney Springs area.
Schematic of proposed rail service operations
Purpose, Need, and Goals
Project Purpose
The purpose of the Sunshine Corridor project is to provide a critical transportation link, leveraging previous and planned modal investments, to address the mobility, connectivity, and economic development needs of the rapidly growing Central Florida region. The proposed Sunshine Corridor project advances the extension of the existing SunRail commuter rail service, connecting major employment and activity centers in the Orlando area and supports the viability of implementing a multi-phase intercity passenger rail program that will serve areas beyond the Central Florida region.
Project Need
The need for the Sunshine Corridor project is three-fold.
- Access to Employment/Activity Centers: The Sunshine Corridor would be a vital link in the regional transportation system to improve mobility, connectivity, and access to major employment and activity centers.
- Provides Multimodal Mobility Options: The Sunshine Corridor would provide a viable transportation option for residents and visitors, as the area and state continue to experience expansive growth and economic development, putting a strain on the existing transportation facilities and infrastructure.
- Leverages Investment: The Sunshine Corridor project advances local priorities focused on regional transit needs established in previous planning efforts and leverages significant investments in multimodal facilities, SunRail, and the Brightline intercity passenger rail system.
Project Goals
Connectivity to Activity Centers: Connect residents to employment, education, leisure opportunities, and essential services.
Safety: Provide a safe travel option for local and regional travel.
Mobility: Enhance transportation equity by expanding multimodal transportation options.
Economic Development: Promote economic development and increase local commerce.
Environmental Benefits: Produce environmental benefits associated with air quality and energy through the reduction of single-occupant vehicle travel.
Supports Regional Travel: Provide a cost-effective regional transportation solution that reduces the need for roadway capacity or expansion projects.
Project Background
2014
SunRail Commuter Rail started operations. Phase 1, a 32-mile rail line from DeBary to Sand Lake Road was followed by Phase 2, the southern expansion, from Sand Lake Road to Poinciana Boulevard in Osceola County.
2015
SunRail Extension to Orlando International Airport - FDOT proposed 5.5-mile, east-west commuter rail extension to Orlando International Airport.
- Admitted into Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Project Development as a Small Starts Project
- Launched a Project Development and Environment Study – Draft document completed in May 2018.
2017
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority completed construction of an intermodal transfer facility at Orlando International Airport – with capacity for intercity rail, commuter rail, light rail, people mover, and surface transportation.
2018
Brightline, a private operator, began intercity passenger rail service between Miami and West Palm Beach.
2021/22
Brightline announces plans to expand service from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport. Proposes future connection from Orlando International Airport to Tampa.
2022
FDOT and local agency partners launch a study to examine the opportunity for the Sunshine Corridor SunRail expansion and the Brightline intercity passenger rail plan from Orlando International Airport to Tampa to coordinate on project planning and rail development activities.
2023
FDOT initiates a Transit Concept and Alternatives Review (TCAR) Study for the Sunshine Corridor.
Brightline’s station near Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO) opens on September 22, 2023.
2024
The Sunshine Corridor TCAR Study is completed and the project moves into its next steps.
Transit Concept and Alternatives Review (TCAR)
A Transit Concept Alternatives Review (TCAR) is a planning and environmental screening process that compares transit project alternatives, potential costs, funding options, community benefits, economic development, and mobility for users of a proposed project. The review also considers high-level environmental effects of the alternatives. The purpose and outcome of a TCAR Study is to demonstrate the prerequisite preparation for advancing transit projects for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and reassuring stakeholders that the project will be capable of maximizing existing funding sources.
A TCAR Study follows a project's Planning phase and is completed prior to advancing to the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study phase
Transit Alternatives Under Consideration
The Alternatives Evaluation assessed multiple factors related to transportation and infrastructure projects. The evaluation of the various options considered the complexity and requirements for the existing and new infrastructure. The evaluation assessed passenger, vehicle, and rail operations safety.
Enhanced Local Bus
Traditional bus service with limited stops which allow more frequent service and expanded hours of operations. This is a relatively low-cost option that would rely on existing routes and infrastructure. It does not increase geographical access to transit or points of interest such as employment.
Bus Rapid Transit
Premium limited stop service with branded vehicles and stops, faster boarding, and other amenities. The BRT alternative includes changes to the roadway to accommodate dedicated transit lanes along with other enhancements to increase performance and reliability such as traffic signal prioritization.
Commuter Rail (SunRail)
Passenger rail that would connect to existing SunRail service and operate on shared intercity rail infrastructure. While it requires significant infrastructure improvements, it does not include utilization of road lanes or right of way.
Trackless Tram
Also referred to as Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART), it operates via remote sensing light detection technology. This relatively new mode has been implemented in China and Australia. Electric, rubber-tire vehicles that resemble light rail rely on a painted track applied to a dedicated transit lane.
Commuter Rail Evaluation Factors
Ridership Estimates
Ridership modeling was completed for all five Options using the FTA-approved STOPS modeling using four key travel markets: Central Florida commuters, air passengers, attraction attendees, and inter-city rail riders.
Infrastructure Requirements
Rough order of magnitude cost estimates were developed for Options A-D. These considered construction costs (infrastructure and capital improvements), annual operations and maintenance costs, and right-of-way land acquisitions and easements costs.
Costs
An inventory of required infrastructure was developed based on concept-level design for each of the options. These will be finalized in the next phase of study.
Safety
The level of safety was determined by the number of conflicts at intersections, entrances, and at-grade rail crossings.
Mobility & Connectivity
Connectivity to bus, BRT routes, shuttles, micromobility, and other passenger rail services was examined at a local and regional level by the number of connections, different options, and routes offered per day.
Land Use & Economic Development
Rail’s land use was considered by the number of acres that are impacted either in close proximity to or directly in residential communities/neighborhoods. Support for economic development was three-fold: Job access, affordable housing access, and encourages transit-oriented development.
Environmental Considerations
An environmental scan was conducted to identify potential effects and create a preliminary list of required permitting.
Public and Stakeholder Engagement
Over the course of the TCAR study, 330 + people participated in public engagement efforts.
In December 2023, public open house meetings were held in Orlando and virtually to gather input and feedback.
185 individuals participated in the public meetings. Attendees had the opportunity to complete a survey and submit comment forms.
Engagement response summary
- 122 survey responses.
- 40 in-person and 83 online comment forms received.
Survey results
Very strong support for SunRail expansion.
A large majority of local survey participants were aware of the Sunshine Corridor study.
Preferred expansion locations
Each of the proposed locations for future expansion received strong support from survey respondents.
Public comment summary
Approximately 80% of responses supported the expansion of SunRail.
Support for expanded days and hours of service for existing SunRail operations.
"Love Sunshine Corridor Expansion! Great for tourists to get around, gives locals better transit options, economic stimulant for surrounding areas."
Next Steps
The completed TCAR study has resulted in moving forward with the selected alternative of Commuter Rail.
Project Resources
SunRail Partner Agreements
Brightline Expansion Updates
Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Studies
I-4 Planned Improvements
