For months, Orlando locals and theme park fans have been hoping to hear an update on the proposed SunRail extension from Orlando Airport to the Orange County Convention Center and the Disney and Universal theme parks. Imagine taking a train straight from the airport to Disney World — no rideshare required!
This project is still in the early stages of development, and before it can move forward, there’s one thing Orlando needs: funding. Building a new train route isn’t cheap, and it’s going to take a lot of money for this dream to come to life. Now, a major donor just announced their contribution to the project, pledging an extra $500,000 towards the cause.
Orange County just voted unanimously to contribute $500,000 towards a $6 million study to examine the feasibility of building a SunRail extension, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Several other agencies and groups have pledged money towards the study, including Seminole County, the city of Orlando, and Osceola County. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the agency formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District (which manages the area in Disney World), is still considering a donation as well.
The $6 million goal has not been reached yet, but if governments and other private entities can raise $4 million, the Florida Department of Transportation previously stated it would provide $2 million in funding.
If donors can commit to that $6 million budget for the SunRail study, it could take about two years for experts to determine the projected ridership, operational costs, environmental impacts, station locations, and more. This type of study is officially known as a project development and environmental study (PD&E). Below is a proposed map indicating the possible route for the train.
Once the study is completed, federal and state governments can agree to provide project funding.
While the final product is years from taking shape, every new donor brings us closer to the project moving forward.
We will continue to monitor the status of this project. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Orlando news, so stay tuned for more.
The Orlando Airport Could See MAJOR Changes Following This New Announcement
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Would you take a train to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
No luggage space or seating. No early Am or Late PM routes.
No way to take luggage from station to a resort.
It’s of no use for tourists to any destination.
Another “use fee” TAX to tack on to tourists who will meed a rideshare anyway to get to WDW OR UNIVERSAL STATIONS because buses don’t allow luggage.
WASTE OF MONEY
TAKE A BUS ! At least you’d know your with other travelers and not a bunch of unlicensed panhandlers.
Plenty of those disguised as service providers at restaurants and resort services !